Black Fork Bottoms
Introduction
This 127 acre property formerly belonged to Tom and Pat Gordon, who developed, and maintained it a s a hunting preserve. Their hunting preserve drew hunters from all over the east coast. The Ashland Chapter of Pheasants Forever purchased the property from the Gordon's using grants from the clean Ohio conservation program and the Ohio Division of wildlife. In 2006 Pheasants Forever, who by charter are unable to hold land, gave the property to The Ashland County Park District, who will maintain it as a public hunting area, and park.
This park is unique , in that it has two seasons. From March 1st through August 31st the property will be open to the public seven days a week from dawn to dusk for hiking, nature viewing and study. From September 1st through February 28th the park will only be open for public hunting seven days a week . A committee of hunters representing the park district, sportsman's clubs and conservation clubs in the county will hold the yearly lottery for the hunters and direct the hunting activities at the park. See Rules and Regulations.
Habitat Description
The Black fork Bottoms Hunting area contains several habitats, including swamp forest, marsh, grassland and upland forest. The actual bottoms area of the park consists of high quality swamp forest that is part of the flood plain of the Black Fork of Mohican River. A good diversity of trees include Ohio buckeye and shagbark hickory. An uncommon wildflower growing in the swamp forest is the green dragon, a close relative of the Jack- in - the- pulpit.
The marsh area is also of high quality, with many native plants, including an aquatic carnivorous plant, the bladderwort, which captures aquatic organisms in it's bladders. The marsh area also serves as an important breeding grounds for waterfowl, such a Canada geese and the endangered trumpeter swan. Muskrat lodges provide nesting platforms for waterfowl.
The grassland has been planted on former agricultural land and will eventually have some native Ohio prairie added. Grassland will support a variety of animals , including rabbits, deer and many grassland birds.
The upland forest is made up of different species of trees. These include various oaks, shagbark hickory, sugar maple, and American beech. many woodland flowers bloom here in the early spring and many animals also utilize the upland forest.
For rules and regulations click here. (PDF)
Anyone who has any questions about the hunting rule and regulations should contact Jack Carmoney (419) 207- 9093
Highlights:
128 acres
public hunting ( see rules and regs.)
Hiking trails
Natural History:
Large Marsh
Nesting Cranes
Nesting Swans
Carnivorous Bladderwort plant
History:
Est. 2006
Things to do:
Hunting ( see rules and regs.)
Dog training
Hiking
Location
Rt. 42 S. out of Ashland past willowdell nusery, drive is
on left.
Ashland County Park District
Public Hunting Parks
A lottery will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 3:30 pm for the daily hunting rights for the spring turkey season. This lottery will be for four hunting parks, which includes Cool Springs, Gillium-Cherp, Black Fork Bottoms, and Cooke Memorial parks. To hunt turkey in these parks you must enter this lottery. Only the daily winner and one hunting companion will be permitted to hunt turkey during the spring season. Daily winners will be awarded for the youth season of April 19th and 20th, and the spring season of April 21st to May 18th. There will be a $5.00 one time charge to enter the lottery and it will take place at The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League farm located at 1930 C.R. 1035. You may win more than one day. You must be present to participate in the lottery. Call Andy McClure, 419-606-4561 with questions. The Conservation Farm is having their annual spring fish fry on the 5th so plan to stay around and enjoy the dinner.
Contact Us
Ashland County Park District
Ashland County Park District
Telephone: (419) 289-0000
c/o Ashland County Commissioners
110 Cottage Street
Ashland, OH 44805
meridith@ashlandcountyparksdistrict.com