COLUMBUS, OHIO - Weekend tornados resulted in significant damage at Maumee State Forest in northwest Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry. The Maumee State Forest APV area in Fulton County and Tower Bridle Trail in Lucas County are both closed.

"We are currently assessing the impact of Saturday night's tornados," said Dr. David Lytle, state forester and chief, ODNR Division of Forestry. "At this point, we think 350 to 400 acres of forest were significantly impacted including our popular APV trails and one bridle trail."

The tornado made a swath about one-third of a mile wide through the heart of the 3,100-acre state forest, primarily near the intersection of Fulton County Road 2 and County Road C. Road 2 bisects the popular APV trail, where damage was heaviest.

"The 111 to 135 mile-per-hour winds we experienced were not selective; native hardwoods as well as pine plantations were damaged," said Donald Schmenk, Maumee State Forest manager. "Limbs, tops and whole trees came down, and wide swaths were affected. This is going to be a major cleanup effort."

While there are no reported injuries or personal property damage resulting from the storm on state forest lands, trail closures are in place until they can be safely re-opened. The Camp Bridle Trail in Henry County and the Stewardship educational trail in Fulton County were not affected by the storm and remain open.

Updates on trail conditions will be posted on the Division of Forestry website on the Maumee State Forest page at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

Maumee State Forest is managed for sustainable forest growth and regeneration, including timber products, wildlife habitat, clean air and water, carbon sequestration and recreation. A site map is available on-line.

Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio's public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio's woodlands, visit the Division of Forestry's Web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com