Editor’s Note: In the coming weeks, Ashland Source will highlight some of the few places that remain open to the public — the Ashland County Parks District’s 18 parks. So long as individuals maintain appropriate social distancing, people may enjoy the outdoors, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a March press conference.
ASHLAND — The Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Area isn’t only for hunting, Ashland County Parks District director Stephanie Featheringill assures residents.
The 127-acre park, located at 1457 State Route 42, also features two-miles of hiking trails.
The property previously belonged to Tom and Pat Gordon, and was donated to the ACPD after the Ashland Chapter of Pheasants Forever purchased the land from the Gordons in 2006.
The local chapter of Pheasants Forever asked that the property be maintained as a public hunting area and park in a way that would preserve the numerous bird habitats — swamp forest, marsh, grassland and upland forest.
The park is home to Canada geese and the endangered trumpeter swan, among other birds. Beaver and muskrat also make their home within the park.
An observation tower at the middle of the park is currently open. It and other portions of the park are closed at certain times of the year for hunting.
The ACPD added a paved parking lot to the Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Area in 2019. This year, the ACPD hopes to add a pavilion.
