BEDFORD – Forest Service resource specialists have established that changes to camping regulations are needed across the Hoosier National Forest to reduce the negative impacts currently occurring, including the loss of vegetation, soil erosion, and human waste run-off, all of which negatively affect water quality; protect sensitive areas such as caves and historic structures; and improve the camping experience for visitors by reducing crowding and setting back campsites to be out of view of other Forest users.
New forest orders identifying new camping restrictions are planned to be implemented. Camping restrictions in forest orders would prohibit camping within 200 feet of trails, trailheads, roads, water sources, rock shelters, caves, and historic structures, unless in a designated campsite. A consistent camping regulation across the Forest will improve visitor understanding and experience, reduce recreation resource damage, and promote sustainable camping practices. A further restriction along the shoreline of Monroe Lake within the Charles C. Deam Wilderness would include restricting camping within a half-mile of the water’s edge unless in a Forest Service-designated campsite.
“Areas along the shoreline of Monroe Lake have been highly impacted by recreation activities and one of the primary goals of this decision is to stop unsustainable camping use on the shoreline to allow those user-made campsite areas to recover (ie. regrow vegetation) and reduce the negative impacts to water quality in Monroe Lake, while still allowing for camping at a sustainable level,” said Forest Supervisor Mike Chaveas. “The Forest Service designated campsites along the shoreline would remain open for use.”
To address these challenges, it is necessary to amend the Hoosier National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan to remove limiting standards and the Forest Supervisor has issued a draft decision memo for this purpose. If implemented, two standards related to camping would be removed:
- “Camping is not permitted at or within 300 feet of a designated trailhead unless located in a campground or otherwise permitted.”
- “Prohibit camping within 100 feet of ponds, lakes, trails, or streams except at designated sites. Camping throughout the rest of the wilderness is not restricted.”
The proposed amendment was available for public scoping in June 2023 and had a 30-day public comment period in September 2023. Six comments were received and the input was considered. Issuance of the draft decision legal notice, when published in the Bedford Times Mail, opens a 45-day objection period for those who commented, before issuance of a final decision. More information can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/hoosier/?project=64265.
