Adams County and Nature Conservancy form working group on natural lands

Adams County leaders and The Nature Conservancy have launched a new long-term partnership to guide management of the region’s natural lands, aiming to balance conservation, public access and local economic benefit. The initiative, announced January 12, follows an initial meeting held in December that established a shared understanding of the current situation around natural lands and local livelihoods.

The Adams County Natural Lands Working Group brings together county officials and TNC representatives to build trust, clarify roles, review financial arrangements and identify shared priorities in land management, education, recreation and policy. Members plan additional meetings in 2026 and targeted conversations with residents, businesses and other stakeholders to shape a coordinated work plan and refine funding approaches.

The Nature Conservancy manages the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System in Adams County, an area well known to residents and visitors for hiking, hunting, fishing and other water-based recreation. TNC’s ongoing initiatives at the preserve include investment in miles of open trails, barter-style leases for harvesting hay, and the annual opening of 2,400 acres for permitted deer hunting that provides priority access for local residents. TNC also maintains the Edge of Appalachia Adams County Fund, which has distributed more than $192,000 in grants for programs and scholarships over the last two years.

County leaders framed the effort as a way to ensure conservation activity is accountable to residents and fiscally responsible. “Our role as Commissioners is to advocate for Adams County residents first, always. The Natural Lands Working Group gives us a structured way to ensure conservation efforts are aligned with local priorities, fiscal responsibility, and community impact not just good intentions,” the three commissioners — Barbara Moore Holt, Kelly Jones and Jason Hayslip — said in a joint statement.

The Nature Conservancy signaled a willingness to adapt financial approaches and deepen local collaboration. “We’re inspired by the proactive leadership in Adams County, said Bill Stanley, director of The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. “We have a vision for a very vibrant future for this unique corner of Ohio, and by working alongside the people of Adams County, and through the Natural Lands Working Group, we will help to deliver on it. This partnership could become a model on how finding common ground can lead to durable solutions that benefit both people and nature.” Stanley also emphasized local listening and targeted support. “In addition to what we offer through the preserve and natural lands management, The Nature Conservancy will continue to listen toward better understanding,” Stanley said. “Part of our work is to continue to provide a stable source of financial support to community members and local groups beyond our traditional mission-based investments.”

The working group will also explore practical economic opportunities such as expanding sustainable timber harvest contracting and developing a regional recreation strategy to grow nature-based tourism while respecting ecological integrity. That mix of access, small-business opportunity and land stewardship will be central to how the partnership is judged locally.

Our two cents? Attend the upcoming meetings, ask officials to show draft financial and access agreements, and weigh how proposed timber, hunting and recreation plans will affect jobs, land access and local control. Participation now shapes whether this initiative delivers durable benefits for both people and the landscape.