Public Input Helps Shape Revised DNR Division Of Forestry Strategic Plane

Last updated on Friday, February 12, 2016

(UNDATED) - The DNR Division of Forestry has released its revised Strategic Plan for 2015-2019. Considerable public input helped shape revisions to the initial plan that was released last year.

"We expanded the public input process to include open houses, public meetings and opportunities to comment on the plan" said State Forester John Seifert, director of DNR Forestry. "We addressed each and every comment received from the public to the extent possible. Those comments covered a wide range of topics, from timber harvesting and wildlife habitat to recreation, ecosystem protection, funding, private lands assistance and organizational efficiency."

The revised plan and a public comment summary (Strategic Plan Public Input Process) are on the DNR website at www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3605.htm.

A few of the changes in the revised plan are:

Providing assistance to other DNR Divisions with forest management and forest health issues.

A continued commitment to providing a balance in forest age structure, especially young forest conditions.

Increased emphasis on wildlife habitat management of state forests.

Sustained emphasis on land acquisition, including acquiring additional state forest acreage.

Increased emphasis on development and management of recreational areas.

Designation and management of two new high conservation value forests, one at Clark State Forest and another at Ferdinand State Forest.

Provide additional primitive cross-country/backpack trail hiking opportunities on six to seven state forests.

Increased emphasis on control of exotic invasive species.

System wide initiative to improve trails.

Selectively opening State Forest caves based on the needs of threatened and endangered cave species.

Improvement of hunter access to areas in need of better deer population management.

As part of DNR Forestry's planning process, comments were received on proposed state forest recreation fees and private lands management fees. The Division will continue to accept comments and recommendations on the proposed fees through November. Comments can be submitted through the questions/comments link at www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3605.htm.

The plan also addresses DNR Forestry's private forest land-assistance programs and the strategic direction for tree nursery operation and hardwood economic development. For more information on these portions of the plan, see www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3605.htm.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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