DNR Forestry to hold multiple open houses in October

Local Sources- The public is invited to the respective open houses that DNR Division of Forestry will host on Oct. 17, 18, and 19.

During the events, division personnel will display information on forest, recreation, and facility management. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and comment. Written comments can be submitted at dnr.IN.gov/forestry/state-forest-management/public-comment/submit

A guided hike starting at 5 p.m. will be offered during each open house listed below. Those participating in the hike should meet at the office.    

"These open house events provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive first-hand information about how the state forests are working to provide diverse wildlife habitat, forest products, and recreational opportunities," State Forester John Seifert said. "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."

Open houses will be offered as follows:

Jackson-Washington and Selmier State Forests: Oct. 17, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Jackson-Washington State Forest office, which is 2.5 miles east of Brownstown, just east of the Jackson County Fairgrounds on State Road 250. Call 812-358-2160 for more information.

Owen-Putnam State Forest: Oct. 17, 4 to 7 p.m. at the property office, which is 5 miles west of Spencer and less than a mile north of State Road 46. Call 812-829-2462 for more information.

Martin State Forest: Oct. 17, 4 to 7 p.m. at the property office off U.S. 50, approximately 4 miles northeast of Shoals. Call 812-247-3491 for more information.

Clark State Forest: Oct. 18, 4 to 7 p.m. at the property office, which is a mile north of Henryville on U.S. 31. Call 812-294-4306 for more information.

Ferdinand-Pike State Forest: Oct. 18, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ferdinand State Forest office, off State Road 264, approximately 4 miles northeast of Ferdinand. Call 812-367-1524 for more information.

Salamonie River and Frances Slocum State Forests: Oct. 18, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Salamonie River State Forest office off State Road 524, approximately 6 miles east of Wabash. Call 260-782-0430 for more information.

Morgan-Monroe, Ravinia, Yellowwood, and Mountain Tea State Forests: Oct. 19, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Morgan-Monroe State Forest office off State Road 37, approximately 6 miles south of Martinsville. Call 765-792-4654 for more information.

Harrison-Crawford State Forest: Oct. 19, 4 to 7 p.m. at the property office off State Road 462, just past the gatehouse for O’Bannon Woods State Park. Call 812-738-7694 for more information.

Greene-Sullivan State Forest: Oct. 19, 4 to 7 p.m. at the property office on State Road 159, approximately 1.5 miles south of Dugger. Call 812-648-2810 for more information.

Property staff members are also often available during normal business hours, which are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. See dnr.IN.gov/forestry/properties for contact information.