Ohio Division of Wildlife

The Division of Wildlife's mission is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. ABOUT THE DIVISION OF WILDLIFE The Division of Wildlife is a direct descendant of the Ohio Fish Commission, which was created by the General Assembly in 1873 to deal with declining fish populations in Ohio's inland lakes and streams. In 1949 the division was joined with other state conservation agencies under the mantle of the newly created Department of Natural Resources. By that time the original Fish Commission's duties had expanded to include law enforcement, fish and wildlife management, propagation, research, stream improvement, and pollution investigation. The job has continued to grow. In 1968 the division became responsible for enforcing Ohio's stream litter law. Its mission was broadened enormously in 1973 by the statutory addition of several hundred more species of wild animals to its care, and two years later by the legal mandate to identify, manage, and protect all endangered species in Ohio. Land acquisition, harvest regulations, and licensing are fundamental tools in the management of Ohio's wildlife resources. The division manages or cooperates in managing over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife lands throughout the state, plus more than 2 1/4 million acres of water. Based on biological data and public input, it issues regulations that supplement long-term statutes to protect wildlife and to provide the public with opportunities to benefit from wildlife for recreational, scientific, and other purposes. Division of Wildlife projects are carried out by a team of nearly 400 trained personnel. Funds from Ohio sportsmen and women provide 95 of every 100 dollars which pay for all these activities. The Division faces many challenges in the pursuit of its goal to ensure an abundance of high quality wildlife experiences for today's Ohioans and for future generations. VALUES The following are the division's most deeply held values and ideals. These statements guide us as we plan, develop and implement projects. By making them part of our strategic plan, we will be reaffirming to our constituents, other agencies and our employees that these are the principles we believe are important. The Division of Wildlife believes that: - Input from constituents and open lines of communication with the public are essential. - Fish and wildlife recreation is socially and economically important to Ohio. - Sustainable consumptive use of fish and wildlife through hunting, fishing, and trapping is at the heart of effective conservation. - Fish and wildlife management must be based on the best available science. - Partnerships are necessary for effective fish and wildlife conservation. - Conservation is our priority when managing lands and waters. - The right to own and use firearms is essential to continue our hunting and shooting sports traditions. - A dedicated and professional workforce is key to achieving long-term success. - Effective fish and wildlife conservation requires integration of a unified wildlife agency. - Diverse fish and wildlife populations benefit everyone. - Providing quality customer service is critical to achieving our mission. - Diverse and dedicated funding is necessary for fish and wildlife conservation. - Fiscal responsibility is crucial to the future of Ohio's fish and wildlife management.