LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The Dorset Wildlife Area is situated in northeastern Ohio, in eastern Ashtabula County, 1.3 miles east/northeast of Dorset. The area is bordered on the north by Kyle Road and Footville-Richmond Road on the south. Tower Road crosses the center of the area.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE The 1,080-acre Dorset Wildlife Area was purchased in 1999 from the LTV Steel Company. The area is open to use by sportsmen and nature enthusiasts for hunting, trapping, bird watching and other wildlife viewing, outdoor education, berry picking, and hiking. The wildlife management plan provides for farming a portion of the area by local farmers. The woodland and brushland has been maintained. A 41 acre wetland restoration project was completed in 2003.
FISH AND WILDLIFE Cottontail rabbit, dove, and woodcock are the most abundant upland game species. Forest game species found are white-tailed deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, and squirrel. Furbearers - fox, coyote, and raccoon are abundant. A great variety of both nesting and migrant birds use the area. Canada Geese and a variety of common waterfowl may be found using the wetland habitat. No fishing opportunities exist on the area.
HUNTING AND TRAPPING Hunting for rabbits, dove, woodcock, squirrel, grouse, deer, and turkey is good. Trapping opportunities exist for raccoon, fox, and coyote. Of the 1,080 acres, there are 200 acres in agriculture crops, 636 acres of woodland, 213 acres in brushland, and 41 acres of wetland.
PUBLIC USE FACILITIES Three parking lots have been constructed on the area for public use.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Further information may be obtained from the Area Manager, Mosquito Creek Wildlife 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
