A large cave, named the Great Cave on trail signage, is located just off the Archer's Fork trail near the St. Patrick's Cemetery trailhead. Photo by Art Smith

NELSONVILLE — A federal agency is proposing to change the name of the Wayne National Forest to the Buckeye National Forest in response to requests from American Indian Tribes and residents.

The forest is named after Gen. Anthony Wayne, whose legacy includes leading a violent campaign against the indigenous peoples of Ohio that resulted in their removal from their homelands, the Forest Service said. The name is offensive because of this history of violence, the Forest Service said.

Buckeye National Forest is among the names suggested to the Forest Service by American Indian Tribes. Other proposed names considered were Ohio National Forest and Koteewa National Forest.

“Our intention is to listen to Tribal Nations and community members, and take the actions needed to better serve them,” Forest Supervisor Lee Stewart said. “The new name embraces the forest’s identity as Ohio’s only national forest and the welcoming, inclusive nature of the people of Ohio.”

Wayne’s nickname was Mad Anthony because of his personality and service during the Revolutionary War. He was appointed by President George Washington to quash the conflict with the Northwest Indian Confederation in Ohio.

The Wayne National Forest covers about 250,000 acres in Southeast Ohio. Ranger District offices are in Nelsonville and Ironton and a field office is in Marietta.

The forest service is seeking local perspectives on the proposed name as it reflects the historical importance of the national forest to Ohio.

A 15-day public engagement began on Monday to allow the public to comment. Comments should indicate whether the reasons the proposed name would be unacceptable.

Comments may be submitted to r9–wayne–website@usda.gov. The Forest Service will review public input and make a recommendation to the Secretary of Agriculture, who has the authority to change the name.

The effort to change the forest name to Buckeye National Forest is based in respect and inclusion for all of Ohio’s communities and seeks to ensure the name of these federal lands is representative of all who value the national forest, a release from the Forest Service said. It also follows multiple policy directives and is consistent with Agency efforts to advance equity and inclusion, the agency said.