Clark State Forest—Then and Now
Map of management units and salvage harvest boundaries in the area of Clark State Forest damaged by tornados in 2012.On March 2, 2012, a deadly tornado outbreak occurred over a large section of the southern United States into the Ohio Valley region. The storm resulted in 40 tornado-related fatalities, 22 of which occurred in Kentucky. Tornado-related deaths also occurred in Alabama, Indiana, and Ohio.
As a result of that outbreak an EF-4 tornado left behind a path of destruction as it moved through Clark County, Indiana. The tornado’s path spread 56 miles reaching speeds of 177 mph. Parts of Pekin and Henryville were heavily damaged including approximately 1,300 acres of Clark State Forest.
Little structural damage occurred to the state forest, but tree damage was estimated at 3-6 million board feet. Nearly half of the state forest horse trail system was affected by the destructive path as well as section of the Knobstone trail.
Downed trees and damage caused by a tornado, March 2012.Clean up efforts begun immediately. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deployed crews to assist with cleanup efforts in and around the town of Henryville. Initial efforts focused on reopening roads and neighborhoods. Eventually, DNR efforts turned to restoring trails and salvaging the many damaged forested acres.
Three salvage operations took place across five units spanning
Regrowth of trees in June 2021, the 10th growing season after a tornado. three years. Units ranged in size from 221 acres to 318 acres totaling 1,300 acres (see map). Within the five units two separate treatment areas were identified. The area between the red lines was considered the most severely damage trees and prescribed as the clearcut zone. The area between the red and yellow lines was considered the intermediate zone where considerably less damage occurred. Only damaged trees were removed in the intermediate zone. Salvage removal included pulp, cords, sawtimber, and some veneer.
Educational sign at the Jackson Road Trailhead.
Salvage efforts removed an estimated 4.13 million board feet generating $452,419.00 in revenue. As a result of the revenue approximately $67,863.00 was returned to the county as part of the 15% returned to the county in which the timber was removed.
Section of the Knobstone Trail near the Jackson Road Trailhead.Additionally, over 20 miles of recreational trails were restored including 4.5 miles of the popular Knobstone Trail and prescribed fire was administered across 123 acres.
Today, the site is progressing providing dense young forest habitat.
Brad Schneck is an Assistant State Forester, Properties with the Indiana DNR Division of Forestry.
Oak and pine regeneration in the tornado site.