A proposed name change for a small wildlife preserve south of Columbus is getting a lot of attention, and not everyone is on board.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is considering shortening the name of the Charles O. Trump Wildlife Preserve to simply the “Trump Wildlife Preserve,” and the reaction online has been swift.
What’s changing and why it matters
The 128-acre preserve, located in Pickaway County, has carried the name of Charles O. Trump since the land was donated to the state in 1996. Trump, a local farmer, left the property to ODNR upon his death, and the preserve has honored him ever since.
The current proposal would drop the “Charles O.” portion of the name.
On paper, it may seem like a small tweak. But critics argue that in today’s political climate, the change could be interpreted very differently.
The proposal has been circulating online, where some Ohioans say the simplified name could come across as politically charged, even if that is not the intent.
Some commenters have pointed out that removing the donor’s full name could create confusion, with many assuming the preserve is connected to Donald Trump instead.
Others argue that public lands, especially those tied to conservation and wildlife, should remain clearly nonpartisan.
This is not the first time the name has caused confusion. Back in 2020, a similar misunderstanding popped up online, prompting ODNR to clarify that the preserve was named after the land donor, not the former president.
The proposal is still in its early stages, and the public has a chance to weigh in. ODNR is accepting comments on the potential name change through April 1. If approved, the new name would take effect later this summer. You can share your opinion with ODNR by filling out this survey here.
