LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The 86-acre Conneaut Wildlife Area is located in the far northeast corner of the state just a mile and a half south of Lake Erie and abuts the state of Pennsylvania to the east. This area is in the Conneaut Township of Ashtabula County approximately 20 miles to the east of the city of Ashtabula. The area is accessible from Thompson Road just north of State Route 20. The topography of the area is flat and poorly drained which forms numerous vernal pools. Pole size timber cover the area.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The area was acquired through a mitigation agreement. Fifty-five acres are designated as the Conneaut Swamp State Nature Preserve to protect the hemlock-hardwood forest on the western portion of the area. The rare hemlock hardwood swamp community only occurs in Ashtabula County, mostly on the Lake Erie coastal plain or in the Grand River lowlands. The hemlock swamp contains a diverse mix of trees including hemlock, yellow birch, beech, tulip poplar, sycamore, cucumber magnolia, and a variety of oaks and maples. Index of Ohio's trees from the Division of Forestry. Beneath the canopy lies a mix of sedges, grasses, and wildflowers. The use of this nature preserve is primarily intended for passive recreation, nature observation, research, and education. The 31 acres east of Thompson Road are open for public hunting.
WILDLIFE
There are many game animals found on the area including fox squirrel, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and cottontail rabbits. Furbearers such as mink, skunk, and opossum are also present. Many species of nesting and migrating birds also use this area at different times of the year.
HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING
Conneaut Wildlife Area provides good hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and squirrel. There is limited trapping for raccoon and mink. There are no opportunities for fishing available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information may be obtained from the Area Manager, Mosquito Creek Waterfowl Management Area, 8303 N Park Avenue, N Bloomfield, Ohio 44450; telephone (440) 685-4776 or from the Wildlife District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319; telephone (330) 644-2293.
Any questions please call Ohio Land expert Brian Bauer (614) 949-6764
