Egypt Valley Wildlife Area, Protected wildlife area in Belmont County, Ohio, United States
Egypt Valley Wildlife Area is a protected area covering 14,300 acres of former mining land with ponds, wetlands, grasslands, and second-growth forests throughout. The terrain is divided into different zones that create varied habitats for wildlife, connected by a network of trails and access roads.
Surface mining dominated the region until 1998 using massive earth-moving equipment like the GEM of Egypt and Mountaineer machines. After mining ended, the land was converted into a protected area to support natural recovery of the landscape.
Salem Cemetery within the wildlife area contains the grave of Louiza Fox, whose 1869 murder case remains a subject of local historical interest.
The area is open for hunting deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game as well as fishing in stocked ponds. Visitors should check ahead about seasonal rules and access restrictions, as different zones are managed for different uses throughout the year.
About 80 percent of the former mining land has naturally transformed back into diverse habitats without requiring extensive human intervention. This self-directed recovery demonstrates how resilient nature can be when given the opportunity to heal.
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