Indiana DNR Releases Environmental Assessment Of State Logging Program
Indiana Forest Alliance
323 S. Walnut Ave,
Bloomington, IN 47408
812-332-4878
For Immediate Release: May 14, 2008
DNR Division of Forestry Releases Environmental Assessment
Of State Forest Logging Program
In a major victory for the Indiana Forest Alliance, the Indiana DNR
Division of Forestry released a draft environmental assessment of the
forest management program on state forests on Monday, May 12. The
Indiana Forest Alliance has been suing the Division of Forestry since
2002 over its failure to abide by the Indiana Environmental Policy Act
by refusing to produce an assessment of the environmental impacts
caused by its logging policy. The creation of the EA is a technical
win for the IFA lawsuit.
The document, titled “Increased Emphasis on Management and
Sustainability of Oak-Hickory Communities on the Indiana State Forest
System,” attempts to scientifically justify the 500% increase in
logging on the state forest system as directed by Governor Mitch
Daniels.
David Haberman, Board President of IFA and Professor of Religious
Studies at IU said, “The plan does not seriously examine or question
current logging practices, but merely attempts to justify the extreme
commercial logging already taking place in Indiana’s state forests
under the present administration.”
Although the DNR Division of Forestry does not have to abide by the
Indiana Environmental Policy Act due to changes in state law enacted
by the Republican legislature in 2006, an environmental assessment was
requested by many who reviewed and commented on the Division of
Forestry’s 2008-2013 Strategic Plan. The DoF says in their press
release that they did the assessment both as a “good faith effort” as
well as to understand any potential environmental impacts.
The public has 60 days to comment on the document, it is available at
Anyone unable to access the document
online may request a copy from the State Forester, 402 W. Washington
Room W-296, Indianapolis 46204 or by calling 317-232-4105. Review
copies also are available at all state forest property offices.
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