Indiana Panel Rejects Groups' Push To Conserve 2 Forests

Associated Press

A state commission has rejected a proposal to designate the Salamonie River and the Frances Slocum state forests as state parks.
*Nyttend/public domain*

LAGRO, Ind. (AP) — A state commission has rejected a proposal to designate two Indiana forests as state parks in a bid to halt logging at both sites.

The Indiana Forest Alliance and Friends of Salamonie Forest had sought the change for the Salamonie River and the Frances Slocum state forests, but the Indiana Natural Resources Commission rejected their petition last week.

The (Marion) Chronicle-Tribune reports that supporters wanted both northern Indiana forests transferred from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Division of Forestry to its Division of State Parks and Reservoirs.

Such a change would have protected those areas from forest management, including logging planned for both forests.

Jeff Stant is the Indiana Forest Alliance's executive director. He says logging is an important industry, "but the industry doesn't need timber from these forests."

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

Safe Park Indy looks to add a second Indianapolis location as waitlist grows

Safe Park Indy, a program that gives homeless people living in their cars a safe place to park overnight, is expanding.

Public Affairs / November 18, 2024

Advocates warn election results could lead to more limits on reproductive rights

Advocates said they are afraid of how the results of state and national races will affect access to reproductive care. Organizers expect more attacks on reproductive rights in the near future.