Richland County, with a history of high forest conversion to agricultural use and urban expansion, faces the challenge of preserving its remaining intact forests. The Black Fork Forest Conservation Initiative addresses this issue, ensuring the protection of this valuable natural resource. The project not only benefits wildlife habitat but also supports the breeding, nesting, and foraging needs of neotropical migrating birds and native Ohio birds year-round.

This initiative adds to a nearly 4,120-acre corridor of protected green space, aligning with the broader conservation efforts of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Ashland County Park District, and Ashland University. The Land Conservancy plans to extend its impact by restoring adjacent former agricultural fields and enhancing existing wetlands, further enriching the ecological resources of the area.