FY 1997 Plan Monitoring

Responsible Official: 

Kenneth G. Day, Forest Supervisor 

For more information contact: 

Regis Terney, Land Management Planner Hoosier National Forest 811 Constitution Avenue 

Bedford, IN 47421 Office: 812-275-5987 FAX: 812-279-3423 TDD: 812-275-7817 

Table of Contents linked to various portions of the document.

Introduction / Program Accomplishments / Timber Sale Program Information Reporting 

System / Comparison of Key Indicators / Costs / Research / Management Prescriptions /

FY 1997 Site Specific Decisions / Adjacent Lands / Demand / Protect and Manage Natural 

Resources / Restocked Lands / Insect and Disease / Soil and Water / Vegetative 

Management / Research Natural Areas and Special Areas / Fish and Wildlife / Protect our 

Cultural Resources / Provide for Visually Pleasing Landscape / Provide for Recreation in 

Harmony with Natural Communities / Provide for Useable Landbase / Provide for Human 

and Community Development / Conclusion

Appendices - If you have trouble opening any of these appendices, since most are charts and 

formatting varies by computers, please contact our office and we will gladly send you a paper 

copy of the appendices or we can fax an appendix to you. Contact us at 

website/r9_hoosier@fs.fed.us

Appendix A - Boone Creek Watershed Plot Data 

Appendix B - Clover Lick Barrens Restoration Plot Data 

Appendix C - Plant Collection Data 

INTRODUCTION 

The Forest Plan, as ammended in 1991 provides guidance to ensure that National Forest 

System (NFS) lands in Indiana are managed to provide forest ecosystems that enhance 

biological diversity on a regional scale and provide high quality recreation opportunities. We 

are committed to forest activities that lie lightly on the landscape and helping people 

understand why we manage NFS lands. Our mission is to continue to make it possible for 

people to enjoy the values and benefits the Forest provides through responsible resource 

management tailored to meet public desires. 
Projects included here are the on-the-ground application of management practices and 

guidance to move toward the desired future condition identified in the Forest Plan. Annual 

programs of work are determined by the final budget for any given year. The annual program 

of work lists the projects and budgets necessary based on site-specific environmental analysis, 

and includes monitoring activities to help evaluate the quality of Forest Plan application. 

The purpose of monitoring is to determine how well the Forest Plan is being carried out. It 

provides a check to review if Forest Plan guidance is realistic management direction. 

Monitoring also enables us to learn if objectives identified in the Forest Plan are being 

achieved using the Plan guidance. Monitoring and evaluation on an on-going basis is required 

by the National Forest Management Act [36 CFR 219.12(k)]. The attached narrative displays 

monitoring results for fiscal year (FY) 1997. 

Go to Top

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Outputs [219.12(k)(1)] 

Compare goods and services with those projected on pages 2-14 and 2-15 of the FEIS, 

Management Attainment Report (MAR) and Timber Sale Program Information Reporting 

System (TSPIRS). 

Fiscal Year '97 Management Attainment Report - Resource Accomplishments 

MAR Descriptions Unit of Measure Target Accomp.

Noxious Weed Treatment Acres 25.0 25.0

Soil & Water Resource Improvement Acres 20 180

Rvrn Strm R/C Unt Scl Inv Miles 0.0 4.0

Fuels Treatment Acres 300.0 1,077.0

Volume Offered, New 1000 Bd Ft 0.0 284.5

Volume Offered, Salvage Sale Fund 1000 Bd Ft 4,000.0 6,664.5

Reforestation Acres 150.0 200.0

Timber Stand Improvement Acres 0.0 48.0

Trail Construction & Reconstruction Miles 0.0 44.6

Seasonal Capability Available Persons At One Time 1,293,000.0 1,560,000.0

Land Ownership Adjustment (not Exch.) Acres 442.0 650.4

Land Exchange Acres 693.0 753.2

Land Line Location Miles 3.0 3.5

Rights-of-Way Acquisitions Cases 0.0 5.0

Wildlife Structures Structures 0.0 10.0
Youth Conservation Corps Participation Enrollee Wks 0.0 40.0

Senior Community Service Employees Enrollee Hours 0.0 41,609.0

Volunteers in NF Programs Enrollee Years 0.0 2.3

Hosted Program Enrollee Years 0.0 7.1 

Wildlife Habitat Inventory Acres 0.0 492.0

TE&S Species Habitat Inventory Acres 0.0 243.0

Heritage Inventory Acres 0.0 4,414.0

Trails Available - Total Miles 0.0 183.0

Rec Special Use Permits Permits 0.0 10.0 

Recreation Use - Total 1000 Visits 0.0 510.0

Wilderness Trail Available Miles 0.0 36.0

Heritage Sites Evaluated Sites 0.0 6.0

Heritage Sites Interpreted Sites 0.0 15.0

Heritage Sites Preserved/Protected Sites 0.0 10.0 

Wildlife Habitat Restored/Enhanced Acres 380.0 900.0

Inland Fish Stream Restored/Protected Miles 4.0 4.0

Inland Fish Lakes Restored/Protected Acres 9.0 21.3

TES Terrestrial Habitat Restored/Enhanced Acres 0.0 23.0

Biological Assesment/Evaluation Tasks 0.0 21.0

Volume Prepared 1000 Cu. Ft. 0.0 145.8

Volume Offered, New 1000 Cu. Ft. 0.0 45.8

Volume Offered, Salvage Sale Fund 1000 Cu. Ft. 0.0 1,094.4

Volume Analyzed 1000 Cu. Ft. 0.0 1,138.1

Volume Sold 1000 Cu. Ft. 904.4 1,503.5

Volume Harvested - Total 1000 Cu. Ft. 0.0 305.8

Geologic Management Areas Admin. Areas 0.0 19.0

Landownership Administration Cases 0.0 1.0

Gen. Special Use Applications Processed Permits 0.0 26.0

Authorizations Administered to Standard Permits 0.0 60.0

Authorizations Administered - Total Permits 0.0 175.0

Roads Maintained - Total Miles 85.0 85.0

Roads Obliterated Miles 0.0 6.1

Law Enforcement Incidents Incidents 0.0 1,715.0

Law Enforcement Coop. Agreements Agreements 0.0 3.0

Road Reconstruction Miles 0.0 10.9 
Go to Top

Timber Sale Program Information Reporting System 

Timber Sale Program reports provide summaries from the information in the Timber Sale 

Program Information Reporting System (TSPIRS). As reported in the fiscal year 1997 

National Summary (dated July 1998), the Hoosier National Forest harvested 1,900 thousand 

board feet during FY 1997, mostly volume from salvage sales resulting from storms and ice 

damage. Our total timber expenses were $285,000 with revenues of $97,000. Direct expenses 

totalled $417,928 with a balance of 145,739 carried forward from past year's investments in 

sale preparation, road construction, silvicultural examination, appeals, and other expenses 

(417,928 - 143,739 = $272,189). 

In addition to direct costs and benefits, the timber program generated approximately 22 jobs 

or $1,277,000 in local employment and employment-related income. In that amount, we 

include the effects only on local economies. There are additional jobs generated in regional 

and national economies that are not included here. Nearly $192,000 was generated from this 

forest's timber program in federal income tax. 

The following table includes key indicators identified in the Final Environmental Impact 

Statement for the Forest Plan (p. 2-14 and 2-15). Only direct effect indicators of the Forest 

Plan are listed. 

Comparison of Key Indicators

Key Indicator Unit of 

Measure

Est. 

1991-

2001

1991 

Output

1992 

Output 

1993 

Output

1994 

Output

1995 

Output

1996 

Output

1997 

Output

Recreation Visitor 

Days (RVD) 230 510 510

Trail Construction

Hiking Miles 99 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Horse Miles 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bike Miles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Multiple-use Miles 0 0 0 0 3 8.6 7.5 22

Trail Reconst. (all) Miles 0 0 0 33.4 0 0 0 51.5

Vegetation 

maintained

Forest Openings1 Acres 4,000 657 459 350 509 322 480 650

Barrens Maint. Acres 1,131 18 40 140 40 60 0 83

Wetlands 

Construction
Lakes/Ponds Acres 120 0 5 0 0 0 0 0

Marsh/Waterhole Acres 15 5 0 0 0 0 0 1

Vegetation Regen.

Hardwood 0-9 Acres 4,853 0 0 0 57 0 0 150

Pine 0-9 Acres 94 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Timber Harvested

Sawtimber MMBF 26 0 0.042 0.019 0.395 0.159 0.114 0.67

Roundwood MMBF 17 0.025 0.078 0.040 0.706 0.127 0.066 1.13

Total MMBF 43 0.025 0.120 0.059 1.101 0.286 0.180 1.89

Roads 

Const./Reconst. Miles 140 0.25 3.50 1.00 0.10 0.60 7.90 10.90 

 

1 To prevent forest openings from converting to forest, we must maintain each forest opening 

on a cycle of 3 to 5 years. To carry out our Forest Plan objective of 4,000 acres of forest 

openings, we should maintain 800 to 1,300 acres of forest openings a year. As shown in this 

table over the last 6 years, we maintained 300 to 700 acres of forest openings a year; therefore 

based on the 3 to 5 year cycle, we are maintaining 1,500 to 2,100 acres of forest openings. 

Go to Top

Costs [219.12(k)(3)] 

Quantitatively compares actual cost of applying management practices with Forest Plan 

estimates. 

After the storm damage of 1997, we received $2,400,000 in Disaster funds to repair Saddle 

Lake Dam, repair Celina Lake Dam, construct a safety access road to the U-38 dam, and 

construct a safety access road to Celina Lake Dam. This was unusual, we expect to spend the 

funds in fiscal year (FY) 2000 or 2001 after we finish the design work and environmental 

analysis. Usually regular USDA Forest Service funds contribute about 90 percent of our 

budget with about 10 percent of funds being land acquisition funds, human resource programs 

(Department of Labor funds), hazardous waste funds, federal highway funds, and State and 

Private Forestry funds. However, because of the Disaster funding, regular USDA Forest 

Service funds contributed 50 percent of our budget FY 1997. In 1990, we estimated 

$4,800,000 as the regular USDA Forest Service funds necessary to carry out the Forest Plan 

(all figures have been adjusted for inflation). We estimated $3,400,000 for fixed costs. 

Total Forest Plan budget estimate -- 4,800,000 

Forest Plan estimate of fixed costs -- $3,400,000 

Forest Plan estimate of discretionary dollars -- $1,400,000 
The Hoosier National Forest received $3,487,000 in regular funds in FY 1997. FY 1997 

regular funds are 73 percent of the Forest Plan budget estimates, and about 3 percent above 

our Forest Plan estimate of fixed costs. With such a low amount of funds, we are unable to 

fund the recreation and vegetation investments that we projected in the Forest Plan. We have 

reduced the number of personnel to reduce fixed costs. Under this reduced budget, we shifted 

funds away from timber and recreation investments; although, we maintained or enhanced the 

forest ecosystems with actions in ecosystem restoration, special use management, trail 

maintenance, soil protection, and recreation resource maintenance. 

One example of cost reduction is recreation management. To manage the recreation program, 

our plan estimate was $1,883,000 per year. Recreation personnel use these funds to: operate 

campgrounds; protect heritage resources; maintain trails; manage wilderness resources; and 

reconstruct recreation sites, roads, and trails. Fixed costs include personnel salaries, rent, 

vehicles, and utilities. In FY 1997 we received $1,225,00 for the recreation budget, or 65 

percent of the Forest Plan level. That is $147,000 above Forest Plan estimate of $1,078,000 

for recreation program fixed costs. Because we were able to cover fixed costs, we were able to 

fund: rest room supplies, trail maintenance contracts, trail reconstruction contracts, and 

materials. For instance, we did the following trail projects. 

Date Description Miles 

reconstructed

Miles 

designated

Cost 

X$1K

Spring 

97 

Storm damage trail repair completed in the Deam (35K) 

and Forest wide (36K) by Idaho and Montana crews. $71,000

Sumr 

97 Oriole trail constructed by contract. 16 $35,000

Sumr 

97 Hays parking lot constructed by contract $2,000

Sumr 

97 Birdesye trail reconstruction by contract 4 $2,700

Sumr 

97 German Ridge trail reconstruction by contract 7.5 $9,900

Sumr 

97 Hemlock Cliffs trail tread repair and steps by FS staff $700

Sumr 

97 Two Lakes Loop trail reconstruction by contract 3 $800

Sumr 

97

Hickory R trail reconstruction and realignment by 

contract 37 6 $31,000

Total $153,100 

Another example of cost reduction is timber management. In the Forest Plan, we estimated an 

annual budget of $823,000. This included $537,000 in fixed costs for timber sales, 

reforestation, timber stand improvement, road construction, and administrative overhead. Our 

timber budget was $346,000 in 1997. In other words, we received 64 percent of the Forest 

Plan level for timber management. Other funds picked up part of the difference. 
Congress funded our land acquisition program. For the Forest Plan budget, we did not 

estimate land acquisition funds; however, we received $656,000 in FY 1997 for the purchase 

of land, and we received $152,000 for administration. 

Go to Top

Research [36 CFR 219.28(a)] 

Review and update research activities on the Forest. Find out if the needs in the Forest Plan 

(pages 3-4 to 3-7) are being addressed, and are appropriate. Identify additional research needs 

based on monitoring and evaluation and on changing societal needs. 

Below we list research needs in bold italics (Forest Plan, pp. 3-4 to 3-7). For each research 

need the corresponding research activities conducted during FY 1997 are underlined. 

Research conducted in other years is included as well. As shown, most research needs 

recognized in the Forest Plan are being addressed, many through partnerships with other 

entities. Some research studies are still in progress, and continue to be monitored annually as 

the studies progress. 

FY-97 Hoosier National Forest Research Activities: 

Need: Ecological Classification System 

VanKley, J.E., G.R. Parker, D.P. Franzmeier, J.C. Randolph. Ecological Classification of the 

Hoosier National Forest and Surrounding Areas of Indiana. [Field Guide published October 

1994.] 

Gillespie, A. Using GPS unit to locate ELTPs on Pleasant Run Purchase Unit and using digital 

elevation models to map units. [on-going] 

Jenkins, Michael A., & Parker, George R. February 2, 1994. Response of Plant Communities 

To Human Induced Disturbances Across Four Ecological Landtype Phases of Southern 

Indiana Forests. pp. 1-6. 

Jenkins, Michael A. 1997 Ecological disturbance across four ELTPs. Purdue University. 

Leppert, Charles Edward, August 1994. Spatial and Thematic Analysis of an Ecological 

Classification System for the Hoosier National Forest. Thesis. 142 pages. 

Need: Native Plant and Animal Community Research 

Backs, S. Insect biomass in different vegetation types. [Data collected, data being compiled, 

report pending] 

Backs, Steven E. June 1994. Invertebrate Abundance and Vegetative Structure Within 

Various Forest Opening Management Regimes. Statewide Wildlife Research. Progress 
Report. 9 pages. 

Badger, Kim. Research on French's Shooting Star, Umbrella. Ball State University. 1996. 

[ongoing] 

Ball, R. L., and B. M. Schoenung. 1996. Status Of Mussel Populations In The Primary 

Harvest Areas. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife Final 

Research Report, Indianapolis. 72 pp. 

Belth, Jeff and Sandy. 1997. North American Butterfly Association Annual Butterfly Count -

Monroe and Brown County, Indiana. 6 pages. 

Ehman, Jeff. 1997. Estimating carbon budgets for the Hoosier National Forest. Indiana 

University. 

Ewert, Michael A., Barron, James N.; Etchberter, Cory R.; et al. April 1, 1993. Field Survey 

of Amphibians and Reptiles of Hoosier National Forest. Final Report. Department of Biology, 

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405. 82 pages. 

Forsyth, Teresa. 1997. Survey of salamanders in Indiana. IU Southeast. [on-going]. 

Gustafson, Eric J. and Crow, Thomas R. September 10, 1993. Modeling The Effects of Forest 

Harvesting On Landscape Structure and The Spatial Distribution of Cowbird Brood 

Parasitism. pp. 1-25 

Hobbs III, Horton H. June 1, 1994. Assessment of the Biological Resources of Selected Caves 

in the Hoosier National Forest, Southern Indiana, Interim Report. 49 pages. 

Hobbs III, H.H. December 1994. First Record of the Troglophilic Terrestrial Snail, Carychium 

Exile Lea, From Indiana Caves (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Carychiidae). The National 

Speleological Society 1995. The NSS Bulletin. pp. 104-105. 

Hobbs III, Horton H. October 1, 1995. Assessment of the Biological Resources of Selected 

Caves in the Hoosier National Forest, Southern Indiana. Final Report. 126 pages. 

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Div. of Nature Preserves. 1997. General plant 

collection information. 

Jackson, B. 1993. A Review Of Bachman's Sparrow Habitat In Indiana. Indiana Department 

of Natural Resources, Indianapolis, IN. 80 pp. 

Jenkins, Michael A.; Parker, George R. 1997. Changes in Down Dead Wood Volume across a 

Chrono-sequence of Silvicultural Openings in Southern Indiana Forests. In: Pallardy, Stephen 

G.; Cecich, Robert A.; Garrett, H. Eugene; Johnson, Paul S., eds. Proceedings, 11th Central 

Hardwood forest conference; 1997 March 23-26; Columbia, MO. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-188. 

St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest 
Experiment Station. 152-160. 

Kaloupek, Leighton. August 1997. Collection of butterflies captured or observed on the 

Hoosier National Forest. Letter to Cid Morgan. 2 pages. 

Lewis, Ph.D, Julian J. 1994. Lost River Cave and Karst Biological Survey. U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers. Caves on Hoosier National Forest. (p. 30-33). 

Lewis, Ph.D, Julian J. 1997. Preliminary Inventory Report on Invertebrates in Caves in 

Hemlock Cliffs Area. (p. 105-109). 

Lewis, Ph.D., Julian J. 1997. The Cave Fauna of the Blue River Area. 130 pages. 

Lewis, Julian J. 1997. Inventorying invertebrates in the Little Blue River Area. 

Liddle, Thomas D. March 30, 1995. Ecology and Observed Biota of Selected Caves in the 

Hoosier National Forest, Indiana. 36 pages. 

Linnel, Bill. 1997. DNA variation in Kentucky coffee tree, redbud, and honey locust. 

Michigan State Univ. 

Madej, Robert F., & Johnson, Scott Al. December 1993. Allegheny Woodrat Monitoring 

Program - 1993; An Assessment of the Distribution of the Allegheny Woodrat in Indiana: 

Search for New Localities. pp. 1-26 

Murphy, Nathan. 1995. Spring Salamander Research Results. 3 pages. 

Murphy, Nathan. 1997. Terrestrial salamander communities. Indiana University. 

Palis, John G. October 31, 1994. Post-Fire Herpetofauna of Mogan Ridge, Hoosier National 

Forest, Indiana. 9 pages. 

Parshall, David K. December 20, 1997. Interim Report. Survey work with Lepidopteria in the 

Hoosier National Forest. 1 page. 

Pfister, Mark A., and Jones, William W. May 1992. Pond Management Studies in Hoosier 

National Forest. 39 pages. 

Ruch Donald. Mycological Foray, Ball State U. [In progress]. 

Spetich, Martin A. Characteristics and spatial pattern of old-growth hardwood forests in the 

Midwest. [Doctoral thesis, Purdue University, 8/95.] 

Spetich, Martin A.; Shifley, Stephen R.; Parker, George R.; Ponder, Felix Jr. 1997. Ground 

Cover in Old-Growth Forests of the Central Hardwood Region. In: Pallardy, Stephen G.; 

Cecich, Robert A.; Garrett, H. Eugene; Johnson, Paul S., eds. Proceedings, 11th Central 
Hardwood forest conference; 1997 March 23-26; Columbia, MO. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-188. 

St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest 

Experiment Station. 152-160. 

Stafford, Mary Laspina. May 1992. Avian Streamside Habitat Selection in the Hoosier 

National Forest , Indiana Thesis. 82 pages 

Stefanavage, Thomas C. & Carnahan, Daniel P.; Largemouth Bass Slot Size Limit Evaluation 

At Indian, Celina, Tipsaw, and Saddle Lakes. 1993 Fish Management Report. pp. 1-49 

Tansey, Michael. 1997. Fungal collections. Indiana University. 

Thompson, Frank R., III: Robinson, Scott K.; Whitehead, Donald R.; Brawn, Jeffrey D. 1996. 

Management of Central Hardwood Landscapes for the Conservation of Migratory Birds. In: 

Thompson, Frank R., III; ed. Management of Midwestern Landscapes for the Conservation of 

Neotropical Migratory birds. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-187, St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station: 117-143. 

Thompson, Frank R., III; Robinson, Scott K.; Whitehead, Donald R.; Brawn, Jeffrey D. 1996. 

Management of Central Hardwood Landscapes for the Conservation of Migratory Birds. pp 

117-143. 

Thompson, Frank R., III.; Schwalbach, Monica J. 1995. Analysis of Sample Size, Counting 

Time, and Plot Size from an Avian Point Count Survey on Hoosier National Forest, Indiana. 

In: Ralph, C. John; Sauer, John R.; Droege, Sam.; eds. Monitoring Bird Populations by Point 

Counts. Gen Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-149. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest 

Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 45-48. 

Thompson, III, Frank R. April 1991 - Two Year Duration. Behavior, Movements, and Habitat 

Preferences of Brown-Headed Cowbirds in Midwest Landscapes. Study Plan Summary. pp. 

16 

Weekland, Cathy A. May 1995. Density, Nesting Success, and Habitat Selection of 

Neotropical Migratory Songbirds at Forest-Road Edges in Southern Indiana. Thesis. 102 

pages 

Weigel, Dale R.; Johnson, Paul S. 1997. Estimating D.B.H. of Southern Indiana Oaks from 

Stump Diameter. Technical Brief. TB-NC-4. Columbia, Missouri: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 4 p. 

Whitaker, Jr., John O. & Hosler, Barbara L. March 30, 1993. Small Mammals of the Barrens, 

Old Fields, and Forest Openings of the Unglaciated Hill Country of South Central Indiana. pp. 

1-48. 

Whitehead, Donald R. April 1, 1995-August 31, 1995. Report on The Success of Neotropical 

Migrant Breeding Birds (NTMB). pp. 1-31 
Whitehead, Donald R. June 27, 1994. Nest Monitoring Information. p. 6 

Whitehead, Donald R., Gremel, Scott & Gibson, Devin D. (1995) Extra-Limital Breeding 

Populations of the Chestnut-Sided Warbler (Denddroica Pensylvanica) In South-central 

Indiana. Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science Vol. 104 pp. 47-55. 

Whitehead, Donald R., Grimmond, C. Susan B., and Robeson, Scott M. December 3, 1993. 

The Effect of Variability in Microclimate and Regional Climate on the Productivity of 

Neotropical Migrant Landbirds in Midwestern Forests: Application to Climate-Change 

Scenarios. 26 pages 

Whitehead, Donald R. October 15, 1993. Factors Influencing the Reproductive Success of 

Neotropical Migrant Landbirds in South-Central Indiana: The Effect of Landscape Pattern and 

Wildlife Management Activities. 45 pages 

Whitehead, Donald R., Doran, Patrick J., Ford, Thomas B., Geils, Elizabeth S., Koch, Steven 

W., Koukkol, Matthew S., Norrgard, Jeffrey WL., Slusher, R. Bernadette, Wilson, Cherie L. 

& Winslow, Donald E. October 24, 1994. Factors Influencing the Reproductive Success of 

Forest-Dependent Neotropical Migrant Landbirds in South-Central Indiana: The Effect of 

Landscape Pattern and Timber and Wildlife Management Activities. pp. 1-26 

Winslow, Donald E., Doran, Patrick J., Whitehead, Donald R., Greenberg, Grant M.; Koukol, 

Matthew A.; Geils, Elizabeth A.; Slusher, R. Bernadette; Ford, Thomas B. April 1996. The 

Reproductive Success of Forest-Dependent Songbirds in South-Central Indiana: Effects of 

Forest Management Practices. Bloomington, IN: Department of Biology, Indiana University, 

in preparation, submitted to Conservation Biology April 1996. Unpublished. pp. 1-37. 

Need: Endangered, Threatened, Sensitive, and Other Rare Species 

Badger, K. French's Shooting Star/ Umbrella Magnolia. [Field work complete, report 

pending.] 

Brewer, Lawrence G. and Lane, Steve M. August 1, 1996. Inventory of Rare Plant and 

Animal Species in the Tornado Blowdown Area of the Pleasant Run Unit in the Brownstown 

District of the Hoosier National Forest. 3D/Environmental. 27 pages. 

Buskirk, William H. Management for Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special 

Concern in Hoosier National Forest; A Commentary By The Nongame Bird Technical 

Advisory Committee. pp. 1-18 

Hobbs, Horton H. III. 1995. Final Report, Assessment of the biological resources of selected 

caves in the Hoosier National Forest, southern Indiana. Department of Biology, Wittenberg 

University, Springfield, Ohio. pp. 114. 

Indian Department of Natural Resources. 1993. Indiana's Rare Plants And Animals: A 

Checklist Of Endangered And Threatened Species. 26 pp. 
Olson, Steve; Hedge, Cloyce L.; Homoya, Michael A., and LeBlanc, Cheryl M. March 1990. 

Inventory of Endangered, Threatened and Rare Plant Species in the Tell City District of 

Hoosier National Forest. Division of Nature Preserves, Indiana Department of Natural 

Resources. 322 pages. Note: FOUO - Not for Release to Public. 

Pruitt Scott. 1996. Letter dated August 30, 1996 to Ms. Cid Morgan. On file with: Cid 

Morgan, USDA Forest Service. Report on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mist net survey of 

the bat community of the proposed salvage area. A total of 63 individuals representing 6 

species of bats were captured. Location information is sensitive; therefore, it is not available 

under the Freedom of Information Act. 

Scott, Perry; Starcs, Helen; Hedge, Cloyce L; Homoya, Michael A. and Baker, Colleen. 1996. 

Division of Nature Preserves, Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Inventory of 

Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plant Species in the Lost River Unit Brownstown District 

of the Hoosier National Forest. 18 pages. 

Whitaker, John O., Jr. 1996 Bats of the Wasbash and Ohio river bottomlands in southern 

Indiana. Department of Life Sciences, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, Interim 

Report to Indiana Department of Natural Resources, On File with Forest Supervisor, Hoosier 

National Forest, Bedford, IN. 47421. 

Need: Extensive Hardwood Forest Ecosystems and Forest Interior Species 

Botts, Paul; Haney, Alan; Holland, Karen; Packard, Steve. Sept. 1994. Midwest Oak 

Ecosystems Recovery Plan. pp. 1-112 

Gustafson, Eric J. and Thomas R. Crow. 1996. Simulating the Effects of Alternative Forest 

Management Strategies on Landscape Structure. Journal of Environmental Management. 46, 

77-94. 

Doran, Patrick J., Whitehead, Donald R. & Winslow, Donald E. April 1996. WithinLandscape Patterns of Land Cover and The Nesting Success of Neotropical Migrant Birds in 

South-Central Indiana. Final Report. pp. 1-25. 

Morgan, Cid H. December 15, 1995. Southern Tier Fragmentation/Openlands Team; Habitat 

Fragmentation Report. FC:1990 pp. 1-12. 

Ritter, Carroll D.; Allison, Harold; Gray, Lois Mittino. September 20, 1997. Natural Areas 

Preservation in the Hoosier National Forest: Recommendations for Inclusions and 

Management. pp. 1-16. 

Robinson, Scott K., Thompson, Frank R., Donavan, Therese M., Whitehead, Donald R., & 

Faaborg, John. Oct. 19, 1994. Regional Forest Fragmentation and The Nesting Success of 

Migratory Birds. Unpub. Data Accepted by Science. pp. 1-17. 

Robinson, Scott K., Thompson III, Frank R., Donavan, Therese M., Whitehead, Donald R., & 
Faaborg, John. March 31, 1995. Regional Forest Fragmentation and the Nesting Success of 

Migratory Birds. Science: Vol. 267. pp. 1-4. 3 copies; 2 unpub. dated & 2 in Science. 

Roebeson, S. Variability of microclimate affects on neo-tropical migrant bird reproduction. 

[In progress.] 

Rudy, William J. September 1993. The Influence of Landscape Pattern on Plant Species 

Diversity, Pleasant Run Unit, Hoosier National Forest. Thesis. 111 pages. 

Schlesinger, R.C., D.T. Funk, P.L. Roth, C.C. Myers. Assessing changes in biological 

diversity over time. [On-going] 

Schwalbach, Monica. Oct. 28, 1992. NTMB Workshop Abstract. Landscape scale and pattern 

implications for management of Neotropical Migrant Birds and Forest Openings, Hoosier 

National Forest, Indiana. pp. 1-3. 

Schwalbach, Monica; Gustafson, Eric; Crow, Tom; Marine, Ted. May 23, 1995. Implications 

for Management of Neotropical Migrant Birds and Forest Openings, Hoosier National forest. 

pp. 1-15. 

Snodgrass, Mark; Blackburn, Mike; Wyant, Vic. 1995. Determination of Extent of Habitation 

& Canopy Closure of Exotic Conifers in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. FNR 357. pp 1-6 (2 

maps) 

Spetich, Martin A.; Parker, George R.; and Gustafson, Eric J. 1997. Spatial and Temporal 

Relationships of Old-Growth and Secondary Forests in Indiana, USA. Natural Areas Journal 

Volume 17 (2). pp 118-130 

Thompson, III, Frank R., & Schwalbach, Monica J. August 8, 1991. Monitoring Population 

Declines and Effects of Forest Fragmentation on Forest Birds On Hoosier National Forest. pp. 

1-8. 

Thompson, Frank R., III.; Robinson, Scott K.; Whitehead, Donald R.; Brawn, Jeffrey D. 1996. 

Management of Central Hardwood Landscapes for the Conservation of Migratory Birds. In: 

Thompson, Frank R., III; ed. Management of Midwestern Landscapes for the Conservation of 

Neotropical Migratory Birds. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-187. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station: 117-143. 

Thompson, Frank R.; Schwalbach, Monica J. 1995 Analysis of Sample Size, Counting Time, 

and Plot Size from an Avian Point Count Survey on Hoosier National Forest, Indiana. In: 

Ralph, C. John; Sauer, John R.; Droege, Sam; eds. Monitoring Bird Populations by Point 

Counts. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-149. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 45-48. 

Whitehead, D. Fragmentation of Central Hardwood ecosystems: impacts on bird communities 

in Indiana. [In progress, funded by USDA Forest Service, NCFES.] 
Whitehead, D. 1997. Forest management practices effects on NTMBs. Indiana University. 

Need: Use of native plants in seedings and plantings 

Huebner, Cynthia D. August 1991. Herb Diversity and Natural Disturbance in the Hoosier 

National Forest, Pleasant Run Unit. Thesis. 111 pages. 

USDA Forest Service, Hoosier National Forest, Brownstown Ranger District established a 

native seed nursery which has produced native seed for harvesting every fall since 1996. 

Need: Changing recreational uses, values, and demands 

Frieder, Julie & Sarnat, Jeremy. 1992. Hoosier National Forest; An Application of Fiscal 

Impact Analysis. pp 1-36 

Indiana Department of Natural Resources. 1994. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor 

Recreation Plan (SCORP) document. 

Jacquart, Ellen M.; and Olson, Steven D. No Date Available. Collection of Medicinal Roots 

and Herbs on the Hoosier National Forest. In. Indiana Academy of Science. 1 page 

Slover, B.L. February 1996. A Music of Opinions: Collaborative planning for the Charles C. 

Deam Wilderness. Journal of Forestry; May, 1996, Vol. 94, Number 5. pp 18-24.. 

USDA Forest Service, 1997. National Recreation Use Study. Data collection on the Hoosier 

NF began in 1997 and is to proceed through 1998. Visitors are sampled at several points on 

the Forest at specific times throughout the year to determine who visits the Forest, when they 

come, what areas, and for what reason. (on-going) 

Vining, J. et al. An analysis of perceptions and values reflected in public responses to Forest 

management and plans. [In progress] 

Wadzinski, Lester. Managing Goals for Fun and Profit. Legacy, Volume 3, Number 3. pp. 27-

28 

Wadzinski, Les; and Knapp, Doug. December 1995. Saving an "Unwild" Wilderness Through 

Interpretation. In. Legacy November/December Issue. pp. 20-22 

Wadzinski, Les. November 1994. Saving an "Unwild" Wilderness Through Big Picture 

Management. National Wilderness Conference Presentation. 

Need: Oak-Hickory regeneration in central hardwoods 

Davidson, M. May 1995. The effect of a prescribed burn on a chestnut oak woodland in the 

Hoosier National Forest. Honors Thesis, Ball State University. 
Gustafon, Eric J., and Crow, Thomas R. August 1994. Forest Management Alternatives in the 

Hoosier National Forest. In: Journal of Forestry. pp. 28-29 

Jenkins, Michael A.; Parker, George R. 1996. Composition and Diversity of Herbaceous 

Layer Vegetation in Silvicultural Openings of Southern Indiana Forests. Unpublished. 19 

pages. 

LeBlanc, David C., & Salvagin, Tina M.; Stand History Reconstruction for Chestnut Oak 

Woodlands On Fork Ridge, Pleasant Run Unit, Hoosier National Forest, Indiana. Final 

Report. pp. 11-12. 

Simel, Erica. 1997 Ecological effects of UV-B radiation using yellow poplar pollen. Oak 

Ridge Labratory. 

USDA Forest Service, NCFES. Planting white oak in Indiana: effects of undercutting and 

shoot clipping. (4102-87-01). [On-going] 

USDA Forest Service, NCFES. Predicting stump sprouting and sprout development in 

southern Indiana. (4102-88-01). [On-going] 

Weigel, Dale R. & Parker, George R. 1997. The Regeneration Response to the Group 

Selection Method in Southern Indiana. pp. 90-93 in Northern Journal of Applied Forestry. 

Weigel, Dale R.; May 1993. Tree Regeneration Response To Group Selection Harvesting On 

the Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center: Thesis. pp. 74. 

Weigel, Dale R.; Johnson, Paul S. No Date. Failure Planting Northern Red Oak in Indiana: 

Using a Shelterwood Method. Technical Brief from the Silviculture and Ecology of Upland 

Center Hardwood Forests Research Unit. Draft. 4 pages. 

Weigel, Dale R. July 1994. The Regeneration of Group Selection Openings in Southern 

Indiana. Technical Brief. TB-NC-3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North 

Central Forest Experiment Station. 1 page. 

Need: Global Warming 

Simel, E.J. Collection of yellow poplar pollen to quantify ecological effects of UV-B radiation 

on genetic material. [Ongoing.] 

Research Needs not currently addressed: 

Four research needs recognized in the forest plan are currently not being addressed as active 

research. They include uneven-aged management of central hardwoods; controlling problem 

plants; controlling lone star ticks, and associated lyme disease; and acid deposition (rain, 

snow, fog, dry fallout). As research opportunities arise to address these needs, studies will be 

undertaken. 
Additional research being done on the forest includes: 

Prescribed Fire 

Aquilani, Steven; LeBlanc, David C.; Morrell, Thomas. The Effects of Prescribed Surface 

Fire on Ground and Shrub-Nesting Nearctic Migrants at Fork Ridge, Hoosier National Forest, 

1996 and 1997. Final Report pending. 

Heikens, Alice Long. February 1995. The Response of Three Southern Indiana Barrens to 

Prescribed Fire and/or Removal of Woody Species. 4 pages. 

Kalisz, Paul J. June 5, 1996. University of Kentucky. Report on the status of opal work on fire 

history of the post oak barrens of the Tell City Ranger District. 2 pages. 

Olson, Steven D., Botanist. June 5, 1995. The Historical Occurrence of Fire in the Central 

Hardwoods. pp. 1-18. 

Olson, Steven D. 1996. The Historical Occurrence of Fire in the Central Hardwoods, with 

Emphasis on Southcentral Indiana. Report; Natural Areas Journal, Vol. 16 (3). pp. 248-256. 

Soils and Water Quality 

Adams, Thomas Forrest. May 1992. The Influence of Slope Aspect and Position on Spatial 

and Temporal Properties of Soils in Southern Indiana. Thesis. 76 pages. 

Ehman, J. Estimation of carbon budgets in old clearcuts on Hoosier National Forest. [In 

progress.] 

Moss, R. October 5, 1994. Pate Hollow Water Quality Study. Draft and Final. pp. 1-37. 

Primak, Avam. 1997. GIS for Lake Monroe watershed. Indiana University. 

Ross, Stephen Scott, December 1992. Soils of the Barrens-Forest Ecotone in Perry County, 

Indiana. Thesis. 134 pages. 

Willard, Dan. 1997. Salt Creek watershed erosion. Indiana University. 

Cultural Heritage 

Ball State University, Archaeology Department. 1997. Test excavations conducted at a 

prehistoric-age occupied rock shelter and two associated open air sites. Ground penetrating 

radar was used to identify potential features. May precipitate a region-wide examination of 

rockshelters prevalent in the southern tier forests. 

Krieger, Angie. 1997. Three standing farm complexes on the Forest were evaluated to 

determine their significance according to National Register of Historic Places criteria. 
Krieger, Angie. 1997. Summer crew of archaeologists surveyed 2,142 acres for cultural sites. 

Krieger, Angie. 1997. Volunteers assisted with locating remnant traces of the Buffalo Trace 

Trail (Vincennes Trace) across the Hoosier NF. 

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Management Prescriptions [36 CFR 219.12(k)(2)] 

Document measured prescriptions and effects. Determine if management prescriptions and 

guidance are being applied and adhered to. Conduct one interdisciplinary field review per 

district. 

On Thursday September 18, 1997 the Hoosier Operations and Strategy Team conducted an 

interdisciplinary team monitoring trip to the Salt Creek Salvage Sale and the Eastside Pine -

Native Hardwood Restoration project. The purpose was for the Operations and Strategy Team 

to do a field review of the Eastside Pine - Native Hardwood Restoration project and a field

review of Salt Creek Salvage Sale to determine if management prescriptions and guidance 

were being applied and followed. 

The following people attended: Ken Day, Jim Denoncour, Becky Ewing, Dave Hanson, Norm 

Herzog, Tom Krueger, Wilma Marine, Pat Merchant, Cid Morgan, Ron Overshiner, Regis 

Terney, Tom Thake, Les Wadzinski, and Dale Weigel. 

Eastside Pine - Native Hardwood Restoration Project 

During our inspection of the Eastside Pine - Native Hardwood Restoration project, Tom 

Thake handed out copies of the EA and the Decision Notice and discussed the purpose of the 

timber harvest. We learned that the area had been prescribe-burned in 1987 and in 1990 to 

reduce the amount of sassafras, dogwood, and red maple, and encourage species such as white 

ash, cherry, oaks, and hickories. The August 19, 1992 Decision Notice states that pine 

overstory would be removed on 58 acres, and that pine would be thinned on 67 acres. The 

purpose was "to hasten the gradual conversion of pine to hardwoods, add to the local economy 

by utilizing a tenuous existing pine market, and enhance early successional native habitat." 

The purchaser completed harvest in 1994. 

The question for the team was if we had been successful in hastening the conversion to 

hardwoods? The team collected stocking data on 10 plots. All plots were stocked with young 

native hardwood trees. Forty percent of the plots would likely be dominated by oak trees. Oak 

is desirable because of the hard mast it provides for wildlife.

Salt Creek Salvage Sale 

On April 19, 1996 a tornado touched down in the Salt Creek Area. The October 18, 1996 

Decision Notice for the Pleasant Run Emergency Hardwood Salvage Project (which includes 

this timber sale) states that we would remove dead, down, severely damaged, or weakened 
trees from approximately 752 acres in 55 hardwood stands. 

The team was asked: Have we been successful in carrying out Forest Plan guidance for soil 

and water? The team agreed we were successful in carrying out Forest Plan guidance for soil 

and water. The waterbars on this sale area are excellent. Use of the existing multiple-use trails 

for skid roads avoided having two trail disturbances. The sale operator avoided crossing 

streams except at designated crossings. Mitigation measures are satisfactory. This site is rated 

as above average in regard to application of best management practices (BMP's). During the 

time the sale was open there were two months before the waterbars were installed. Heavy 

rains prevented the operator getting them in place sooner. Some soil erosion occurring prior to 

when the logging ceased and waterbars installed was observed. Water quality was slightly 

impacted. 

An interesting was noted by Pat Merchant. The Operations and Strategy Team had higher 

expectations than the Best Management Practices (BMP) team of September 10, 1997 on what 

the sale area should look like. The BMP team was impressed with our application of BMP's 

while some members of the team thought we could do better. 

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FY 1997 Site Specific Project Decisions 

DECISION DATE COUNTY

Southern Indiana Horsemen's Special Use 

Permit 2/12/97 Perry Co.

DOT Easement 1/24/97 Perry Co.

Storm Recovery Project 1/17/97 Crawford, Perry, Orange, Lawrence, Monroe, & 

Jackson

Native Warm Season Grass Restoration 1/6/97 Crawford,Perry Co

Powerline FLPMA Permit, Linear ROW 12/3/97 Perry Co.

Pleasant Run Emergency Hardwood 10/18/96 Lawrence, Jackson

Oriole Trail Realignment & Construction 2/27/97 Crawford, Perry

Wolfe Exchange Proposal 4/4/97 Orange, Perry

East Fork Water, Inc., Sup 5/21/97 Martin Co.

Hickory Ridge Trail Realignment & 

Construction 5/29/97 Monroe, Lawrence, Jackson

Dubois Water Utilities, Inc 6/11/97 Martin Co. 

Allens Creek FRTA Easement 6/19/97 Monroe Co.

Maumee-Poke Patch Salvage Project 6/25/97 Jackson Co.

Temporary Road SUP 7/25/97 Monroe Co
Maumee-Poke Patch 2nd Appeal Period 6/25/97 Jackson Co

Birdseye Trailhead Parking Project 8/21/97 Dubois Co

South-central Indiana REMC 9/22/97 Brown Co.

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Adjacent Lands [36 CFR 219.7(f)] 

Consider effects of National Forest planned management on land, resources, and communities 

adjacent or near the National Forest and conversely, the effects on National Forest 

management from activities on nearby lands managed by other public land agencies or under 

the jurisdiction of local government. To be addressed from a perspective of current and 

emerging issues. 

There is an interrelationship between the effects of National Forest management on nearby 

privately owned lands, and the effects of activities on nearby privately owned lands on 

National Forest management. This is particularly the case in south central Indiana, where NFS 

land is interspersed with private or other public lands. 

Because of the limited amount of public land in Indiana, there are many demands for it's use. 

The scattered landownership pattern of the Hoosier results in many neighbors whose activities 

effect National Forest management. Current demands that affect National Forest management 

on adjacent lands include: trail use, trespass, small forest products, other special uses, 

community development, and flood control. 

Trail use -- In concert with the Forest Plan, trail riders have increased their requests for special 

use trails and permits to conduct events on the National Forest. Most trail riding requests are 

for horse-riding events, but requests are also received for mountain bike events. 

Trespass -- Trespass from NFS land to private land occurs inadvertently on a continual basis. 

Only a small portion of National Forest property boundaries are marked and identifiable. As a 

result, people using the Forest often wander onto private lands without realizing that they have 

trespassed. There is also the potential for private landowners to inadvertently trespass with 

land practices or use onto NFS land. As the numbers of neighbors increase through parcel 

subdivision, the likelihood of trespass also increases. For every mile of property boundary we 

mark and survey we identify one or two encroachments (trespass) onto NFS land. Resources 

permitting, we address these trespasses on a case-by-case basis. 

Small forest products -- Frequent requests for small forest products include plant collection, 

grapevine collection, houselogs, fence posts, and other miscellaneous products. These 

requests may be granted or denied depending on how they fit within the Forest Plan guidance. 

Resource specialists determine the best locations and restrictions to be imposed. As 

appropriate, permittees pay a fee for the small forest products, commensurate with their value. 
Other special uses -- Occasionally we authorize private enterprises to have the use of NFS 

land. One example is a fish-for-fee permit that provides a fishing opportunity to the public 

under private operation. Permittees uphold permit requirements, and pay a fee to the United 

States for the use of NFS land. They are granted non-exclusive use of the land. See the 

"Provide for Human and Community Development" section for special uses monitoring 

information. 

Community development -- Community development and private land management also 

affects the National Forest. Development and subdivision of private parcels increases the 

number of people adjacent to NFS land, thus increasing the potential for direct use by 

neighbors. Louisville, Kentucky and Bloomington, Indiana are two large cities which continue 

to expand. Commuters preferring to live in a more rural area are creating a demand for more 

home and development construction in the Forest area. Economic development, primarily in 

the vicinity of the Tell City Ranger District, has the potential to greatly change the 

demographics of Perry and Crawford counties. These developments include: 

A Riverboat casino has gone in within 25 miles of the Tell City Ranger District. The casino 

draws many people and has increased development in the area by bringing in money and jobs. 

Although the casino is their destination, it is likely that some visitors will use the recreational 

facilities on NFS. Use patterns are still being established and monitoring has yet to determine 

the effect on NFS land. 

Perry County small industries -- Several small industries have constructed facilities in Perry 

County, drawing employment, and in turn residents to that area. Influx to the area has been on 

a steady incline, and has the potential to result in more visitors with greater variety of 

demands on the NFS landbase. 

Toyota plant -- Toyota is constructing a major facility within commuting distance to much of 

the Hoosier National Forest. Again, this will result in more job, more development, and 

increased use on the limited NFS landbase. Adjacent satellite industries will also attract more 

people to the area thus increasing demands on National Forest System lands. 

Steel Plants -- AK Steel plan to constructing a major steel mill in Spencer County, near the 

Tell City unit. The Wopaka Foundry near Troy, IN in Perry County now employs a significant 

number of people. What change these plants may have on air quality has not been determined. 

Holiday World and Splashing Safari -- This growing amusement park is the oldest theme park 

in continuous operation in the nation. In recent years it's popularity has grown and the park 

has put a lot of money into expansion and construction. Each year they've open a major new 

ride, and the number of visitors continues to spiral upwards. Many of these tourists will camp 

on the Forest or visit other Forest areas during their trip to the amusement park. 

Crane Naval Base expansion -- In the vicinity of the Brownstown Ranger District, Crane 

Naval Base expanded its operation and brought in additional employees. Hoosier National 

Forest is well within commuting distance for those employees. The potential exists for an 

increase in the numbers of neighbors residing near to the National Forest, and for an increase 
in the use and uses of the National Forest. 

Flood Control -- Other than streams, creeks, and rivers, there are few natural bodies of water 

within the boundary of the Hoosier National Forest. Most fishing lakes and ponds were 

created by constructing dams to impound the water. Many were designed primarily for flood 

control with recreation as a secondary use. National Forest resource managers are currently 

evaluating the dam structures to assess the integrity of the dams, and the work needs to 

maintain the dams in acceptable condition. Many of the dams are located above private lands. 

It is critical that these structures are sound and are within guidelines to ensure safety to those 

who live below the structures. Flood rerouting was accomplished in a prior year for Springs 

Valley dam to be re-routed. Floods and storm damage resulted in higher risk situations and in 

June of 1997, $2.4 million were received to renovate Forest dams including: Springs Valley, 

Celina, Saddle Lake, and U-38 dam, all located on the Tell City Ranger District. 

Go to Top

Demand [36 CFR 219.10(g)] 

The Forest Supervisor shall review the conditions on the land covered by the plan at least 

every 5 years to determine whether conditions or demands of the public have changed 

significantly. 

When we amended the Forest Plan in 1991, we emphasized the many demands for the 

National Forest. Demand for National Forest System resources was displayed and discussed in 

depth in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Appendix B (p. 4-4 to 4-5) and in the 

Forest Plan Amendment (p. 3-3 to 3-4). The forest interdisciplinary team (ID team) estimated 

demands for dispersed recreation, developed recreation, timber, young forest, openings and 

shrubland, core areas, backcountry, and natural-appearing forest. Demand was estimated for 

each in order to address the management challenges of land ownership patterns, recreation 

use, oil and gas exploration, and biological diversity. The following demand and supply table 

shows the Forest Plan estimates for 1995 (an approximate midpoint of the Plan life), and for 

the year 2005 to show future demand trends. 

FOREST PLAN DEMAND AND SUPPLY 

Benefit Projected Demand For 1995 Projected Demand For 2005 Projected Supply From 

Forest Plan Dispersed Recreation (Rec. Visitor Days - RVDs) 272,000 347,502 267,000 

Developed Recreation (RVDs) 120,000 168,315 120,000 Timber (Million Board Feet) 19.0 

22.4 4.4 Young Forest (Acres of 0-19 hardwood, 0-9 pine, or reverting openings) 23,400 

23,400 14,100 Openings and Shrubland (Acres of maintained openings, red cedar, barrens, & 

utility corridors) 6,300 6,300 5,800 Core Areas (Acres) 96,000 96,000 32,000 Backcountry 

(Acres) 78,000 78,000 53,000 Natural-appearing Forest (Acres) 185,000 185,000 96,000 

As reported on page 6 of this report, recreation visitor days exceeded our expectations in 1997 

(510,000 actual versus 387,000 projected). Demand for other benefits has not changed 

appreciably since estimates were made in the Forest Plan Amendment. 
Some people believe that controversy about national forest decisions demonstrates changes in 

demand. As stated in the April 8, 1991 Record of Decision (ROD) public concerns could not 

be completely resolved. Some forest users will continue to be dissatisfied with management 

direction (ROD, p. 17). As evidence of this, in 1997 the Forest received 4 administrative 

appeals on proposed projects. The issues raised in these appeals included planning process 

issues such as National Forest Management Act, range of alternatives, purpose and need, 

cumulative effects, economic costs and benefits, and public involvement, as well as on-theground concerns such as potential impacts on reptiles and herps, the Indiana bat, and 

migratory birds, and objections to projects such as timber salvage and prescribed fire. All four 

appeals were on the Maumee Poke Patch project. The Regional Forester remanded the 

Maumee Poke Patch project back to the Hoosier to further analyze the impacts of the project 

on the endangered Indiana bat. 

The planning process provides for people dissatisfied with project decisions to comment, 

appeal, and if still not satisfied, take legal recourse. In 1997 the Forest was not involved in 

any litigation on Plan implementation. 

The ongoing debate over management of the Forest has not resulted from changes in demand, 

but a continuation of the debate over values. Society's values however, are part of what shapes 

management of the Forest, so we continue to analyze what people are telling us and what they 

want from their public lands. 

_______________________________________________________ 

Go to Top

The next section of this report is organized by Forest Plan goal with the appropriate 

regulations referenced for each. 

Protect and Manage Ecosystems 

Restocked Lands [36 CFR 219.12(k)(5)(i)] 

Assure lands are adequately restocked as specified in the Forest Plan (App. B, B-11 to B-13). 

Reference: Annual National Forest Management Act (NFMA) Stocking Report. 

Methodology: Certification for hardwood stands involved going to the particular stands and 

doing a walk through, observing the predominant species in the stand, and recording the 

percent stocked. Hardwood stand certification is based on a walk though and visual 

observation, no plots are taken. For the 104 acres of pine stand regeneration, seedling counts 

are taken on 1/750 acre plots at about one plot per acre. Examiners are trained by the Forest 

silviculturist to ensure information is collected consistently. 

Criteria for judging acceptability: Decisions are based on the information collected. 
Results: In FY 1997, 31 acres were certified as regenerated to hardwood. These were pine 

stands that had been prescribed burned to stimulate oak reproduction. One pine stand was 

certified which had been previously thinned in a past house log sale. 

Forest Plan met?: Yes. 

Recommendations: Although we continue to have success at regenerating and enhancing the 

oak component with prescribe fire, we are concerned that unless the overstory pine is thinned 

or removed we will quickly loose the oak regeneration. We need to treat the overstory pine 

trees where we have prescribe burned. 

Monitor Eastside Ecosystem Restoration Project 

In 1997 we monitored regeneration of hardwood seedlings on all stands where an overstory 

removal was accomplished in the 1992 Eastside Pine Sale. The four stands showed oak 

regeneration ranging from 500 to 1,500 oak seedlings per acre. This site was also checked by 

a site visit by the forest operations and strategy team on September 18, 1997. 

Insects and Disease [36 CFR 219.12(k)(5)(iv)] 

Discover, report, and evaluate areas of infestations. Coordinate with State and Private 

Forestry (S&PF) and appropriate state agencies. 

Methodology: 

In March 1997, the Hoosier hosted a Regional Forest Health visit. During the visit we had 

representatives from the Regional Office along with an Entomologist and Pathologist from the 

Forest Health office out of St Paul, Minnesota. 

In the visit we looked at three main areas: 1. Tornado damage in hardwood and pine stands on 

the Pleasant Run area. 2. Snow and wind damaged pine stands on the Forest. 3. High density 

white oak stands on the forest. 

Results: In 1997, after sustaining tornado damage and snow and wind storms, the Hoosier 

N.F. sold nine salvage sales and are in the process of treating 951 acres of damaged acres. 

Damage varied from areas where all the trees were completely destroyed to areas where only 

scattered trees were damaged. The team from the Health Visit agreed the salvage sales will 

improve the forest health and vigor of the treated stands. 

Forest Plan met?: Yes, in that potential problems are headed off before they happen. 

Recommendations: The visit pointed out several areas of concern regarding possible insect 

and disease build up in each of the three type areas. The visit helped us predict what insect 

and disease problems we might expect, how to prepare for them and what to look for in future 

monitoring. 
Monitor damage from March 19, 1996 snow storm and April 19, 1996 tornado.

There were two major damaging storms in 1996; the snow storm of March 19, 1996 and the 

tornado of April 19, 1996. An aerial detection flight for the snow damage was coordinated 

with State and Private Forestry (S&PF) and the IDNR State Entomologist. We (one individual 

from S&PF, the State Entomologist, and Forest Silviculturist) mapped snow damaged stands 

during the flight on Federal, State, and private lands. Following the aerial detection flight, 

which located numerous affected stands, we organized field crews to ground truth the impact 

of the storm. Field crews investigated over 60 pine stands, and later proposed 14 stands for a 

salvage operation. 

The tornado of April 19, 1996 was flown in early May. The District Ranger and Forest 

Silviculturist mapped the damage during the aerial detection flight. Both S&PF and the State 

were notified about the tornado storm flight, but because of a conflict in scheduling and the 

urgency to get the flight accomplished; we were not able to include them in the flight. 

Following the flight we notified S&PF and the State regarding the damage. In a May 14, 1996 

scoping letter we notified the public of the extent of the tornado damage. The scoping letter to 

the public identified over 1,900 acres of damaged forest. In September as part of the annual 

needs request with S&PF, we requested and set tentative dates for S&PF to visit the Hoosier 

National Forest in January 1997 to visit both storm damage areas and to evaluate the effects of 

the storms. This visit was later postponed until March 1997. 

Introduced sawfly 

Methodology: Visit affected stands 

Results: A known population of introduced sawfly had been noted in a white pine stand at 

Lanman Cemetery. The stand had been monitored in past year. In 1997, the white pine stand 

at Lanman Cemetery was checked, as well as adjacent white pine near the Indian/Celina 

campgrounds and on adjacent private lands. The population of sawfly are not building up at 

this time. 

Forest Plan met?: Yes. 

Recommendations: The Forest Silviculturists continues to keep the State Entomologist 

informed of his annual monitoring. Although there are sporadic isolated sawfly outbreaks on 

white stand, the populations on or adjacent to the Forest appear to have collapsed. Monitoring 

will continue. 

Soil and Water [36 CFR 219.27(a)(1)(2)(4),(b)(5),(e),(f)]

Forest Plan Appendix J and K. 

Monitor to ensure implementation and effectiveness of soil mitigation and protection 

measures are applied to all management activities. 
Reference to relevant laws and handbooks: 36 CFR 219.27 (a) (1) & (2) & (f). Forest Service 

Handbook (FSH) 2309.18 section 3.12b - Exhibit 02. FSH 2509.22 section 6.34 -Exhibit 8. 

Draft R9 Supplement, FSH 2509.18, Chapter 2. Draft Indiana Forestry Best Management 

Practices Guidelines (08/30/96) 

Salvage Sale Monitoring 

On August 20, two members of the public reported concerns that the Starnes Salvage Area 

sale was not complying with mitigation measure AA in the Pleasant Run Hardwood 

Emergency Salvage EA, that no more than 10 percent of the area within 30 feet of an 

intermittent stream should have ground disturbance. 

Methodology: I visited the sale area on August 26 and walked many of the intermittent 

streams which bisect the sale area, looking for skid trails, stream crossings, and other 

disturbed ground. 

Results: A full description of the monitoring trip is in an August 26, 1997 memo. Stream 

reach impacted by ground disturbance was calculated at approximately 0.25 mile of stream 

channel in the sale area, or 1,267 feet. There were three areas with crossings, each an average 

of 25 feet wide. The length of the crossings within 30 feet of the stream was 60 feet each for 

two crossings, and 100 feet for the other crossing. This comes to approximately 7 percent of 

the stream reach being impacted by ground disturbance within 30 feet of the stream. 

Forest Plan met?: Yes. The 10 percent limit within 30 feet of intermittent streams is being 

met. 

Recommendations: There were more and larger stream crossings than necessary to remove the 

salvaged trees. Timber sale administrators were aware of only one of the crossings. They 

would discuss the other crossing with the operators. When operations finish, material that was 

placed in the channel needs to be removed so that normal drainage can resume. 

Methodology: The Tornado Pine Salvage Sale was inspected on June 2, 1997, to see if Forest 

Plan standards were being met . The purchaser was using different equipment than originally 

envisioned and there was a concern that sensitive Valarian plants along streams might be 

more difficult to protect. 

Recommendation: Sufficient protection should be afforded the plants if no equipment is 

allowed to work in the 30 foot zone along Starnes Creek until after June 30, 1997. After June 

30, the plants will have flowered and built up sufficient reserve to allow for disruption from 

harvest equipment. Forest Hydrologist will monitor how much ground is affected by the 

logging and the amount of compaction created by single or double passes under different 

ground conditions. (This monitoring will be done on the Lilly Dale Salvage Sale as well to 

compare different soil conditions.) 

Monitor a Prescribed Burn area 
Determine if minimum threshold values for soil disturbance are being met. 

Standard: The entire forest floor down to mineral soil should not be consumed by burning, 

over more than 50 contiguous square feet, or more then 5 percent of the area. 

Wheatly Branch Prescribed Pine and Barrens Burn - Post Burn Monitoring 

Date and location of observations: On February 20 and 24, 1996 pre-burn ground cover 

assessment for the Wheatly Branch barrens burn area was established. On April 2, 1997 the 

prescribed burn was carried out. On April 9, 1997 post burn ground cover assessment was 

conducted. 

Acceptable Criteria: The entire forest floor down to mineral soil should not be consumed by 

burning, for over 50 contiguous square feet, or more than 5 percent of a project area. (Draft 

R9 Supplement, FSH 2509.18 [9/27/90]) 

Methodology: Point Transect Method for Discrete Variables. Described in R5 interim 

directive for FSH 2509.18 Section 2.2, rev. draft September 1991. 

Effective Ground Cover transect. One transect was taken in an east to west direction, 90 - 270 

degree azimuth, which resulted in the transect to run at a slight angle across the contour. This 

would give a good representative sample of ground conditions. 

Preburn data was taken at every pace for 100 paces. At each pace a 1 inch square area at the 

boot tip was evaluated as to whether or not soil cover (organic material, living vegetation, or 

rock fragments >3/4 inch diameter) will effectively dissipate the energy of falling raindrops. 

More than 50 percent to the square is a yes, less than 50 percent is a no. Each pace equals a 

percent, therefore, the number of points indicating acceptable ground cover equals the percent 

of the area having effective ground cover. 

Results of monitoring: Preburn Conditions: 95 percent of area had effective soil cover. Post 

Burn Conditions: 89 percent of the area had effective soil cover. There were no observations 

made where all organic material was burned from the soil. 

Forest Plan Standards were met? Yes. Minimum soil quality standards for soil erosion and 

severe burned soil were exceeded! 

Salt Creek Salvage Sale and Pipeline Salvage Sale. 

On September 10, 1997 Forest personnel met with the Indiana Best Management Practices 

(BMP) Monitoring Team to review the closed payment unit #4 on the Salt Creek Salvage Sale 

and payment unit #1 on the Pipeline Salvage Sale. 

Several times prior to the closing of payment unit #4 on the Salt Creek Salvage Sale the unit 

was visited to assure that soil quality standards for soil erosion, soil compaction, rutting and 

displacement were being met. 
Methodology: Access roads, log landings, skid trails, stream crossings, and streamside 

management zones were monitored to insure that practices were implemented to protect the 

soil and water resources. 

Results: The soil and water protection measures including waterbar spacing, seeding and 

mulching, and water diversions were correctly constructed and installed. 

Forest Plan met?: Yes, the Indiana BMP monitoring team stated that they were very impressed 

with the construction technique and the adequacy of the waterbars installed. 

Recommendations: If there is to be more than 2 or 3 weeks between the time when an 

operator completes cutting a payment unit and the time when it is to be closed, temporary soil 

and water protection practices should be installed at critical points that may cause damage to 

the soil and water resources. 

These timber sales were inspected to see if Forest Plan standards were being met on June 2, 

1997. The following observations and recommendations were made: 

Salt Creek Salvage Sale - 1. Main skid trail lacked water bars or other diversionary structures. 

Recommendation: rather than install temporary water structures, the payment unit would be 

closed soon and the purchaser would place permanent water bars. Forest hydrologist would 

work with the sale administrator to place structures. 2. Examined ephemeral stream verses 

intermittent stream designation and special consideration zones used in logging. 

Recommendation: Zones as described in Forest Plan guidance work well for hardwood stands 

but the group felt pine stands should have different standards due to the objective of removing 

non-native species to reduce seeding in the future stands. Should look at changing Forest Plan 

guidance at time of Plan Revision. 3. Skid trails were well laid out and adhered to. Landing 

construction was acceptable. Recommendation: Continue pulling line and staying away from 

streams. 

Pipeline Salvage Sale - 1. Skidding, landing and road reconstruction were examined. Results 

were acceptable and group was pleased that operators had been able to clear downed trees out 

of the stream without any damage to the streambeds. 2. Road construction and reconstruction 

standards were discussed. The amount of gravel and width of the road was not objectionable 

but was different than expected. As benchmarks, the group will continue to monitor other 

roads constructed by operators on private land who build to the low and high end standards. 

Gravel roads will also stay open four to five years longer than roads built with native 

materials. 

Vegetative Management [36 CFR 219.15 and 219.27(b)] 

Monitor the chestnut oak restoration site at Fork Ridge using photo points. 

Methodology: Fork Ridge was prescribed burned in spring 1993 and spring 1995. Four 

photopoints were set up in August 1993 to monitor change in the vegetation. In addition, a 

fifth photopoint was established in 1994 close to an intermittent creek in the burn area. 
Results: A set of photopoint pictures were taken August 5, 1997. We now have four sets of 

pictures taken at the same time of year - August of 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1997. 

Comparison of the photos showed an increase in the forest floor vegetation cover from August 

1993 to 1997. While photopoint #1 is in the area that had the hottest burn, little change is 

evident between the years. It appears that the initial fire was hot enough to top-kill many of 

the small trees (up to 10 inches) in the area, and the vegetation increased dramatically 

immediately after the fire. The second fire top-killed a few smaller trees, but this does not 

appear to have caused much change in the ground flora. 

Photopoints 2, 3, and 4, on the other hand, show a progressive increase in ground flora 

through the years. It is likely that the second burn killed additional trees (up to 6 inches in 

these areas), providing increased light and therefore increased plant growth. 

Photopoint M1 shows a small increase in ground flora from 1994 to 1997. The fire did topkill 

a number of the small (less than two inch diameter) maples in the understory, but this did not 

increase the light reaching the forest floor enough to have much of an effect on the ground 

flora. 

Jennifer Ring, a graduate student of Dr. Dave LeBlanc from Ball State University, took plant 

cover information from plots in the Fork Ridge burn area and a similar unburned area this 

summer. Results should be available in early 1998. 

Recommendations: Take another set of photopoints after the next precribed burn (this will 

likely be FY99). 

Monitor Boone Creek watershed, using photo points and transects, to track ecosystem 

restoration following prescribed burn activities. 

Methodology: A portion of the Boone Creek watershed, known as the "Out-the-Ridge" (OTR) 

barrens, has been subjected to prescribed fire four times in recent years. The first two burns 

were part of the "Post oak - Blackjack oak - Farkleberry - Rattlesnake-master Community 

Management project". This project involved removing understory trees which were "off-site" 

and prescribed burning the barrens opening. The last two burns were part of the "Boone Creek 

Ecosystem Restoration project" which involved prescribed burning the entire landscape of the 

upper portions of the watershed. 

As part of an informal study following the landscape burns, I have taken vegetation plot data 

from along a transect running south on the west side of the OTR site from the county road and 

along the edge of the clearcut on three occasions: in 1992, 1995 and 1997. The plots were not 

marked, so the data from each year is not directly comparable. The intent was to observe 

trends and changes in the flora and vegetation in the project area. 

The transect was first run in the late spring of the first growing season following the first 

landscape burn. The second transect was run in the early summer of the second growing 

season after the second landscape burn. The third transect was run in early summer of the 
fourth year after the latest burn. 

Results: (Note - See Appendix A for tables on plot results: Table 1-3) Nearly 200 species of 

plants have been observed in Compartment 18 (where OTR is located). A total of 99 species 

were found in the 20 plots along the transect (Table 1). Of these species, 30 occurred in all 

years, 18 were recorded in 1992 only, 10 were found only in 1995, and 20 were found only in 

1997 (Table 2). Over 40 species have appeared in only one of the 60 possible plots. 

The flora has changed very little in the past few years, as no additional species have been 

added to the compartment list from these plots. It remains uncertain if the there are more 

species present now than when the management of the site began because this transect was not 

run before the prescribed burns. However, it does appear that the species composition 

stabilized by the time of the third prescribed fire. The number of species present in the plots 

did not significantly change between 1992 and 1997 (Table 3) when compared to the 

compartment total (197 species). 

Among the species recorded, it is interesting to note that there were only four annuals: 

common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), common beggars-ticks (Bidens frondosa), 

fireweed (Erectites hieracifolia), and Venus' looking-glass (Triodanis perfoliata). Of further 

interest is that these plants appeared only in the year immediately following a burn, i.e. 1992, 

suggesting that such species require frequent disturbance. 

The average plot contained 8.4 species in 1992 (Table 3). The number of species in each plot 

ranged from 0 to 16, most often 6 (four times). The average plot had 7.0 species in 1995. The 

number of species in each plot ranged from 3 to 14, most often 7 and 8 (five times each). The 

average plot had 9.1 species in 1997. The number of species in each plot ranged from 5 to 16, 

most often 8 (five times). 

The frequency of regenerating canopy species, including oaks (Quercus spp.), white ash 

(Fraxinus americana) and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), has not changed, nor have understory 

trees of dry forests, including flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and redbud (Cercis 

canadensis). What seems to have increased is the frequency of shrubs, such as lowbush 

blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum), deerberry (V. stamineum), farkleberry (V. arboreum) and 

coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), and trees of open areas such as persimmon 

(Diospyros virginiana). 

The composition of the plant community is stable in the Boone Creek watershed. However, 

this informal vegetation survey revealed nothing about the structure of the community or its 

associated animal populations. Casual observation of this site and the adjacent unburned 

private lands shows that the structure has changed considerably by improving the health of 

plants in the burned areas, as evidenced by the vigor of shoot growth, flowering and fruiting. 

Recommendations: In order to maintain this health and vigor in the Boone Creek watershed, 

another prescribed landscape burn is recommended for next year. 

One species which indicates the need for another prescribed burn is common greenbriar 
(Smilax rotundifolia). This species has doubled in its frequency as a dominant in the plots 

between 1995 and 1997. It was among the three most abundant species in four plots in 1995 

and in eight in 1997. In 1995, it was present in only those four plots, while in 1997, it 

appeared in 11 plots. 

There appears to be an increase in the dominance of small woody stems in the area. Among 

the three most abundant species in each plot, there has been an increase in saplings and 

shrubs. In 1995, woody species appeared as one of the three dominant species 13 times. By 

1997, this had increased to 17 times. This increase could lead to a reduction in the amount of 

herbaceous diversity, therefore lowering the quality of the habitat. 

Another factor which would improve the next prescribed burn is the likely acquisition of 

adjacent property, which essentially completes federal ownership of the head of the Boone 

Creek watershed. This property has not been subjected to prescribed fire, but the previous 

owner did selectively cut timber on it a few years ago. A prescribed fire here would reduce the 

amount of heavy fuels, stimulate oak regeneration, and revive the herbaceous component of 

the stand. Including the tract in a burn with the remainder of the head of the Boone Creek 

watershed would also be more manageable than previous fire line. 

Monitor Barrens Restoration Activities. 

Methodology: In 1995 the Hoosier National Forest set up a Challenge Cost Share agreement 

with Dr. Alice Heikens of Frankilin College. The purpose of this was to establish permanent 

vegetation sampling plots which would show the effects of various types of treatments on the 

barrens and dry forest communities on the Forest. Alice will be doing data analysis on these 

plots, but a few observations can be made from a brief look at the species lists. 

Results: (Note - Results are also shown in Appendix B) There were 30 vegetation plots 

established in the dry forest community at Kuntz Ridge in the Clover Lick barrens area (Table 

1). Between 1995 and 1997 no active management was done at this site. It was burned in 1995 

before plot data was taken. There were no redcedars to be removed from the stand. 

About 75 percent of the plants were found in both years. Most species appeared in about as 

many plots in 1995 as in 1997, although 21 species were seen in 1995 that were not seen in 

1997 and 19 appeared in 1997 that had not been seen in 1995. This reflects species reactions 

to climatic variation. Annuals seemed to have the greatest decreases in numbers, although 

only five species were recorded. These species require frequent disturbance and the period 

since the burn may be enough to show the drop in the abundance of annuals. Woody species 

did not noticeably change in numbers. Most of these are seedlings of canopy species which 

appear and are likely to disappear over time. 

There are 30 vegetation plots in the barrens community at Kuntz Ridge (Table 2). In 1997 

redcedars were removed from the barrens openings and adjacent forest to reduce their shading 

effect on the barrens. The site was burned in 1995 before plot data was taken. Only 29 of the 

30 plots were found in 1997. 
About 75 percent of the plants were found in both years. There appears to have been a slight 

decline in the number of species in each plot from 1995 to 1997, although 21 species were 

seen in 1995 that were not seen in 1997 and 24 appeared in 1997 that had not been seen in 

1995. It is worth noting that sweet-clover dropped in frequency from being in 20 plots the 

year of the burn to none two years after. This may reflect the species reactions to climatic 

variation and their reaction to a lack of site disturbance. Annuals seemed to have the greatest 

decrease in numbers. These species require frequent disturbance and the period since the burn 

may be enough to show the drop in the abundance of annuals. Woody species did not 

noticeably change in numbers. Most of these are seedlings of canopy species which appear 

and disappear over time. 

There are 60 vegetation plots in the dry forest and barrens at Harding Flats (Table 3). Plots 

were sampled in 1995 before any management had taken place. They were sampled in 1997 

after this springs prescribed burn and removal of redcedars from the area. 

About 84 percent of the plants were found in both years. There appears to have been a decline 

in the number of species in each plot between 1995 and 1997, although 19 species were seen 

in 1995 that were not seen in 1997 and 18 appeared in 1997 that had not been seen in 1995. 

This may reflect species reactions to climatic variation, their reaction to increased light 

because of the redcedar removal, their reaction to prescribed fire or some combination of 

these factors. Annuals seemed to have remained stable or increased in numbers. These species 

require frequent disturbance and the soil bared by the burn probably created a seedbed for the 

germination of annuals. There was a substantial decrease in the numbers of plots with woody 

species. The decline in ironwood and redbud accounted for most of the decrease. 

Recommendations: Alice also had a major complaint about the Forest's plot marking 

guidelines. A considerable amount of time (nearly 50 percent in the Kuntz Ridge barrens) was 

spent searching for plot markers. Metal stakes were very difficult to locate among the dense 

stands of prairie vegetation (one could not be located at all) even with the aid of a metal 

detector. In the Kuntz Ridge forest plots, a marker was not found. The suggestion was to have 

plots marked by stakes that would be visible (or at least not so difficult to locate) among the 

ground vegetation, i.e. at least 18 inches high. These plots are located in areas which are rarely 

visited by typical Forest users and would be unlikely to pose serious safety concerns. 

Monitor Conversion to Warm Season Grasses 

Methodology: An opening of about two acres on French Ridge east of Lanman Cemetery has 

been converted from fescue to native warm-season grasses. The field was planted on 6 

November 1991. Seed of the warm-season grasses was mixed with wheat seed. Indian grass, 

big bluestem, and little bluestem were mixed with the wheat at approximately the same 

volume: 1/2 gallon wheat to 1/2 gallon Indian grass, big bluestem, or little bluestem. Seed was 

spread with a hand-operated broadcast spreader, then compacted with a seeder pulled behind a 

tractor. 

Results: Indian grass was planted on the south side of the opening. Little bluestem is in a strip 

about 30 feet wide adjacent to the access road on the north side. Big bluestem is in the 
remainder of the north side of the opening. After three growing seasons, the opening was 

subjected to prescribed fire, then left to grow until 16 October 1997. It is apparent that Indian 

grass and big bluestem are well established. Little bluestem was only sparsely scattered 

throughout the north side of the opening. 

On 16 October, we entered the opening with the Forest seed-stripper. We ran the stripper 

down the length of the opening and then back against the "grain" trying to maximize the 

contact of the stripper with the grass stems. Doing this over the entire Indian grass side of the 

opening, we were able to collect about 25 pounds of material. When cleaned, there were 16 

pounds of seed. Following the same method of collection on the big bluestem part of the 

opening, we collected about 25 pounds of material. When cleaned, there were about 12 

pounds of seed. 

Recommendation: From these methods of converting fescue-dominated areas to native warmseason grasses, it appears that it is successful for establishing stands of Indian grass and big 

bluestem dense enough to collect seed. We can expect to collect 15 pounds of Indian grass 

and 10 pounds of big bluestem per acre after about five growing seasons. It is also apparent 

that these methods do not work as well for little bluestem, and that future attempts at 

establishing this species will need to be refined. 

Monitor Plant Collection Activities on the Hoosier National Forest 

Methodology: Since July 1993, plant collecting has been allowed by permit on the Hoosier 

National Forest in M.A. 2.4, 2.8, 6.2, and 6.4. Permittees could collect any plant that is not on 

the list of excluded species, and they have been required to tell us specifically what they will 

collect. Permits have been sold for $10 regardless of how many species were collected or 

volume taken. 

Results: (Note - Tables on results of plant collection monitoring are shown in Appendix C.) 

When selling permits for the last five years, we have asked permittees questions about their 

collecting activities. Questions included: Did you collect last year? How many pounds did you 

collect by species? Where are you going to collect this year? From this informal questioning, 

we have learned that ginseng and goldenseal (yellowroot) are the most commonly collected 

plants (Table 1). On average, permittees collected roughly 1 to 3 pounds of ginseng and 15 to 

90 pounds of goldenseal (Table 2). We have consistently been told that they see relatively 

little ginseng in the forest, much less than in the past. 

The state has reported a large increase in the number of pounds of ginseng certified by county 

in this part of the state (Table 3). The state has also observed there have been more pounds of 

ginseng reported by buyers, but more roots are required to make up a pound. This implies that 

there is increasing collecting pressure on the species. Because of this information, we are 

concerned that the ginseng harvest currently taking place on the Hoosier National Forest is not 

sustainable. 

Generally, fewer permits are sold for counties farther from the SO or district offices (Table 4). 
We have also learned that the majority of collectors use Management Area 2.8 which includes 

about half of the Hoosier National Forest acreage (Table 5). 

Goldenseal had been approved for listing on CITES Appendix II, which regulates 

international trade. 

Indiana property managers have required collection permits for many years on state lands. 

These regulations will now be more strictly enforced, especially with regard to ginseng and 

goldenseal. Prohibiting collection of ginseng and goldenseal on the Hoosier National Forest 

will then be consistent with state properties. 

We have not seen resource impacts from collection of cones, fruits, and mushrooms. There 

has been no indication of large, commercial interests collecting on the Hoosier. Because of 

this, we will continue to allow collection of these products without restrictions. 

Results: As a result of the information we have collected, we believe it may be necessary to 

make two changes to the Hoosier National Forest miscellaneous forest products collection 

policy: 

1. Plant collecting will be limited to Management Area 2.8. Plant collection seems 

inconsistent with Forest Plan direction for other management areas. Such a change would 

make our plant collection policy consistent with firewood and other small forest products. 

2. Place ginseng and goldenseal on the list of Hoosier National Forest Unique Plant Species 

which may not be collected. We are concerned that the ginseng harvest currently taking place 

on the Hoosier National Forest is not sustainable. Although populations of goldenseal appear 

healthy on the Hoosier, we want to be more pro-active about the conservation of this species. 

The permit fee should remain at $10 if ginseng and goldenseal are put on the list of unique 

plants to be protected. 

Research Natural Areas (RNA's) and Special Areas (SA's) and Potential Candidates [36 

CFR 219.25] 

Monitor speed of creek bank erosion, trail width and depth through the glades and seeps, 

exotic plant populations, pest outbreaks, and rare plant species at Plaster Creek and Pleasant 

Valley Botanical Area. 

Reference: 36 CFR 219.25 

Creek bank erosion

Methodology: In 1993, the Forest hydrologist placed a carsonite post between the creek bank 

of Plaster Creek and the acid seep community. The distance between the post and the creek 

bank is measured annually at an azimuth of 312 degrees. The distance was measured this year 

on April 1. 
Results: Date / Distance 

April 1994 / 17.6 feet 

April 5, 1995 / 17.3 feet 

April 1996 / Not monitored 

April 1, 1997 / 15.5 feet 

Recommendations: The Forest hydrologist had recommended in an August 11, 1993 memo 

that if erosion of the bank exceeded one foot per year a plan should be developed to 

rehabilitate and stabilize the creek bank. Because the distance was not monitored in 1996, we 

can't be sure whether the 1.8 feet of creekbank that eroded away is a gradual loss (averaging 

close to a foot per year) or all due to a few large storm events. The rate of erosion is close to, 

or exceeds, the cutoff set for action. Analysis will begin this winter on a project to stabilize 

the bank. 

Trail Width/Depth -

Methodology: A monitoring point was established along the trail through the glade on April 5,

1995 to collect data on the trail width and depth. A piece of 1/2" diameter rebar was placed on 

each side of the existing trail a few meters off the trail itself to serve as permanent markers. 

Photos were taken of the trail as well. Note - monitoring was only established for the glades 

since we could not find an evident trail in the seeps. 

Results: Date Width Depth April 5, 1995 23.6" 4.3" April 1996 Not monitored April 1, 1997 

19.7" 4.7" 

Photos do not show that the trail is any more evident than it was in 1995. 

Recommendations: The trail is not getting wider, but it is getting a bit deeper. Width and 

depth should be monitored again in April 1998 to see if this is a continuing trend. 

Exotic plant populationsMethodology: The area was inventoried for shortleaf pine seedlings and garlic mustard on 

April 1, 1997. 

Results: Two shortleaf pine seedlings were found in the glade. It appears that the pine removal 

project in 1994 has eliminated much of the problem. Several larger shortleaf pines are on the 

south-facing bluffs below the glade, but are inaccessible to remove. No garlic mustard plants 

were found. 

Recommendations: No need for action at this time, monitor again in April 1998. 
Management Indicator, Federal Threatened, Endangered, and Regionally Sensitive 

Species of Concern [36 CFR 219.9] 

Monitor bald eagle activities near Lake Monroe, in coordination with USDI Fish and Wildlife 

Service (USFWS). 

Methodology: The Brownstown District initiated informal consultation with the USFWS in 

1993 to ensure protection of nesting and roosting bald eagles on NFS lands near Lake 

Monroe. We issued closure orders to protect areas surrounding the nest and winter roost site, 

and we monitored to determine the effectiveness of the closure orders. 

Winter roost site: Winter roost site - The seasonal closure of the trail passing close to the 

winter roost from December 1 through March 15 was again in effect in 1996-1997. 

Unfortunately, signs were not put up until January 21, but little use of the area was evident. 

The area was checked again May 17; the signs were still in place. They were removed on that 

date. 

Bald eagle nest site: IDNR - Division of Fish and Wildlife coordinates monitoring of bald 

eagle nests. One nest was again used on the Forest and the eagles successfully fledged one 

chick during FY 1997. 

Monitor populations of butternut (Juglans cinerea), a Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. 

Methodology: All live butternut trees (approximately seven are known on the forest) are to be 

monitored using the butternut monitoring form: dbh, percent of live crown, and fruits 

produced. 

We did not monitor these trees in FY 1997. 

Fish and Wildlife [36 CFR 219.19] 

Coordinate with IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife in monitoring fish populations in 

"selected waters" and wildlife populations in forest areas. 

Sundance Lake Fisheries Survey 

District 8 Fisheries Biologist Larry Lehman provided the Forest with a copy of his Sundance 

Lake Fish Management Report. The fisheries survey was conducted at Sundance Lake on 

September 10-11, 1996. The survey included night-time electrofishing and the setting of one 

gill net and trap net. Bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, and channel catfish were 

collected during the survey. The Division of Fish and Wildlife recommended two things: (1) 

the channel catfish stocking program should continue at this lake (250, 8"-10" catfish stocked 

very two years); and (2) the Forest should ensure that the largemouth bass size limit signs 

remain posted (this will prevent harvest of sub-legal bass and loss of necessary predation on 

small bluegill). 
The Division of Fish and Wildlife stocked channel catfish in several Forest ponds in fall of 

1996. These waters included: Beck, Bluegill, Deer, German Ridge, Grouse Hollow, Holland 

Ridge, Maines, Maumee, Oriole, Pine Ridge, and West Fork Tower #1. 

Fish Stocking 

The Division of Fish and Wildlife stocked channel catfish in several forest ponds in fall of 

1995. These waters included: Beck, Bluegill, Deer, German Ridge, Hickory Grove, Holland 

Ridge, Maines, Maumee, Oriole, Pine Ridge, and West Fork Tower #1. 

Methodology: Monitor the aquatic plant community at Henderson Pond, Maines Pond, 

Sulphur Pond, Timberlake Pond, and White Oak Pond. 

Results: The Forest's fisheries biologist visited each pond in August and September 1997 to 

determine whether grass carp had successfully controlled excessive aquatic plants. Henderson 

Pond was stocked with grass carp in 1994, while the remaining ponds were stocked in May 

1996. 

There was no change in the aquatic plant community composition at Henderson, Sulphur, or 

Timberlake Ponds between 1996 and 1997. Watershield continued to cover 60-80 percent of 

the ponds' surfaces. There was a notable change in the plant composition at Maines and White 

Oak ponds. American lotus had covered 70 percent of Maines' surface and about 80 percent of 

White Oak's surface. In 1997, lotus was present in Maines pond, but covered less than 20 

percent of the surface. Watershield which was sparse in distribution took hold along the 

pond's margin (about 20 percent of the pond's surface). In 1997, lotus was present at White 

Oak Pond, but covered less than 20 percent of the surface. No other changes in the plant 

community at White Oak were noted. A photograph is attached to show the change in 

watershield abundance at Maines and White Oak Ponds. 

Recommendation: It appears the grass carp were effective in controlling the American lotus at 

Maines and White Oak Ponds. Monitoring should continue at these two ponds to note changes 

in the next two years. Watershield remains over-abundant at Henderson, Sulphur and 

Timberlake Ponds. Monitoring should continue in order to note any changes that may occur at 

the remaining ponds. Grass carp may need to be restocked in these ponds in the future if no 

reduction in watershield is noted. The Division of Fish and Wildlife reported that it sometimes 

takes 3 years or longer to see any change in vegetation control in some cases. 

Population of Game Animals 

IDNR biologists collect information on several game species in the Hoosier National Forest 

area. To some extent these game populations can be used as barometers of the health of other 

wildlife. The following chart indicates a general trend in turkey populations as indicated by 

the spring harvest of gobblers. 

TURKEY HARVEST INFORMATION 
Year / Reported Harvest / % 1 Year old / Avg Weight / % 2 Year old / Avg Weight / % 3+ 

Years / Avg Weight 

1988 / 905 / 45% / 15.4/ 39% / 20.7 / 16% /21.8

1989 / 1,359 / 20/ 15.5 / 63 /20.7 / 17 / 22.2 

1990 / 1,505 / 31 / 15.2 / 41 / 21.0 / 28 / 21.9 

1991 / 2,318 / 25 / 15.5/ 53/ 21.1/ 22/ 22.2 

1992 / 2,531 / 38 / 15.1 / 43 /20.8 / 19 / 22.2 

1993 / 3,500 / 18 / 15.9 / 60 / 20.9 / 22 / 22.4 

1994 / 3,741 /41 /15.2 / 37 / 21.2 / 22 / 22.4 

1995 /4,706 / 28 / 15.6 /55 /20.6 / 18 / 22.1 

1996 /4,859 /24 / 15.6 / 53 /21.6 / 23 / 22.7 

1997 /5,790 / 21 /15.7 /56 /21.5 /24 /22.7 

Roadside gobbling counts are conducted by IDNR - Fish and Wildlife along certain roads on 

NFS lands. The results are shown below for routes on USFS land. DNR Biologist, Steve 

Backs, concluded brood production was below average during the 1996 summer season. Each 

route was driven twice with 15 stops along the route between 1-18 April, 1997. 

Roadside Gobble Counts 

County/Area / Total Turkeys Heard / Total Turkeys Seen / Total Heard/ Stop in 1996 /

Total Heard/ Stop in 1997 

Jackson, Brown, Monroe/Hickory Ridge Area / 18 3 / 1.13 / 0.67 

Perry County/ Oriole - St Croix Area / 24 / 5 / 0.80 / 0.87 

Lawrence and Orange/ Lost River East Area / 18 / 2 / 0.60 / 0.73 

Martin and Orange/ Lost River West Area / 14 8 / 1.4 / 7 / 0.47 

Orange County/ Lick Creek Area / 18 / 1 / 0.53 / 0.60 

FURBEARING ANIMALS COLLECTED IN 1996-1997 SEASON - Southcentral Indiana* 

(Southcentral Indiana Region contains all NF counties as well as an additional 4 counties) 
# Pelts Sold / Muskrat / Raccoon/ Red Fox / Grey Fox / Mink / Opossum / Skunk / Beaver

/Coyote /Weasel / % collected Statewide 

10,212** / 1,763 / 7,580 / 99 / 93 / 124 / 394 / 8 / 112 / 39 / 0 / 4.61% 

** Statewide 212,100 pelts were purchased/collected. 24% were in the northeast region of the 

state, 22% in the southwest region. Total value statewide of pelts was $1,973,174. Of that 

amount, $91,052 was paid in the southcentral region. 

RUFFED GROUSE DRUMMING COUNTS 

Drumming counts are conducted by IDNR - Fish and Wildlife along certain roads on NFS 

lands. The results are shown below for routes on USFS land. DNR Biologist, Steve Backs, 

believes the grouse poulations are declining due to habitat changes from advancing forest 

succession. Backs notes that parrallel declines could also be expected in other early forst 

successional birds such as woodcock and rufous-sided towhees. Each route was driven twice 

with 30 stops along the route between 1-18 April, 1997. 

County-Area / Cummulative Grouse Heard / Cummulative Total Drums / Total Grouse Seen 

Jackson, Brown, Monroe-Hickory Ridge Area / 3 / 6 / 0 

Perry County- Oriole - St Croix Area / 1/ 1 / 0 

Lawrence and Orange- Lost River Area / 15 / 27 / 0 

Martin and Orange-Lost River Area / 1 / 1 / 0 

Orange County- Lick Creek Area / 2 / 3 /1 

Go to Top

Protect our Cultural Resources 

Cultural and Historic Resources [36 CFR 219.4] 

Project reviews to ensure mitigation and protection measures are correctly applied for 

ground disturbing activities.

Legal/Regulations Reference: Antiquities Act of 1906; National Historic Preservation Act of 

1966 as amended; Executive Order 11593; Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979; 

36 CFR 219, 296, 800. 

Methodology: Methods include literature reviews, field inspections, and surface and 

subsurface investigations. Using original site forms and associated sketch maps we make a 

site condition assessment. Any change is noted in these permanent records. If applicable we 
develop, recommend, and implement mitigation measures. 

Acceptable Criteria: Project areas are inspected for the presence of historic and prehistoric 

properties prior to project implementation. Potentially significant properties are protected. 

Discovery of unrecorded resources is brought to the attention of the forest archaeologist. 

Results: The horse trail passing near Lookout Rockshelter was relocated as recommended in 

the 1996 monitoring report. The shelter is now much less visible. No new disturbance has 

been noted. No additional project monitoring was conducted. 

Recommendations: Continue to monitor projects in the vicinity of potentially eligible 

properties to ensure protection measures are implemented. 

Monitor several National Register listed sites and potentially significant sites to ensure 

resource protection, forest-wide. 

Legal or Regulation Reference: Antiquities Act of 1906; National Historic Preservation Act of 

1966 as amended; Executive Order 11593; Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979; 

36 CFR 219, 296, 800. 

Methodology: Methods include literature reviews, field inspections, surface and subsurface 

investigations. Using original site forms and associated sketch maps we make a site condition 

assessment. Any change is noted in these permanent records. If applicable we develop, 

recommend, and implement mitigation measures. 

Acceptable Criteria: New resource damage does not occur and vandalism does not increase, 

i.e. deterioration/collapse of significant buildings is avoided and rockshelters are not looted. 

Steps are taken to protect sites through public education, signing and law enforcement 

activities. 

Results: During the Ball State University rockshelter project, seven rockshelters and two open 

sites were monitored. Both open sites and one of the rockshelters (Indian Cave) were further 

investigated through archaeological excavation. Past looting was noted at one of the shelters. 

During the Buzzards Roost survey project two historic homestead/farmstead sites, one 

prehistoric rockshelter/open site, an done cemetery was monitored. No new disturbance was 

noted. 

In addition, the following sites were monitored during the year: Cox's Woods site, Lick Creek 

Cemetery, one African American farmstead, and one possible African American Farmstead at 

Lick Creek Settlement, Potts Creek Rockshelter, and the Rickenbaugh House. 

Forest Plan Met? Yes. 

Recommendations: Continue to monitor significant and potentially significant sites 

throughout the Forest to ensure their protection. 
Go to Top

Provide for a Visually Pleasing Landscape 

Visual Quality Objectives [36 CFR 219.21] 

Monitor project design and execution to ensure visual quality objectives (VQO's) are met. 

Legal/Regulation Reference: 36 CFR 219.21 (f), Forest Plan (p.2-15 to 2-16) 

Methodology: Inspect projects that affect landform, water, vegetation, and structures; 

furthermore, compare effects to Forest Plan criteria. 

Acceptable Criteria: Meet the VQO's stated in the Forest Plan 

Results: Projects that potentially affect the VQO's include soil and water improvements, 

wildlife opening maintenance, prescribed burns, trail maintenance, trail construction, and 

recreation construction. All projects inspected in 1997 met the assigned VQO. 

Forest Plan Met? Yes 

Recommendations: Continue to follow VQO principles on all projects and coordinate with 

forest landscape architect. 

Go to Top

Provide for Recreation in Harmony with Natural Communities 

Wilderness Management [36 CFR 219.18] 

Monitor Wilderness Resources according to Wilderness Implementation Schedule (WIS). 

Legal or Regulation Reference: 36 CFR 219.18, Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2320, FSH 

2309.19 R9 Supplement 1, Forest Plan (pp. 2-36 through 2-39). 

Methodology: Visual observation of limits of acceptable change (LAC) indicators per the 

WIS monitoring schedule. 

Acceptable Criteria: Limits for acceptable change standards as developed for the Charles C. 

Deam Wilderness (see WIS and following information). 

Results: All areas monitored were within standards. 1. Campsite Impact and Inventory: The 

campsite density is five per square mile (target density is two in primitive, three in transition). 

Average site index rating is 4.18 (5 is maximum in primitive, 7 is maximum in transition). 

2. Trails: No erosion unit measurements were made. 
3. Trash collected at trailheads is within standard. 

4. Use is still well within the 10,980 recreation-visitor days (RVD's). 

Forest Plan Met?: Yes. Dispersed campsite numbers are down and most limits for acceptable 

change indicators are within standard. 

Recommendations: The amount of use is meeting the expectation objectives for the Charles C. 

Deam Wilderness (CCDW). 

Garlic mustard monitoring in the Deam Wilderness 

Methodology: Roads in the Deam Wilderness area were inventoried for garlic mustard for the 

fourth year. 

Results: The only area with garlic mustard was along Tower Ridge Road, directly outside the 

Blackwell Horse Camp. Nine plants were pulled March 29, 1997, and 500 more plants were 

pulled on April 24, about 100 feet east of the original population. 

Recommendations: No need for action at this time, monitor again in March-April 1998. 

Caves and Karst [36 CFR 219] 

Conduct surveys to begin development of six cave management plans; begin ecological 

inventories. 

Legal or Regulation Reference: Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 (FCRPA), 36 

CFR 290, Forest Plan Appendix I 

Methodology: Identify areas where caves and karst features may be found. Systematically 

visually inspect potential areas to locate caves and karst features and then map each feature. 

Conduct various inventories to determine cave values and management recommendations. 

Results: This program depends on caver volunteers to do the actual base level inventories and 

cave mapping. Cumulative, to date, 90 percent of the identified forest karst area has been 

checked with the following results: 

They located 100 Karst features, with approximately 96 caves on NFS land. 

They located no new caves but inventoried 16 caves for biological resources. 

Forest Plan Met: We continue to work on acquiring locations, mapping interiors, listing 

resource values, and writing individual management plans (Forest Plan Appendix I). We are at 

about xx percent of that overall goal. Because the basic inventories must be completed before 

we write individual cave management plans, we are currently at that initial stage. The plan 

does not specify a time frame for completion. 
Recommendations: Caves recommended for significance are required to be verified. When 

verification is complete, those caves that meet the significance criteria will be designated as 

such. 

Recreation Facilities [36 CFR 219.21(C)]

Monitor public feedback to trailhead, campground, sign, and restroom designs and function, 

including accessibility. 

Legal or Regulation Reference: 36 CFR 219.21(c), FSM 2300, Forest Plan (pages 2-17 and 2-

18) 

Methodology: Public comment is obtained from phone-ins, letters, Congressional inquiries, 

the "Serving People" customer survey cards, and personal contacts at Brooks Cabin, district 

offices, and field contacts. Comments are also occasionally found on bulletin boards or in the 

form of graffiti. 

Acceptable Criteria: There is no standard regarding this type of public feedback. However, 

each comment is evaluated and action taken if warranted. 

Results: There was no common thread about any particular issue although there were many 

separate comments about facilities and policy. Some folks wanted more opportunities such as 

trails and campground amenities, or had suggestions about how we could improve things such 

as better maps and better directions to trails. Positive comments were also received regarding 

enjoyable recreation experiences. All suggestions and comments were reviewed and analyzed 

to determine if further action was necessary. For example, signs directing folks to trail heads 

have been installed, and a detailed trail map is under development. Complaints were followed 

up with a phone call or letter outlining corrective action as appropriate. 

Forest Plan Met?: Partially. As a result of scarce resources, the recreation program is not 

functioning at full level. Most notably, there is a backlog regarding replacement or 

rehabilitation of aging facilities, non-accessible facilities, and degraded trails. 

Recommendations: During FY 98, continue to strictly enforce concessionaire permits, 

emphasize customer service, and continue to pursue capital investment dollars and other 

resources to address the facility backlog and shortages. Responsible party is HNF Recreation 

Program Manager. 

Trails [36 CFR 219.21(G) 

Trail use monitoring on selected trails. Evaluate the type and amount of use. 

Legal or Regulation Reference: 36 CFR 219.21 

Methodology: We estimate amount, timing, and type of use by season through observation of 

vehicles at trailheads, litter along trails, trail impacts, and number of people encountered along 
the trails. 

Acceptable Criteria: For trails in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, acceptable use criteria is 

based on limits of acceptable change (LAC) social indicators for trails. We have no formal 

specific use criteria for forest-wide trails; however, we use the following general criteria: use 

must be high enough to justify keeping the trail on the system, yet not so high that severe 

resource damage occurs or undue user conflict occurs. This criteria is influenced by site 

specific conditions such as soils types, topography, weather, and use type. 

Results: Use on trails by hikers, moutain bikers and horseriders returned to normal after repair 

from the 1996 storms. Use appears to be adequate enough on most trails to justify keeping 

them open but without causing undue resource damage. One exception appears to be the 

Ogala Trail that shows little evidence of use. 

Forest Plan Met?: Yes. Generally, NFS trail use is within moderate levels, with sporadic high 

use periods at some locations. Trail conditions need to be upgraded in many locations to 

sustain the use levels and to protect the environment. 

Recommendations: In FY 98, continue to improve drainage and harden tread. Consider a more 

formal method of collecting use data. 

Go to Top

Provide for a Useable Landbase 

Land Ownership

Report land status changes by county, District, and Management Area 

FY 1997 Land Acquisition by County and District 

COUNTY DISTRICT ACREAGE VALUE ($) Management Area

Brown Brownstown 302 $410,000 2.8

Crawford Tell City 60 83,000 8.2 

Jackson Brownstown 184 92,000 2.8

Perry TellCity 104 81,041 2.8

TOTAL 650 $666,041 

FY 1997 Land Exchange* by County and District 

COUNTY DISTRICT ACREAGE VALUE ($) Management Area
Brown Brownstown 40 $65,000 6.2, 6.4

Martin Brownstown 97 58,000 2.4, 2.8

Monroe Brownstown 20 23,000 6.4, 7.1

Orange Brownstown 536 381,000 2.4, 8.2

Orange Tell City 40 36,000 2.8

Orange Tell City -42 -47,000 2.8

Perry Tell City 20 11,000 6.2

TOTAL 711 $527,000 

 * Two exchanges were completed in FY97. The Wolfe exchange involved 42.52 acres of 

federal land in Orange County for 40.18 acres of private land in Orange County and 20 acres 

of private land in Perry County. The U.S. Gypsum exchange involved 1,163 acres of federal 

gypsum rights for the following private lands: 40 acres in Brown County, 97 acres in Martin 

County, 20 acres in Monroe County, and 536 acres in Orange County. The 1,163 acres of 

minerals conveyed to U.S. Gypsum are not shown in the above acreages or values since only 

surface acres are shown. 

FY 1997 Land Adjustment Changes and Total NFS land by Management Area 

Management Area Acreage added in FY97 Total NFS land

2.4 420 16,006

2.8 613 100,262

5.1 0 12,953

6.2 25 20,335

6.4 35 24,834

7.1 20 6,203

8.1 0 88

8.2 248 12,729

8.3 0 630

9.2 0 1,586

Total 1,361 195,626 

Flood Damage Assessment 

Late Februaryand the first week of March 1997 brought a series of storms to the Ohio River 

valley with torrential downpours. On March 6, 1997, President Bill Clinton declared a 13 

county area in southern Indiana a federal disaster area. The 13 county area included Perry and 
Crawford Counties. These counties had earlier been declared a state of emergency by 

Governor Frank O'Bannon. The Regional Office allocated $183,000 of emergency funding for 

an assessment of flood damage and immediate repairs. 

On March 4th, prior to the official declarations, Russ Christianson began documenting flood 

damage on the Forest. The following assessment outlines the damage he saw, from which he 

estimated costs and recommended action needed. 

TIPSAW - Soil was washing out around the bridge abutment on the main road into Tipsaw 

Lake, culverts were clogged, and culvert inlets and diteches were eroded. Riprap needed on 

culvert inlets and bridge abutments. 

The trail bridge between the parking area for the boat ramp and the beach area was totally 

washed away and needs to be replaced. Elsewhere on the trail system, waterbars are washed 

out, trails are eroded and drainages are clogged. The trail access road has aggregate washed 

away as the runoff used the road surface for a drainage. 

INDIAN/CELINA LAKES - Approximately 1/3 mile of the Two Lakes Loop trail is washed 

out. Waterbars and drainages on much of the trail are gone or clogged. 

The road system is damaged with rutting on the sides of the road, aggregate washed out, 

culverts plugged, and ditches eroded. 

GERMAN RIDGE - The campground road has clogged culverts, and the ditches are eroded. 

The tower road is rutted and aggregate is washed away, culverts are plugged. The trail system 

has extensive damage with culverts washed out, waterbars gone, and the trails rutted. 

SADDLE LAKE - The road into the lake is rutted with aggregate washed away and culverts 

plugged. Trail was not inspected but assumed waterbars are gone and the trail is damaged. 

MOGAN RIDGE, WEST FORK TOWER, JAKE HOLLOW, and HEMLOCK CLIFFS 

ROADS - The roads are rutted and culverts plugged. Mogan Ridge Trails and Oriole Trail 

(accessed by Jake Hollow Road) were not inspected but assumed waterbars are gone and trails 

are damaged. 

MANO POINT - Sediment is deposited on the ramp and parking area, aggregate on parking 

area and access road is washed away. 

U-38 ROAD - This road is rutted and a portion of the road is washed out. The stream ford is 

gone. 

ORIOLE TRAIL - The trail is washed out, the waterbars gone. 

INITIAL POINT and SPRINGS VALLEY FS ROAD - These roads have heavy erosion, the 

aggregate is gone, and the ditches are washed out. 
HAPPY HOLLOW AND KINGLEY CREEK ROADS - Heavy rutting on these roads, 

clogged culverts, and eroded ditches. Roads need reconstruction. 

DANNER CEMETERY, BLUNK CEMETERY, LANMAN CEMETERY, HARPER TREE 

FARM, and COUNTY ROADS ACCESSING FS LANDS - Erosion has damaged all these 

roads and many culverts are clogged, aggregate washed away and ditches eroded. 

YOUNGS CREEK TRAIL - Trail was not inspected but assumed waterbars are gone and the 

trail is damaged. 

1997 FLOOD DAMAGE PROJECT LIST generated after the assessment. 

PROJECT / COUNTY / WORK REQUIRED / FUNDING NEEDED

Initial Point Road / Orange/ Repair ditches, grade road, chip and seal / $ 8,000 

Zeller Road / Crawford / Clean up slash/ 2,000 

Birdseye Trail / Crawford / Reshape tread, install rock / 5,000 

Oriole Trail /Perry / Reshape tread, install rock / 2,500 

Youngs Creek Trail / Orange / Reshape tread, install rock / 1,500 

German Ridge Trail / Perry / Install culverts, reshape tread, install rock / 10,000

Tipsaw Trail / Perry / Reshape tread, install rock/ 2,500 

Tipsaw Rec Road / Perry / Replace culverts, reshape ditches, patch asphalt / 40,000

Tipsaw Boat Ramp / Perry / Resurface the loop road adjct. to ramp / 7,000 

Tipsaw Rec Area - Waterlines / Perry / Replace eroded soil (buried waterlines) / 1,500 

Tipsaw Beach / Perry / Replace sand eroded due to high water / 1,000 

Mano Point Boat Ramp / Perry / Remove mud from boat ramp and install rock on parking lot / 

3,500 

Saddle Lake Road / Perry / Reshape ditches, replace culvert, grade road, add aggregate / 

10,000 

German Ridge Twr Rd / Perry / Add aggregate / 4,000

Indian Lake Road / Perry / Reshape ditches, replace culverts, patch and overlay asphalt / 

25,000 
Branchville Dam / Perry /Reshape top and face of dam / 500 

Hemlock Cliffs Access Road / Crawford / Reshape ditches, grade road / 1,000

German Ridge Campground Road / Perry / Rip existing asphalt, grade road, add aggregate / 

500 

Harper Tree Farm Road / Perry / Replace 48" culvert, grade road, add aggregate / 6,000 

Lanham Cemetery Rd / Perry / Replace culvert, grade road, add aggregate / 6,500

Union Chapel Road / Crawford / Reshape ditches, chip- seal/patch pavement / 40,000

Blunk Cemetery Road / Crawford / Reshape ditches / 500 

Mogan Ridge Road / Perry / Grade road / 1,500 

On April 24, 1997 a field survey was done by Merlin McDaniel, Regional Dams Engineer, 

Joel Lindley, NRCS Area Engineer, a group of Hoosier NF employees, and Gilbert Kleaving 

of the Middle Fork Conservancy District of the Celina Lake Dam. Slumps found on the dam 

are of concern and need to be fixed but present no immediate danger to the structural integrity 

of the dam. However, if not corrected, these slumps could lead to structural problems which 

have severe safety implications because of the dam's high hazard rating. NRCS will engineer 

the proposed repairs. Before any work can be done, the lake level needs to be drawn down to 

a "no hazard if breached" level. Detailed recommendations were made and costs estimated at 

$125,000 to repair the dam. This did not include the cost of construction of the access road 

which was estimated at another $75,000. 

Go to Top

Provide for Human and Community Development 

Timber Management

On March 19, 1996, a severe winter storm hit southern Indiana. The storm deposited 15 to 20 

inches of heavy, wet snow. High winds and the snowload damaged pine and red cedar stands 

across the forest. Forest visitors faced hazardous conditions from the damaged, weakened, and 

uprooted trees. 

On April 19, 1996 a tornado touched down in the Pleasant Run unit of the Brownstown 

Ranger District. Stands along Squirreltown Road and the Fork Ridge area in Lawrence and 

Jackson Counties were most damaged by the tornado and accompanying high winds. Damage 

to the forest in the area ranged from toppling of a few trees to shattering or windthrow of 

entire stands. 

In 1997 in response to damage from the tornado and snow and wind storms we sold nine 
salvage sales and are in the process of treating 951 acres of damaged stands. An additional 1 

million board feet in the Maumee-Poke Patch area was analyzed for sale in 1997. These sales

will improve the forest health and vigor of the treated stands as well as safety of forest visitors 

from both a fire standpoint as well as trees falling on hikers and hunters. 

The Pipeline Salvage timber sale was inspected on June 2, 1997, to see if Forest Plan 

standards were being met . How to handle firewood sales after purchase units were closed was 

discussed. 

Recommendation: Separate commercial from individual firewood cutters by area. Limit 

equipment size of commercial operators and restrict their access to skid trails above water 

diversionary structures so that they wouldn't damage these. Individual firewood cutters could 

be assigned to small landings and pockets of trees that needed further cleanup. 

Road construction and reconstruction standards were also discussed. The amount of gravel 

and width of the road was not objectionable but was different than expected. As benchmarks, 

the group will continue to monitor other roads constructed by operators on private land who 

build to the low and high end standards. Gravel roads will also stay open four to five years 

longer than roads built with native materials. 

Payments to Counties 

Each year counties containing NFS land receive income from two funds: Payments in lieu of 

taxes (PILT) and 25 percent fund monies. The 25 percent fund is a federal revenue sharing 

fund comprised of 25 percent of all revenues collected on NFS land from activities such as 

camping fees, special use permit fees, and timber sales. The funds are returned to the states 

annually and then distributed to counties based on NFS acreage within each county. The funds 

must be used for schools and roads. 

PILT monies compensate county governments for private property taxes forgone due to public 

ownership. These payments are also made to counties based on ownership of federal lands 

within the counties. Each year the amount of dollars distributed differs based on the amount of 

dollars appropriated by the U.S. Congress. In 1997, PILT returns were 63 cents per 

entitlement acre and 13 cents per acre from 25 percent fund payments. Entitlement lands 

include NFS lands except for tax exempt lands (but not donated lands) acquired from State or 

local governments. 

FY 1997 Payments in lieu of taxes (PILT)and 25 percent fund monies 

County / Actual Acres / Entitlement Acres / PILT / 25% / Fund / Total 

Brown / 17,749 / 16,962 / $11,644 /$2,343 / $13,987 

Crawford / 22,875 / 20,466 / 13,988 / 3,019 / 17,007 

Dubois / 411 / 411 / 283 / 54 / 337 
Jackson / 22,683 / 21,588 / 14,807/ 2,994 / 17,801 

Lawrence / 15,795 / 12,948 / 8,794/ 2,085 / 10,879 

Martin / 9,077 / 7,136 / 4,836 / 1,198 / 6,034 

Monroe / 18,996 / 18,404 / 12,631 / 2,507 / 15,138 

Orange / 29,980 / 24,574 / 16,715 / 3,957 / 20,672 

Perry / 58,059 / 55,963 / 38,402 / 7,663 / 46,065 

TOTAL / 195,625 / 178,452 / $122,100 / $25,820 / $147,920 

Special Uses and Outstanding Rights 

Monroe County requested a special use permit to relocate the Allen Creek County Road. The 

Forest Service asked that the location be redesigned to move the road further from the creek 

out of the riparian area. The County complied. 

Soil and Water [36 CFR 219.27(f)] 

Monitor special uses closely during earth-disturbing activities for compliance with soil and 

water guidance, to insure that mitigation measures are working. Inspect on-going special uses 

in frequency as specified in FSM or FSH direction. 

Legal or Regulation Reference: 36 CFR Part 200 (221.10 Access by permit, 251.50 Special 

Uses), Forest Plan Appendix K 

Methodology: We measure special use authorization and outstanding rights use of NFS land 

by three management attainment reporting accomplishment indicators: 

Code Description Accomplishment 89.2 General Special Use Applications Processed 23 89.3 

Authorizations Administered to Standard 53 89.4 Authorizations Administered in Total 161 

Acceptable Criteria: 

1. Meet National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations for notification and 

environmental analysis. Use proper level of decision based on level of controversy and 

impacts. Meet handbook and manual direction for permit administration and inspection 

schedule. 

2. Monitor special uses closely during earth-disturbing activities for compliance with Forest 

Plan guidance (Forest Plan Appendix K), to insure that mitigation measures are working. 

Inspect on-going special uses in frequency as specified in FSM or FSH direction.
3. Monitor the application of pesticides on outstanding rights lands for accomplishment of 

objectives, to prevent damage to non-target organisms, to prevent contamination of soil and 

water, and to ensure applications are made according to proper specifications. 

Results: Perry County Solid Waste Management District completed the site construction work 

at the Branchville Transfer Station. Work was acceptable. 

An ATT 4" cable was removed on January 7, 1997 from federal land in T3N, R2W, Section 1, 

SE,SW. The axial cable was a coast-to-coast cable installed for military use under an 

easement dated March 18, 1943. The property was then in private hands. No longer in use, 

when the land was purchased by the USFS, the cable was removed. 

A location review was held on December 11, 1996 to review the proposed access route for the 

Hoosier Energy transmission lines. The review was attended by an interdisciplinary team of 

Forest employees. Concerns were expressed on sensitive plants in the proposed right-of-way 

and possible erosion. Roads into the area were walked and several decisions were made on 

how to proceed. 

Forest Plan Met: Yes, our authorizations meet the requirements of Forest Plan and provide 

adequate protection of resources; yet, some permittees have other encroachments. Most 

permittees are conscientious and meet or exceed the requirements of the Forest Plan. The 

proposed transmission line does run adjacent to a Forest Plan core area. 

Recommendations: Focus efforts to bring permittees under compliance. Concentrate efforts on 

updating records of utility companies to properly show ROW widths; check against deeds for 

possible upgraded utilities which require new permits to be issued. A plant survey will be 

done in the area of the Hoosier Energy Transmission line in the spring or summer. Waterbars 

will also be needed on the right-of way in the travel route. 

Nondiscrimination 

Monitor special uses for compliance with nondiscrimination requirements such as the Title VI 

law. 

Legal or Regulation Reference: Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VI prohibits discrimination on 

the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin 

Methodology: With all permittees who have the public using their permit area, we conduct 

pre-award nondiscrimination reviews. They are notified of their responsibility. Assurance 

statements Form 1700-1 shall be signed by all "direct service" providers. 

Acceptable criteria: Permittees must agree to comply; otherwise, we do not issue permit. 

Results: All permittees agreed to sign assurance statements. There have been no complaints 

by the public concerning Title VI rights violations. 
Forest Plan met? Yes. 

Recommendations: Continue to monitor Title VI and make recreational type permits a priority 

as the risk is greatest for violating nondiscrimination rights, especially with new permittees. 

Pesticide Use [36 CFR 219.27(a)(12)] 

Monitor the application of pesticides on outstanding rights lands for accomplishment of 

objectives, for prevention of damage to non-target organisms, for contamination of soil and 

water on NFS lands, and to ensure applications are made according to proper specifications. 

Public Service of Indiana (PSI) treated their outstanding 100-foot wide easement for their 75-

kilovolt (kV) line with herbicide followed by brush removal with a rotary brush cutter. Special 

use program manager met with the contractor who showed us a work order to cut the line to 

150 feet. Special use program manager limited the work to the existing 100-foot ROW. 

Air Quality [36 CFR 219.27(a)(12)] 

Monitor prescribed burns for adequacy of smoke management practices per burning plans. 

In 1997 the Forest prescribe burned 1,748 acres and had excellent smoke dispersal 

documented on all areas. There were no observed or reported smoke management problems 

from the public related to any of the burns done in 1997. 

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) exemped us from having to 

request open burn permits in June of 1996. [Statute IC 13-1-1.2] The Air Pollution control 

board granted us exemption from the need to obtain a variance. It also allowed us to conduct 

night burning under the exemption. 

Health and Safety 

Monitor the effluent discharge at the Hardin Ridge Recreation area according to the National 

Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements 

Legal or Regulation Reference: NPDES, State of Indiana, and Monroe County 

Methodology: Licensed operator collects and tests as required by NPDES permit. 

Acceptable Criteria: Pass NPDES requirements 

Results: All NPDES requirements were met. 

Forest Plan Met?: Yes. 

Recommendations: During FY 98 continue working closely with concessionaire and monitor 

to meet NPDES permit requirements. 
Check bacteria levels at public swimming beaches. 

Legal or Regulation Reference: 36 CFR 219.21(c) 

Methodology: Check five times each 30 day period and once each week for two weeks before 

beach is open to public, per state standards. 

Acceptable Criteria: Meet state standards for bacteria 

Results: State standards were met. 

Forest Plan Met? Yes 

Recommendations: Continue testing to meet state standards. 

Handle Hazardous Material Spills Properly 

Methodology: Have people on the Forest trained in recognizing and dealing properly with 

hazardous material spills. 

Results: On January 27, 1999 the Forest became aware of a hydraulic oil spill from a CONEX 

container used for storing explosives near the Warren Alexander Special Use permit area. The 

CONEX is on private property adjacent to NF land in part of the old Mulzer Quarry at Derby, 

IN. It had been spilled on January 24th. A recovery team was on site and had the spill cleaned 

up by the afternoon of January 27th. 

Recommendations: The spill was handled expeditiously. Continue to monitor for HAZMAT 

concerns. 

Go to Top

Conclusion 

We carried out the fiscal year 1997 Monitoring and Evaluation Program to learn if our project 

activities and other resource uses are consistent with Forest Plan guidance. This program also 

provided an opportunity to evaluate if that guidance meets the goals and objectives established 

in the Forest Plan. 

Meeting Forest Plan objectives is dependent on the level of funding allocated to the Hoosier 

National Forest. Within this allocation and congressional direction, it is the responsibility of 

our personnel to emphasize a balanced mix of projects that are environmentally sound and 

provide benefits to both society and to our ecosystems. We developed many projects in 

partnerships with individuals and organizations. 

I have reviewed this Monitoring and Evaluation Report for the Hoosier National Forest for 

Fiscal Year 1997. Our deficiencies are noted. We will ensure that corrective action is taken 
where appropriate. I am satisfied that management activities accomplished during Fiscal Year 

1997 were consistent with Forest Plan guidance, except where noted, and that the guidance 

provides solid direction in meeting the goals and objectives set forth in the Forest Plan. 

Also this report documents our review of the conditions of Hoosier National Forest system 

lands. Since we replaced the plan in 1991, I have not observed any significant changes in 

conditions or demands. Therefore, I recommend that we continue the current course of 

carrying out the Forest Plan. 

This meets the intent of both the Forest Plan (Chapter 5), and the National Forest 

Management Act planning regulations (36 CFR 219). 

Signed by KENNETH G. DAY on September 31, 1999