A new bill in Ohio would require state officials to study bringing elk back to the Buckeye State and expanding off-road trail access.
House Bill 641, known as the Trails and Tails Act, directs the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to conduct two major studies and report findings to lawmakers and the governor by the end of 2028.
One study would examine the feasibility of reintroducing elk, including habitat, disease risk, ecological impact and long-term costs. The other would evaluate expanding all-purpose vehicle and side-by-side trails at Shawnee State Park, East Fork State Park and Salt Fork State Park.
The bill sets aside $3 million for the studies. It’s in committee now.