The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) proposed adding the name “Trump Wildlife Preserve” to a 128-acre parcel of land in Pickaway County, currently known as the Charles O. Trump Wildlife Area.
A Name with History
The land, located southwest of Columbus, was originally named for Charles O. Trump, a local man who donated the property to the state in 1996. The ODNR’s proposal would not remove the existing name, but would allow for “Trump Wildlife Preserve” to be used in signage, marketing, and official references.
The proposal comes after previous instances of confusion regarding the park’s name. In December 2020, an ODNR website referred to the area as “the Trump Wildlife Habitat Hunting Preserve.” Agency websites now apply the full name, “Charles O. Trump.”
According to the proposed rule, “Charles O. Trump will also be referred to as the Trump Wildlife Preserve.” The agency formally proposed the rule on March 2, 2026, and is accepting public comments until April 1, with a public hearing scheduled for April 8.
Past Attempts at Renaming
This is not the first time efforts have been made to name Ohio public lands after Donald J. Trump. In 2021, seven Ohio Republicans introduced legislation to rename Mosquito Lake State Park to Donald J. Trump State Park, but the matter never reached a committee hearing. A similar attempt failed again in 2024.
The Charles O. Trump Wildlife Area is one of exceptionally few Ohio wildlife areas named after individuals. The Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area in Morgan County, named for the Olympic gold medalist, is a rare exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current name of the wildlife area?
Currently, the land is known as the Charles O. Trump Wildlife Area.
When is the deadline for public comments on the proposed rule?
The deadline for public written comments is April 1, 2026.
Has the ODNR made a statement regarding the reasoning behind the proposed name change?
An agency spokesperson could not be reached for comment on whether the change is in the interest of brevity or paying respect to the president.
As the public comment period continues, it remains to be seen whether the ODNR will move forward with adding “Trump Wildlife Preserve” to the area’s official designation, and what impact this decision might have on public perception of Ohio’s natural resources.
