Division of Forestry Developing Long-Term Strategy

The first comprehensive assessment since the 1980s of all of Indiana’s forests—private, public and urban—is underway.

The intent of the Statewide Forest Resource Assessment, which is being conducted by the DNR Division of Forestry (DoF), is to identify key forest-related issues and priority landscape areas for the DNR to consider when developing a long-term strategy specific to the state's forest needs.

The DoF has completed the first step of the process, mailing surveys to 300 stakeholders throughout the state. Anyone with an interest in forestry issues can complete the survey, which is at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RvbMsvMYIMdElTSAhZDCHw_3d_3d. The survey takes about 10 minutes.

Four public meetings on the issue will be held in late June and early July.

More information about this process is at http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/5436.htm

Elements of the state assessment are required by the Federal Farm Bill in order for the DoF to continue receiving funds under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act.

The U.S. Forest Service has provided grant funding for the development of these items.

Source: Department of Natural Resources