Ohio’s public forests and parklands deserve to grow. But these important landscapes face constant threats of exploitation — often from the fossil fuel industry and other extractive interests.
OEC’s Public Lands Program aims to ensure current and future generations of Ohio residents have equitable access to Ohio’s natural world. We work alongside policymakers, agencies, and advocates to expand Ohio’s public lands, protect wildlife and sensitive ecosystems, and defend these natural assets from degradation and destruction.
Public Lands Campaigns
Public Comments are Open for Fracking in the Wayne National Forest!
On May 18th 2026, the federal government opened a 30-day public comment period on its proposal to lease parts of the Wayne National Forest for fracking. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s proposed September lease sale includes 41 parcels totaling nearly 2,800 acres of public lands in southeastern Ohio.
Learn MoreProtect Ohio’s State Public Lands
We must keep fracking out of Ohio’s beloved state parks and wildlife areas.
Learn MorePublic Lands Team
Nathan Johnson
Senior Attorney, Land and Water
Nathan Johnson
Senior Attorney, Land and Water
Molly Jo Stanley
Southeast Ohio Regional Director
Molly Jo Stanley
Southeast Ohio Regional Director
Chris Tavenor
General Counsel
