Blog
Get the Latest Updates From IFA
Read IFA’s blog to learn about the latest Ecoblitz science, advocacy opportunities, or legislative work in support of Indiana’s public forests.
228 Scientists to Gov. Holcomb: “Conserve major portions of our state forests”
The 228 scientists are urging Gov. Holcomb to set aside areas from timber harvest and reduce the rate of logging in state forests.
“Dear Division of Forestry…”
We disagree heartily with many assertions in the letter. Below, IFA Executive Director Jeff Stant addresses every point in this six-page rebuttal. Here’s Seifert’s letter, with highlights of Stant’s rebuttal inserted in blue.
In Defense of Outdoor Recreation: Tourism Leaders Speak Out for State Forests
According to the latest U.S. Census Data, more than two million people live within 20 miles of Indiana’s state forests and more than 14.5 million people live within 100 miles of our state forests. If the state forests were seen as desirable destinations, more outfitters, bed & breakfasts, and cafes would spring up. The 59% of Hoosiers who participate in outdoor recreation are an untapped market for our state forests.
Eleven Reasons to Leave Haverstick Woods Standing
Haverstick Woods is the last forest stand in the busiest retail corridor in the city of Indianapolis. But a developer is lobbying the Metropolitan Development Commission to re-zone it for yet another office building with retail at street level.
A Matter of Heritage: A Forest with Civil War-Era Trees Should Not Be Logged
In the Yellowwood Backcountry Area, there stands a tree older than our nation. It’s an American Beech, 33 inches (almost three feet) in diameter. This tree, we discovered, is 238 years old, and started growing
Defending Your Right to Wilderness Recreation: 5 More Actions You Can Take
This 2,700 acre BCA is the largest tract of old forest left in our state forests since logging was escalated by 400% over the last 12 years to restore 30% of the DOF’s budget cut by the Legislature. The oldest trees in this tract are 130 to 160 years old.
Citizens to Gov. Holcomb: “Value of our state forests cannot be measured in board feet & dollars”
Here, we share powerful excerpts of messages from outraged citizens to Gov. Holcomb’s office.
Tell the Governor Now: It’s Wrong to Log this Brown County Forest, and Here’s Why
The plans will log the most remote and pristine hollow which contains tulip poplars, sugar maples and northern red oaks between 150 and 200 years old. IFA conducts part of our Ecoblitz flora/fauna survey in this area, and we know it to be exceptionally diverse in terms of animal and plant life.
Trees, Joy & Grief: A Meditation on Logging
These magnificent trees are not a crop. They are home to a myriad of plant and animal life. Trees give us shade. They block noise pollution. Trees clean our soil and provide life-giving oxygen. They provide us inspiration, beauty and the rejuvenation of our spirits.
Crown Hill North Woods: Saved Today, Preserved Tomorrow?
On May 5, we learned that the amazing old-growth forest at Crown Hill North Woods will not be razed for the VA’s columbaria project.