Ohio to add another 5,000 acres for hunters and fishermen,..

[Wolvie]

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2007
OHIO SPORTSMAN MAKES BEQUEST TO ODNR DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
Gift is largest donation in the division’s history , will be directed toward land acquisition
COLUMBUS, OH – A central Ohio conservationist has opted to “pay forward” with a gift to be directed towards wildlife conservation, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The late Wallace “Wally” O’Dowd of Powell left a bequest to the Division of Wildlife to acquire land for the purpose of wildlife conservation, propagation and habitat management. The bequest is the single largest donation in the history of the Division of Wildlife. The future acquisition will be named the Wallace H. O’Dowd Wildlife Area.
As stipulated in the O’Dowd will, any lands purchased with this bequest will be open to hunting, fishing, and trapping. Wally requested that the property acquisition be a contiguous block of land in southeastern Ohio. The division hopes to buy about 5,000 acres with the donation.
“Wally’s generosity and forward thinking is a compliment to our division and the resources we work to manage and promote,” said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “We appreciate the gift and are looking forward to identifying and purchasing property that will honor Wally while enhancing our wildlife resources and the public’s opportunity to enjoy it. Wally’s gift to the citizens of Ohio will leave a lasting legacy.”
Wallace “Wally” O’Dowd was an avid sportsman who traveled the world following his passion for hunting and fishing. A veteran of the Korean War, Wally was also an entrepreneur who had established his own manufacturing business.
“Wallace was a tremendous sportsman who hunted all over the globe but always came back to southeastern Ohio to hunt grouse and woodcock,” said Jill O’Dowd, Wally’s widow. “He was a very generous man who wanted to leave a legacy for all those who shared his passion and love for the sport. He also hoped this would encourage others to ‘pay forward.’”
Wildlife conservation is an interest and love for many individuals. Persons who might like to consider a bequest for wildlife conservation or make a donation in memory of a loved one can contact the Division of Wildlife at 1-800-Wildlife (1-800-945-3543).