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Knox County hearing draws dozens as recreation groups, residents oppose vacating Bats Nest Road
Summary
At an open hearing commissioners heard hours of public comment urging them not to vacate Bats Nest Road, with recreation and business representatives citing tourism and a landowner saying he needs access and may invest in repairs; the board said no decision would be made that day and expected a decision within a week.
Knox County commissioners held a public hearing on Jan. 13, 2026, to gather testimony about a petition to vacate (close) Bats Nest Road. Dozens of residents, recreation-industry representatives and one adjacent landowner spoke; the board said it would not decide the matter at the meeting and expected a decision within about a week once all three commissioners are present.
Speakers representing recreational riders and local businesses emphasized the road’s role in tourism and the regional adventure trail network. Laura McCartney of Adventure Riders Ohio said a survey of 249 respondents put the economic impact tied to visitation at “approximately $256,000,” and offered volunteer help for signage and trash pickup rather than asking the county…
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