News

Forest Activists Set Tree Sit in Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Monday August 20, 2007
Bloomington, IN

This morning members of Friends of Morgan Monroe and Earth First! ascended an oak tree near the Rock Shelter Trail in Morgan Monroe State Forest and put into place a tree-sit.  The purpose of this action is to call attention to the devastating 400% increase of logging on Indiana State Forests.  Since the fall of 2005, the state forests have been ripped apart as a result of this increase.  Indiana State Forests are home to many migratory birds, endangered plants and animals, and other native wildlife.  The particular sale that the tree-sit is protesting is actively being cut, devastating 100 acres and removing 300,000 board feet.  Many marked trees are on steep slopes that run into creeks, a horrifying logging practice sure to cause extensive erosion and further damaging the area. 

" We hope this action will protect the remaining forest while at the same time inspiring others to act in defense of our wilderness, against greedy business interests and corrupt government officials", says Alex Singer of Friends of Morgan Monroe. 

"By tree-sitting, someone has put themselves in 75 feet up in a tree, in harm's way, to protect an ecosystem and our natural heritage," says June Richards of Friends of Morgan Monroe.

Press Conference:
Tuesday (8/21) 9am
Low Gap Trail Head
Members of Friends of Morgan Monroe, Earth First! and various other environmental groups will be available to answer questions and give more information about the tree-sit!
Please attend!

Directions to the press conference from Bloomington:
Take Walnut Street  north
turn right on Old S.R. 37
turn right on Main Forest Road
Just after the turn off to Bean Blossom Road and the Rock Shelter, there will be a parking area for the Low Gap trail head

Questions can be directed to:
friendsofmorganmonroe@gmail.com

Email the IFA Director for more info.