Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, March 26, 2014
(UNDATED) - People interested in how Indiana’s State Forests operate can share their views at a series of open houses starting this month.
At each open house, the DNR Division of Forestry will provide information about recreational activities, budget, staffing, major projects, strategic planning, invasive species and forest resource management.
Attendees can talk directly with DNR personnel or submit written comments. Some open houses will include a tour of facilities or woods walk.
"These open houses provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive first hand information about how the State Forests are working to provide diverse wildlife habitat, forest products and recreational opportunities," said State Forester John Seifert. "They also allow us to receive valuable feedback from our neighbors and users about state forest management. I encourage everyone who has an interest to participate."
Those who cannot attend an open house can review and comment online. All tract management guides are posted at dnr.IN.gov/forestry/3635.htm.
The open houses are (all times are Eastern):
* Owen-Putnam State Forest: Wednesday, April 23, 3 to 7 p.m., at the forest office, 5 miles west of Spencer and less than 1 mile north of State Road 46 at 2153 Fish Creek Road, Spencer; (812) 829-2462. The district forester will lead a mushroom hunt from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The DNR Forestry archaeologist will be on hand to identify artifacts.
* Yellowwood and Morgan-Monroe state forests: Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Yellowwood State Forest office, 7 miles southwest of Nashville off State Road 46 at 772 S. Yellowwood Lake Road, Nashville; (812) 988-7945.
* Clark State Forest/Deam Lake State Recreation Area: Friday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Deam Lake Forest Education Center off State Road 60, about 5 miles east of Borden at 1217 Deam Lake Road, Borden; (812) 246-5421. A tour of the cabins will begin at 1:30 p.m.
* Jackson-Washington State Forest/Starve Hollow State Recreation Area: Thursday, May 15, 3 to 6 p.m., at the Starve Hollow Forest Education Center off State Road 235 approximately 2 miles southeast of Vallonia at 4355 S. Jackson County Road 275 W, Vallonia; (812) 358-3464. A guided property tour will begin at 4:30 p.m.
* Greene-Sullivan State Forest: Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the forest office on State Road 159 approximately 1.5 miles south of Dugger at 2551 S. State Road 159, Dugger; (812) 648-2810.
* Selmier State Forest: Selmier will have a booth at the Jennings County Fair, July 6-12. Contact the property for information on when the booth will be manned; (812) 346-2286.
* Harrison-Crawford State Forest: Thursday, Sept. 18, 3 to 7 p.m. at the forest office off State Road 462, just past the O'Bannon Woods State Park gatehouse, 7240 Old Forest Road SW, Corydon; (812) 738-7694.
* Ferdinand and Pike state forests: Friday, Oct. 3, 3 to 7 p.m., at the combined office for both properties, approximately 4 miles northeast of Ferdinand at 6583 E. State Road 264, Ferdinand; (812) 367-1524.
Property staff is also available during normal business hours. Go to dnr.IN.gov/forestry for contact information or to schedule a visit.
The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.