PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — A generous Pike County family has made a significant contribution to conservation efforts in Ohio by donating over 170 acres of land to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The property, gifted by Patricia Ann Conkel through her trust, is dedicated to the memory of her husband, Fred Conkel, and his father, Marion Conkel.
Named the Marion and Fred Conkel Wildlife Area, this new public wildlife space is situated in Pike County, approximately 5 miles southeast of Waverly. Located off Straight Creek Road, south of State Route 335, the area primarily consists of wooded, steep terrain that is home to a thriving population of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and squirrels. The former pastureland within the wildlife area provides a grassland habitat that supports various bird species, butterflies, insects, and rabbits.
Expressing gratitude for the Conkel family’s exceptional generosity, Kendra Wecker, Chief of the Division of Wildlife, stated, “Their donation secures the conservation of this land in perpetuity for the benefit of wildlife. There is no greater gift to the public than land on which to enjoy time outdoors, immersed in southern Ohio’s wonderful wildlife.”
Visitors to the Marion and Fred Conkel Wildlife Area can explore the property using old logging roads and trails. Hunting will be permitted on the land during the 2023-2024 season through the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership. Hunters will be required to obtain a free daily access permit online or through the HuntFish OH mobile app. The Division of Wildlife is currently working on releasing maps and additional information about the area. All regulations of the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership program must be followed.
The Division of Wildlife encourages further property donations to establish additional wildlife areas. Individuals interested in donating property can contact the Division of Wildlife at 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) during regular business hours, where qualified staff members are available to guide them through the donation process.
As the Division of Wildlife celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2023, the Marion and Fred Conkel Wildlife Area joins the expansive network of public lands owned or managed by the division throughout Ohio, totaling 420,000 acres dedicated to wildlife conservation and recreational activities.