EAGLE CREEK FOREST IN PERIL
As we told you last week, an incredible tract of open space and natural habitat on Indianapolis’ northwest side is facing the threat of destruction to make way for another large-scale commercial development.
Some 125 acres of this tract is forest and wetland, containing more than 500 heritage (large) trees in old forest stands. Much of this habitat is classified in the City’s own Comprehensive Plan as an “ecologically sensitive area” that should be protected from development. The tract is teaming with deer, fox, hawks, owls, herons, ducks, bats and other wildlife. Despite this and overwhelming opposition from local residents, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) approved a petition to rezone the tract for a proposed commercial and residential mixed use on August 16, putting most of its nearly 200 acres of woodlands, wetlands, creeks and open space in jeopardy.
It is not too late to stop this project.
The City-County Council has an opportunity to save this forest before it’s too late. On Monday, Sept. 11, the full Council has the last word on whether this project moves forward.
If you live in Indianapolis, click here to find your Councilor.
Councilor Leroy Robinson represents this area. Contact Councilor Robinson and your Councilor if you do not live in Robinson’s district. Ask Councilor Robinson at leroy.robinson@indy.gov and your Councilor to uphold the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the wishes of local residents, oppose this development and reject rezoning on case 2023-CZN-814.
Contact Council President Vop Osili at vop.osili@indy.gov and Council Vice President Zach Adamson at zach.adamson@indy.gov to relay these views to them also.
At the very least, ask Councilor Robinson and your councilor to call the rezone petition down for City Council consideration so that the citizens from that area can be heard by the full council.
A sample letter full of facts and background information related to IFA’s opposition of the rezoning can be found here. Please feel free to use this information in communicating your thoughts to the council.
Local residents need help to put up yard signs opposing this development across Indianapolis. To put a sign in your yard or volunteer to help, please contact IFA’s Forests for Indy Director, Lori Perdue at: lori@indianaforestalliance.org
In addition to their remarkable wetland features, this forest in Pike Township is unique in Indianapolis for its lack of invasive plants and extensive populations of wildlife, including bats who use standing dead trees, like the one pictured above, known as “snags,” for their roosts.
SAVE SOUTHEAST INDIANA FORESTS
Massive portions of pristine forests in southeastern Indiana are now facing destruction at the hands of The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Governor Eric Holcomb. We need your help to stop this project!
The Link 101 Project will destroy pristine forests and rural areas in southeast Indiana along Laughery Creek
The Link 101 project was introduced early this year and the proposed plan will cause significant destruction of forests in the project area. Now that Link 101 is accepting public comments on Purpose and Need for the project, we must make our voices heard and protect these forests.
These forests are part of Laughery Creek Valley, a unique wooded creek valley that stretches from the Ohio River almost to Greensburg, Ind. and includes Versailles State Park. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) themselves have characterized this area as, “some of the best forests in Indiana.”
To save these forests and this region from being opened up to sprawl that nobody in the local area wants or has asked for, Hoosiers need to to say this highway project is not needed, NOW.
Comments can be submitted using this link. The deadline for comments is Sept. 8. Please send a copy of your comments to Governor Eric Holcomb using this link.
Click here to view a sample comment from IFA.
Click here to view the proposed Purpose and Need for the Link 101 Highway.
MemberFest Tickets are Going Fast!
Don’t forget to grab your tickets to MemberFest 2023 before it’s too late!
Tickets are going fast so don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience to dine with conservationists, philanthropists and other allies of the forest at our Forest-Foraged Feast. The Feast will be held at 6 p.m. Friday evening in the Far Center for Contemporary Art, located at 505 W 4th St in Bloomington, after a short Annual Member Meeting at 4 p.m., also at the Far Center. The Feast will be followed the next morning by a continental breakfast at the Story Inn in Brown County which will feature a discussion with US Senator Mike Braun regarding a big announcement on the future of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
After the breakfast, we will be leading an auto tour and hike in the proposed wilderness expansion at Nebo Ridge.
Tickets can be purchased using this link.
See you there!
