BROWN COUNTY — Indiana’s natural landscape is growing as state leaders announced Tuesday the acquisition of 122.4 acres in northwest Brown County, officially expanding the footprint of Yellowwood State Forest.
The land was purchased for $860,000 through the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Next Level Conservation Trust. This specific tract is considered a strategic “infill” acquisition, as it sits adjacent to existing forest boundaries and bridges a gap between previously separated sections of the state-managed land.
“This expansion…represents our ongoing commitment to stewardship and preserving Indiana’s natural heritage for future generations,” Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement. “Adding this land to Yellowwood State Forest ensures its permanent protection while opening new opportunities for Hoosiers to enjoy the outdoors.”
The new acreage is characterized by moderate to steep terrain and is home to young stands of tulip poplar. Notably, the area features early successional species, plants, and animals that typically thrive in disturbed areas like abandoned fields or forest gaps.
The DNR is set to begin the process of marking new boundaries and integrating the acreage into the forest’s long-term resource management plans.
This expansion aligns with larger regional efforts to revitalize and protect the Indiana Uplands area. Organizations like the Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC) and the Indiana Uplands Regional Land Bank have been working to balance economic development with land stewardship.
The Regional Land Bank, a READI initiative, has already researched over 4,000 properties across the region. While the Land Bank focuses primarily on returning distressed properties to tax roles, the state’s forest acquisition emphasizes permanent protection and public recreation.
Established in 1940, Yellowwood State Forest now encompasses more than 24,100 acres. It serves as a vital piece of a massive public land network in Southern Indiana, which includes:
- Brown County State Park
- Morgan-Monroe State Forest
- Mountain Tea State Forest
- Monroe Lake
The SIDC report notes that regional efforts in these counties—Daviess, Greene, Knox, Lawrence, and Martin—see a return of $113 for every local dollar invested in regional planning and infrastructure. This high level of investment often trickles down into public facilities and environmental assessments, such as the EPA Brownfields program, which has leveraged over $13.2 million in redevelopment across the region.
For those looking to explore the newly expanded forest, more information can be found at on.IN.gov/YellowwoodSF.
