FOREST PLAN APPEAL UPDATE

Regional Forest Randy Moore signed the Record of Decision for the 2006 Hoosier National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) on January 11, 2006. This culminated a two year process resulting in a comprehensive plan for managing the Hoosier over the next 10 to 15 years. The Regional Forester’s decision for implementation of the plan was appealed by several groups and individuals. Appeal Reviewing Officer for the Chief of the Forest Service, reviewed the appeal and informed the Forest in December of 2006 that the Regional Forester’s decision was upheld.

FOREST PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Since April 2006, the Hoosier has been working to implement projects that will move Forest resources toward the 8 goals presented in the Plan:

* Conservation of Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat;

* Maintain and restore sustainable ecosystems;

* Maintain and restore watershed health;

* Protect our cultural heritage;

* Provide for a visually pleasing landscape;

* Provide for recreational use;

* Provide a useable Landscape; and

* Provide for human and community development.

RESTORATION PROJECTS

Currently, the Forest is analyzing two large restoration projects that would involve timber harvest and prescribed burning.

GERMAN RIDGE

The German Ridge Restoration Project would focus on restoration of nonnative pine and includes 475 acres of even-aged management treatments, with an additional 335 acres of uneven-aged treatments.Approximately 2,170 acres of prescribed burning would also be implemented. The German Ridge decision  is expected early in 2007, with implementation scheduled to begin in the summer. The project could result in several different timber sale offerings.

ORIOLE

Forest resource specialists recently began analysis of the Oriole Restoration Project. This project would focus on restoration of nonnative hardwoods, barrens communities, and promoting species diversity. The project proposes using both even and uneven-aged harvest methods to restore native hardwoods and barren communities. Prescribed burning would also be done. This project is unique to the Hoosier since Wyden Amendment funds could be available to allow the Forest to work with private land owners in conducting landscape sized burns on both Federal and non-Federal lands.

This project also includes herbicide treatment to control current invasive plant infestation and reduce any future spread. Public comments on the initial proposal were collected during December 2006. A draft of the alternatives is expected to be sent for a formal public notice and comment period in March. If you would like to be included or want more information please contact one of the Team Leaders, Jason Engle or Judi Perez at (812) 275-5987.

OAK REGENERATION PROJECT

The McKinsie Ridge project proposes to use single tree and group selection method to remove trees on about 70 acres in Crawford County. The project would improve stand structure and vigor by regenerating small groups of declining black oak. No new roads would be constructed to access the area. A decision is expected this spring with implementation to occur soon after. Interested parties may contact Chris Thornton (812) 547-7051 for more information.