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Last updated on Tuesday, May 2, 2017
(BEDFORD) - Hoosier National Forest camprounds are now open and campground hosts are ready to welcome campers to campgrounds across the Forest.
Improvements campers will see this summer include a new shower house at North Face Campground in the Indiana-Celina Lakes Recreation Area. This new facility is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, and is a great example of the Hoosier NF's commitment to excellence and sustainability in recreation. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area received this style of new shower buildings a few years ago and they've been very popular.
The new shower and toilet buildings are built to be as durable and maintenance free as possible. Many recycled products were used in construction. Solar light tubes that collect and funnel sunlight into the rooms, brighten the interior. On a bright day, light from these tubes is easily mistaken for fluorescent lights because they work so well. All water fixtures conserve water and the light fixtures are high efficiency and motion sensor activated.
District Ranger Chris Zimmer, said in addition to the new facilities at Indian-Celina, other new construction is planned at the recreation areas this summer, including new vault toilets at the Tipsaw Picnic area and at Catbrier Campground. The Hardin Ridge beach will also have upgrades. "
We're always trying to improve the experience for our visitors," he noted.
Several of the Hoosier National Forest campgrounds are operated by the Hoosier NF concessionaire, Cradle of Forestry, who work in partnership with the Forest.
Zimmer advised campers coming to the Hoosier NF need to be aware of new firewood regulations on all Hoosier NF land: only USDA certified wood is permitted. Previously, USDA certification or Indiana DNR certification was allowed. However due to increasing threats from invasive species, these restrictions have been increased. The standard for being clear of invasive pests is more strenuous for USDA certified wood. DNR certification only requires the wood not contain ash. "With the threat from other insects, blights, and fungus, we wanted to take an additional step to protect out Forest by ensuring pests are not moved into the Forest area," Zimmer said.
All camping opened on April 15. Swimming beaches normally open on Memorial Day weekend or as weather and other conditions allow. Interpretive programs will be planned throughout the season and will be promoted on the website and through media channels later.
For more information about recreation opportunities in the Tell City District, call (812) 547-7051. For information about recreation in the Brownstown District, call (812) 275-5987. Or visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/hoosier/.
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