The Clark County Commissioners passed a resolution in support of an application from Beaver Creek Wetlands (BW) Greenway Community Land Trust to purchase a conservation easement for 94.18 acres on Lower Valley Pike in Bethel Township.

This project, the Peckuwe Woods Preservation Project, includes the properties covered by the resolution to purchase 94.18 acres owned by Michael Hufford and his family for the purpose of preserving rare and endangered species located in that area. The property borders The Battle of Peckuwe – Historic Battle site located off of Lower Valley Pike. The property includes 54 acres of mature woods, 5 acres of prairie, 3 spring-fed creeks, and a 0.5 acre spring-fed pond.

The project aims to protect rare, threatened, and endangered species; preserve high quality habitat for native plants and animals; preserve and restore water quality, natural spring channels, flood plains, and wetlands; and provide multiple recreation, economic, and aesthetic preservation. Rare species included in the future park include rare and/or endangered species of fish, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and insects.

The developers estimate the project will cost $812,716, with $609,527 funded through Clean Ohio Funds. The Clean Ohio Fund restores and protects, and connects Ohio’s natural and urban places by preserving green space and farmland, improving outdoor recreation, and cleaning up and revitalizing communities. Keith Lynn Associates will provide financing for the project at no cost to the Clark County Park District. The Hufford family will provide the remaining $203, 179 through a private donation.

First, the schedule for planning the development of the property starts January 1, 2017, with a completion date of April 1, 2017. Second, the land acquisition phase runs from April 1, 2017 through June 1, 2017. Third, the Clark County Park District will begin site improvement July 1, 2017 and hope to have the property available to the public by January 1, 2019. The removal of invasive species, sowing of prairie species, and building fencing for the park boundaries will be completed during the site improvement phase.

Commissioner John Detrick said, “This is an excellent project. It not only adds to the Peckuwe Battle site and the nearby George Rogers Clark Park, but goes a long way in providing Clark County and the Beaver Creek Watershed fed by this watershed additional assurance of clean water and goes a long way in meeting the county’s long-range goals by protecting open space protection.”