State Forest Sites Considered For Nature Preserve Status
(photo courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Department of Natural Resources is seeking Nature Preserve status for 11 sites in seven state forests. The DNR says the designation would give the sites the highest level of conservation protection under Indiana law.
DNR Director Cameron Clark says the features found at the Indiana sites are similar to what would be found in a Nature Preserve or a High Conservation Value Forest. An HCV designation would allow for management practices to maintain or enhance the sites’ ecological conditions while their candidacy for Nature Preserve status is evaluated.
The 11 sites and the state forests to which they belong include:
- Clark State Forest, Outbrook Ravine, 507.3 acres
- Ferdinand SF, Hurricane Creek, 59.2 acres
- Harrison-Crawford SF, Greenbrier Knob, 168.03 acres
- Harrison-Crawford SF, Glade South, 62.75 acres
- Harrison-Crawford SF, Glade North, 43.92 acres
- Harrison-Crawford SF, River Ledge, 31.77 acres
- Morgan-Monroe SF, Ravinia Seeps Spring, 30 acres
- Owen-Putnam SF, Pleasant Grove Valley, 84.88 acres
- Owen-Putnam SF, Jordan Creek Seep Spring, 45.38 acres
- Salamonie SF, Salamonie Ravines, 35 acres
- Yellowwood SF, Lucas Hollow, 50.71 acres
"Our State Forests are enrolled in two independent certification audits that call for identifying and conserving places like this," said Clark. "Our success in managing State Forests is measured by the fact we’ve met both national and international sustainability standards for nine consecutive years."
The proposals to designate the sites as Nature Preserves must be approved by the Indiana Natural Resources Commission.
