State forests open-house dates set, more to come

Indiana DNR Release:

People interested in how Indiana’s State Forests are run can share their views at a series of open houses starting next month.

Open houses will be held at the following State Forests: Jackson-Washington (three dates, starting April 2), Greene-Sullivan (April 8 only), Ferdinand (April 21 only) and Clark (May 15 only). The Starve Hollow property office will be open and its staff available for input every weekend, May through September.

At each event, the DNR Division of Forestry will provide information about recreational activities, budget, staffing, major projects, the 2008-13 Division of Forestry Strategic Plan, invasive species and forest resource management. Attendees can talk directly with DNR personnel or, if they prefer, submit written comments.

“These open houses provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive firsthand 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 www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3635.htm. Click on the link to “Indiana State Forests," then “Public Comment.”

Events and open houses include (all times are Eastern):

- Jackson-Washington SF, April 2; July 2 and Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the property office, 2.5 miles southeast of Brownstown on Indiana 250, (812) 358-2160. Visitors can view remodeling underway at the Civilian Conservation Corps-vintage office building.

- Greene-Sullivan SF, April 8, 3-7 p.m., 1.5 miles south of Dugger, on Indiana 159, (812) 648-2810.

- Ferdinand SF, April 21, 3-7 p.m., on Indiana 264, approximately 4 miles northeast of Ferdinand, (812) 367-1524.

- Yellowwood SF, May 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tulip Trace Girl Scout Camp, south of Hwy 46. Turn at T.C. Steele State Historic Site sign and follow signs, (812) 988-7945. Staff from Morgan-Monroe SF also will be present. Visitors can tour the camp and provide comments on the development and use of the property.

- Clark SF, May 15, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Office is 1 mile north of Henryville on Indiana 31, (812) 294-4306. Staff from Deam Lake State Recreation Area and also will be present.

- Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, nature center, weekends May through September, County Road 275 W, east of Indiana 135, approximately 6 miles south of Brownstown, (812) 358-3464.

Other open houses will be announced later. Property staffs are also available during normal business hours. Go to dnr.IN.gov/forestry/ (http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3631.htm) 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.