OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced its Division of Wildlife completed a purchase of 844 acres near the Simco Wildlife Area in Coshocton County, which will double its size. 

“The latest acquisition at Simco Wildlife Area adds valuable habitat to eastern Ohio’s public lands,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Thank you to all the sportsmen and women who have contributed to conservation in Ohio. Their support has made this purchase possible.”

The total acreage of the Simco Wildlife Area will be 1,688, according to ODNR.

ODNR Division of Forestry purchased the land from American Electric Power, and the funds came from the 2022-23 biennial budget. 

The Simco Wildlife Area hosts a variety of animals include white-tailed deer, wild turkey and squirrels. It's also known that there are at least eight bald eagle nests within 10 miles of the area, according to ODNR. 

The Simco Wildlife Area is about three miles south of Coshocton, and the purchased land is southwest of the existing acreage along State Route 83.