Welcome to the IFA

Forests are the planet's lungs. We need them. So do the flora and fauna that dwell therein. The IFA is gathering steam to stop the accelerated cutting in our state forests and the Hoosier national forests. We're mounting a campaign to allow for more forests to mature into Old Growth and can use your help.

Valentines Day Call-In to Protect the MMSF Backcountry Area

The Back Country Area located in the northeast corner of Monroe Country in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest and extending into the Yellowwood State Forest in Brown Country was established in 1981 as a special area “to be enjoyed by the wilderness seeker as a place of solitude and repose” and that “it will offer an experience of visiting a forested area looking much the same as it may have appeared a century and a half ago.” It has not been commercially logged since its establishment.

The Division of Forestry of the Department of Natural Resources has plans to open this exceptional area that is a favorite of many hikers and backpackers to commercial logging.

Imagine having a diverse old-growth forest filled with massive trees that you could play, learn, hike, backpack, and camp in only 30 minutes from Indianapolis. If you were to read through the geological surveys conducted in Indiana in the 1890's and then compare that to even the Champion Big Tree lists of today and you will quickly see what we have lost. The largest trees we have in Indiana today are nothing like the majestic trees that were common place in Indiana before we cut it all down.

The MMSF Backcountry area is just over 3000 acres in size whose purchase began in 1929. The area is diverse forested area free of improved roads and none of it has been logged commercially in over 3 decades. Only 30 minutes from Indianapolis, the area provides an opportunity for hiking, backpacking, and camping in an area approaching a wilderness-type experience.

The state as a whole has 4,820,000+ acres of forestland of which the MMSF Backcountry area is only 0.06%! Obviously commercial logging of this area isn't necessary for the health of the Indiana hardwoods industry.

Your actions now could work towards getting the MMSF Backcountry area preserved for all future generations. Creating an Old-Growth forest starts today: Tell the Indiana Division of Forestry to let it grow! Ask them to protect the area from development that permits motorized access, commercial logging, and other commercial activities.

On Valentine's Day, Monday February 14th, please write, call, or email Mr. John Davis, the Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and share your love of our public forests with them. Ask them to restore a piece of the amazing natural heritage that we have lost by allowing the MMSF Backcountry area to grow!

Mr. John Davis, Deputy Director
Department of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington Street, Room 256
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(Telephone: 317-232-4021)
jdavis@dnr.in.gov

When you call, tell Mr. Davis respectfully and passionately about your desire for more old-growth forests in Indiana, and that you think that the Back Country Area of Morgan-Monroe
and Yellowwood State Forest is a perfect candidate for increasing the amount of old-growth we have in the state. Let him know how many people use this area and what it means to you. Ask him to cancel the logging plan for the backcountry and to
create a permanent rule to exclude the entire area from commercial logging.

Second Sunday Slow Hikes Series

Please join Indiana Forest Alliance Sunday, March 13th, for the next of our Second Sunday Slow Hikes (in the Bloomington area), a wonderful opportunity to mosey through the forest with good friends. "Slow" hiking simply entails that we will fully take our time, enjoying fellowship and good conversation, taking pictures, sharing knowledge, and marveling in the wondrous woods surrounding us.

Click here for more information on the hike.

Time:	12 - 3pm, Saturday March 13th
Place:	Bloomington Eco-Center 323 S. Walnut Street Bloomington, IN

IFA Fall 2010 Newsletter

The Indiana Forest Alliance's Fall 2010 Newsletter is available. You can read it here, as a PDF:

IFA Fall 2010 Newsletter (PDF, .5 MB)

2010 DNR Indiana Forest Assessment

Curious to learn more about the status of Indiana's forests and the DNR's plans? A good place to start are the Statewide Forest Assessment and Strategy documents.

Information about the 2010 Statewide Forest Assessment and Strategy documents can be found here:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/5436.htm

If you have comments or concerns about these documents, they can be sent to: stateassessement@dnr.IN.gov.