The Hoosier National Forest will host two public open houses in August to discuss a forest management project proposal for forest system lands in Jackson County.
This project area, known as the Houston South Vegetation Management and Restoration Project, involves treating vegetation and conducting related management activities to improve forest health and increase sustainability of oak-hickory ecosystems, while also improving wildlife habitat. Sessions will be:
- Monday, Aug. 5th from 6-8 p.m. at Brownstown Central High School, 608 W. Commerce St., Brownstown
- Wednesday, Aug. 7th from 6-8 p.m. at Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington
While the events will last for two hours, people are invited to stop by anytime during those hours to visit the individual stations devoted to different specific aspects of this project area. Maps and project details can be viewed online at: fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55119.
The purpose and need of the proposal is to implement a wide array of vegetation management to provide a mosaic of forest conditions dominated by hardwoods and to restore dry hardwood forest ecosystems. The proposal also includes the need to reduce the amount of non-native pine in the project area to encourage growth of oak/hickory stands to provide a more suitable habitat to a wider array of wildlife species. If approved, implementation of the project would occur in a phased manner over the span of approximately 10 years or longer.
