Officials with the Wayne National Forest want to know what citizens think and this is the perfect opportunity to provide input about a hidden treasure in southern Ohio.

The forest service will be conducting a survey and seeking input over the next year. This information will help shape and guide the long-term strategic plan for recreational development within Ohio’s only national forest.

The survey is designed to gauge how many people visit the forest and what recreational activities they participate in while they are there.

Forest service employees will be talking with visitors as they leave the Wayne National Forest’s developed recreation areas, such as campgrounds, trailheads, picnic areas, beaches, boat launches and general forest areas.

It is very important that Lawrence County has a voice in this process as the Wayne dominates much of the northern part of the county and the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area encompasses hundreds of acres.

Much has been done in recent years to make this area fun, attractive and beneficial to the community. Its amenities are better than they have ever been.

The boardwalk makes the lake accessible to those who wouldn’t be able to enjoy the great outdoors otherwise. The campgrounds are now top-notch. The hiking trails offer scenic views and memorable journeys.

And this just scratches the surface of all the Wayne has to offer.

The public shouldn’t take this natural resource for granted and offer constructive feedback that can make a special place even better.