Indiana state forests, including one hit by June tornado, to host open houses

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Several Indiana state forests, including one hit will host open houses on Sept. 29, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

The events will allow Hoosiers to learn about outdoor recreation and how foresters manage the land for long-term health.

A powerful tornado on June 17 damaged one of the sites, Morgan-Monroe State Forest. The tornado impacted roughly 852 acres of the state forest, with another 2,008 acres of surrounding buffer zones sustaining varying degrees of damage. Scout Ridge Campground and several trails experienced severe downing of trees. Cleanup and timber salvage operations have been underway. While large portions of the property have reopened, certain areas — including the Campground and specific trails — remain closed or restricted for ongoing work.

State Forester John Seifert said in a news release issued Tuesday that the open houses will let people see how state forests support wildlife and offer recreation. He said the events also will allow the agency to hear feedback from neighbors and visitors about how the state manages these lands. He encouraged everyone to participate.

A guided hike will start at 5 p.m. during each open house. People interested in the hike should meet at the forest office.

The open houses will be at these times and locations:

• Clark State Forest: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the property office, 1 mile north of Henryville on U.S. 31. 812-294-4306.
• Greene-Sullivan State Forest: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the property office on State Road 159, about 1.5 miles south of Dugger. 812-648-2810.
• Harrison-Crawford State Forest: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the property office off State Road 462, just past the gatehouse for O’Bannon Woods State Park. 812-738-7694.
• Martin State Forest: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the property office off U.S. 50, about 4 miles northeast of Shoals. 812-247-3491.
• Jackson-Washington and Selmier state forests: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Jackson-Washington State Forest office, 2.5 miles east of Brownstown, just east of the Jackson County Fairgrounds on State Road 250. 812-358-2160.
• Ferdinand-Pike State Forest: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the property office off State Road 264, about 4 miles northeast of Ferdinand. 812-827-2857.
• Morgan-Monroe, Ravinia, Yellowwood and Mountain Tea state forests: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Morgan-Monroe State Forest office off State Road 37, about 6 miles south of Martinsville. 765-792-4654.
• Owen-Putnam State Forest: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the property office, 5 miles west of Spencer and less than one mile north of State Road 46. 812-829-2462.

In addition to asking questions in person, the public can submit written questions or comments at online. Staff members are also available during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Contact information is available online.

The Natural Resources Division of Forestry manages natural, recreational and cultural resources on public and private forest lands in Indiana.