Land and Resource Management Plan

Monitoring and Evaluation Report

Fiscal Year 2000

Hoosier National Forest

Brown, Crawford, Dubois, Jackson, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, and Perry Counties

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

Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier
i

Monitoring and Evaluation Report for Fiscal Year 2000 

Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1

Program Accomplishments ............................................................................. 2

Comparison of Key Indicators .................................................................... 4

Costs ............................................................................................................... 5

Research ....................................................................................................... 8

FY 2000 Site Specific Decisions ................................................................. 9

Adjacent Lands .............................................................................................. 10

Demand ........................................................................................................ 15

Protect and Manage Natural Resources 

Restocked Lands ..................................................................................... 17

Insect and Disease .................................................................................. 18

Soil and Water .......................................................................................... 20

Caves and Karst .......................................................................... 21

Vegetative Management ......................................................................... 23

Research Natural Areas and Special Areas ............................................ 26

Management Indicator, ETS Species .............................................. 28

Fish and Wildlife ....................................................................................... 30

Protect our Cultural Resources .................................................................... 40

Provide for Visually Pleasing Landscape .................................................... 42

Provide for Recreation in Harmony with Natural Communities.................... 43

Wilderness Management ............................................................. 43

Recreation Facilities ...................................................................... 44

Trails ........................................................................................ 44

Provide for Useable Landbase ................................................................... 46

Provide for Human and Community Development ........................................ 48

Special Uses ............................................................................. 48

Pesticide Use ............................................................................. 50

Air Quality ................................................................................ 50

Health and Safety ...................................................................... 51

Conclusion ................................................................................................... 53
1

Hoosier National Forest

Land and Resource Management Plan

Monitoring and Evaluation Report

Fiscal Year 2000

INTRODUCTION

The Forest Plan, as amended in 1991 provides guidance to ensure that National Forest System (NFS) 

lands in Indiana 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. Our mission is to allow 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. The final budget for any given 

year determines the annual program of work. This program lists the projects, along with the budgets 

necessary to accomplish those projects, based on site-specific environmental analysis. It also includes 

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

Project monitoring determines how well we are carrying out the Forest Plan. It provides a check to 

review if Forest Plan guidance is realistic management direction. Monitoring also enables us to learn if 

we have achieved objectives identified in the Forest Plan. The National Forest Management Act [36 

CFR 219.12(k)] requires monitoring and evaluation on an on-going basis. The attached narrative 

describes monitoring results for fiscal year 2000.
2

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 Non-MAR Performance Measures.

Fiscal Year 2000 Management Attainment Report - Resource Accomplishments

MAR Description MAR Code

Regional 

Assigned 

Target

Forest 

Adjusted 

Target

Forest 

Accomplishment

Land Management Planning

LRMP Monitoring and Evaluation Reports, Reports, FN EM-LRMP-M&E 1 1

Inventory and Monitoring

Heritage Resource Inventories, Acres, FN EM-HR-I 500 904

Recreation, Wilderness and Heritage Resource Management

Recreation Special Uses Administered, Permits, FN RM-SU-ADMIN 11 11

Annual (wilderness) Education Contacts, Contacts, FN RM-WLD-EC 400

Heritage Sites Evaluated, sites, FN RM-HERT-EVAL 6 30

Heritage Sites Interpreted, sites, FN RM-HERT-INTP 3 6

Heritage Sites Preserved and Protected, sites, FN RM-HERT-P&P 6 23

Wildlife, Fisheries, TES Management

Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Restored or Enhanced, acres, FN WL-THAB-RES 400 846

Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Restored or Enhanced, acres, C WL-THAB-RES 0 775

Inland Fish Lakes Restored or Enhanced, acres, FN WL-IF-LAK-RE 5 5

TES Terrestrial Habitat Restored or Enhanced, acres, FN WL-TES-HAB 20 20

Biological Assessments or Evaluations, tasks, FN WL-BIO-A&E 1

Grazing and Rangeland Vegetation Management

Noxious Weed Treatment, acres, FN RG-NOX-WD-TR 55 0

Transferred to 

Mark Twain

Timber Sales

Volume Offered - new, CCF, FN FM-VOL-OFF-N 0 210
3

MAR Description MAR Code

Regional 

Assigned 

Target

Forest 

Adjusted 

Target

Forest 

Accomplishment

Forest Vegetation Management

Lands Restored by Reforestation (appropriated), acres, FN FM-REF-APPR 42

Forestlands Maintained or Enhanced by TSI (appr), acres, FN FM-TSI-APPR 45 50

Soil, Water and Air Resources Management

Soil and Water Resource Improvements, acres, FN SW-RES-IMP 35 105

Real Estate Management, Landlines, Land Acquisition

Special Use Applications Processed, permits, FN LM-SU-APPL 36 36

Special Use Permits Administered to Standard, permits, FN LM-SUP-STD 49 49

Land Line Maintenance, miles, FN LM-LL-MAINT 3 3

New Boundary Marked to Standard, miles, FN LM-LL-NEW 6 6

Ownership Adjustment Excluding Exchanges, acres, FN LA-OWNER-ADJ 1323 1323

Land Exchange - Partial Interest, acres, FN LA-EXCH-PART 89

Rights-of-Way Acquired, cases, FN LA-ROW-ACQ 5

Fire Protection

Hazardous Fuels Reduction, Appropriated, acres, FN FP-FUELS-APP 0

Prescribed Fire, Other, Leveraged, acres (16.25) FP-FUELS-OTH 549

Prescribed Fire, Planning, Appropriated, acres, FN (16.1) FP-FUELS-PLN 0

Public Asset Management

Trails Maintained, miles, FN TR-MAINTN 239

Recreation Trails on System, miles, FN RM-TRAIL-SYS 239

Wilderness Trails on System, Miles, FN RM-WLDTR-SYS 36

Trail Construction and Reconstruction, miles, FN CR-TR-CNST-R 9 9

Seasonal Capacity Available - Total, PAOT days, FN RM-PAOTS-TOT 1,560,000

Human Resources

Youth Conservation Corps, enrollee weeks, FN HR-YCC-PART 48

Senior Community Service Employees, enrollee hours, FN HR-SCSEP 29,259.5

Volunteers in National Forest Programs, enrollee years, FN HR-VOLN-NF 2.15
4

Comparison of Key Indicators

The following table includes key indicators identified in the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Forest Plan (p. 2-14 and 2-15). 

Key Indicator Unit of 

Measure

Est. 

1991-

2001

1991 

Output

1992 

Output

1993 

Output

1994 

Output

1995 

Output

1996 

Output

1997 

Output

1998 

Output

1999 

Output

2000 

Output

Recreation Visitor 

Days (RVD) 230 510 510 525 525 525

 Dispersed MRVD 267 301

 Developed MRVD 120 208

Trail Construction

 Hiking Miles 99 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 Horse Miles 40 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 Bike Miles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 Multiple-use Miles 0 0 0 0 3 8.6 7.5 22 0 6.5 0

Trail Reconst. (all) Miles 0 0 0 33.4 0 0 0 51.5 28.1 28.0 9

Vegetation maintained

 Forest Openings1

Acres 4,000 657 459 350 509 322 480 650 439 290 1,373

 Barrens Maint. Acres 1,131 18 40 140 40 60 0 83 0 0 20

Wetlands Construc

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

 Marsh/Waterhole Acres 15 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 20 0 50

Vegetation Regen.

 Hardwood 0-9 Acres 4,853 0 0 0 57 0 0 150 44 76 0

 Pine 0-9 Acres 94 0 0 0 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 3.839 0.903 0

 Roundwood MMBF 17 0.025 0.078 0.040 0.706 0.127 0.066 1.13 1.839 0.373 .0091

 Total MMBF 43 0.025 0.120 0.059 1.101 0.286 0.180 1.89 5.728 1.322 .0091

Roads Const./Reconst. Miles 140 0.25 3.50 1.00 0.10 0.60 7.90 10.90 1.0 1.0 7.43

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 the Forest Plan 

objective of 4,000 acres of forest openings, we should maintain 800 to 1,300 acres of forest openings a year. The average annual accomplishment is 554 

acres for the period of 1991 to 2000. 
5

Costs [219.12(k)(3)]

Quantitatively compares actual cost of applying management practices 

with Forest Plan estimates.

As shown on line 10 of the following table entitled: Forest Plan Budget Estimates versus 

Costs, Congress funded the Forest at 96 percent of the Forest Plan in total regular 

Forest Service funds. Total Regular funds is the best comparison for the Forest Plan

cost estimates because the Forest Plan cost estimates did not include land acquisition 

funds or the Senior Community Service Program. In 1990, the estimate of regular USDA 

Forest Service funds necessary to carry out the Forest Plan was $4,812,000 (all figures 

have been adjusted for inflation based on Gross National Product Implicit Price Deflator 

index1 ).

The Hoosier National Forest received about 99 percent of the Forest Plan estimate (line 

2 of following table) in National Forest System funds for operations. The mix of 

operation budget line items does not correspond to plan estimates. Funding was 

received in two budget items that were not estimated in the Forest Plan budget in 1991. 

This included $339,000 to do Forest Planning and $708,000 for inventorying and 

monitoring. Funds were less in recreation, timber, and wildlife than estimated in the 

1991 Forest Plan. However, in maintenance and construction of public assets (facilities, 

roads, and trails) funding was 67 percent of the estimate (line 3 of following table). 

Funding for recreation was about 42 percent of our Forest Plan estimate ($805,000 vs. 

$1,905,000). An Americorp crew worked for 6 weeks in the Charles C. Deam 

Wilderness. The Salmon-Challis National Forest trail crew worked for the fourth year on 

trails. Forest staff documented Underground Railroad sites. The Youngs Creek Horse 

camp was improved with assistance of the Orange County Saddle Club and school 

group volunteers. A shower facility was rehabilitated at the Hardin Ridge Recreation 

Area. Maintenance was conducted on multiple-use trails and several dispersed parking 

areas. Other accomplishments included improving the toilet facilities at Indian Lake and 

progress toward rehabilitating the Rickenbaugh House. We contracted with a USDA 

Forest Service Enterprise Team called Act-2 to develop an environmental assessment 

for the Wilderness trail relocation project. 

Timber funding was about 40 percent of our Forest Plan estimate ($329,000 vs. 

$833,000). The timber program was curtailed while consulting with the USDI Fish and 

Wildlife Service for federally listed species. In the interim, we used the timber funds to 

conduct silvicultural examinations. 

Congress funded the land acquisition program. Land acquisition costs were $1,356,250 

in 2000 to acquire 1,490 acres. Environmental assessments and decisions were 

completed for the Perry County Exchange and the Haverstock Exchange. The Forest 

Plan budget did not estimate land acquisition funds. 

 

1

 Gross National Product Implicit Price Deflator index is prepared by the Bureau of Economic 

Analysis an agency of the United States Department of Commerce. 

http://www.bea.doc.gov/bea/dn/nipaweb/Index.htm
6

Using funds from previous years, contracts were awarded for several dam maintenance 

projects:

• Saddle Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project

• U-38 Dam Access Road project.

• Celina Lake Dam Access Road project

• Grouse Hollow Dam Rehabilitation Project. 

Other projects included: 

Removal of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) infestations from areas within the Shooting 

Star Cliffs Special Area, and in and adjacent to two proposed special areas: Beaver 

Creek and Huron Woods, and in the Buzzard Roost area. Work was conducted on 

reconstructing the fire history in Boone Creek oak barrens community. We restored the 

features and functions of approximately 105 acres of bottomland hardwood riparian 

ecosystem along the Lost River (Roland Riparian Restoration). 
7

Forest Plan Budget Estimates versus Costs 

(Shown in thousands of dollars)

Line 

Number Budget Item

Forest Plan

Budget 

Estimate (FY 

2000 dollars)

FY 2000-

Allocation 

(FY 2000 

dollars)

Percent of 

Plan 

Funded

1

2 Total National Forest System funds (Operation) $3,148 $3,109 99 % 

3 Total Fire funds $103 $239 232 %

4 Total Public Asset management 2

$1,473 $985 67 %

5 Land Acquisition Administration $0 $111 

6 Total Appropriated Funds (sum of above) $4,731 $4,459 94 %

7 Total Permanent Appropriations (Recreation fee, 

Salvage etc.) 0 $33

8

9 Total Trust Fund (KV, Reforestation, and other) $81 $136 167 %

10 Total Regular Forest Service $4,812 $4,628 96 %

11

12 Total Other funds (Senior Community Service 

Program and others) 0 $231

13 Grand Total without land acquisition $4,812 $4,859

14

15 Lands Acquisition $0 $1,356

16 Total All Funds $4,812 $6,215 

2

 Public Asset management includes construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of facilities, roads, and trails.

 
8

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 still appropriate. Identify 

additional research needs based on monitoring and evaluation and on changing 

societal needs. 

Below we list research needs that were addressed in FY 2000 in bold italics (Forest Plan, pp. 3-4 to 

3-7). Published research conducted in other years may be found on the Hoosier National Forest 

webpage at www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier. A complete listing of research since 1991 was also included in 

the 1998/99 Monitoring and Evaluation Report. 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 work continues. A few research references are included which were not funded by the 

Hoosier NF but are relevant for forest application.

Hoosier National Forest Research Activities:

Need: Native Plant and Animal Community Research

Hedge, Cloyce and Homoya, Mike: March 2000. Surveys for invasive plant species on selected areas 

of the Hoosier National Forest (with recommended control measures). 20 p. Administrative 

report. On file with Hoosier National Forest, Bedford, IN. 

Jenkins, Michael A.; Parker, George R. 2000. The response of herbaceous-layer vegetation to 

anthropogenic disturbance in intermittent stream bottomland forests of southern Indiana, USA. 

Plant Ecology. 151: 223-237

Parshall, David K. November 30, 2000. Final Report. Survey work with Lepidopteria in the Hoosier 

National Forest. 1 p. Administrative report. On file with Hoosier National Forest, Bedford, IN. 

Theroff, Edward T.; Backs, Steven E.; Miller, Melody; Lehman, Larry E.; McCreedy, Clark D.; Mitchell, 

Jim; Walker, Zachary; Weaver, Mark. 1999-2000. Indiana Statewide Wildlife Research 1999-

2000 Progress and Final Reports. Pittman-Robertson Project No. W-26-R-31. 266 p.

Need: Extensive Hardwood Forest Ecosystems and Forest Interior Species

Jenkins, Michael A.; Parker, George R. 2000. Changes in the forest landscape of the Charles C. 

Deam Wilderness, southern Indiana, 1939-1990. Natural Areas Journal. 20(1): 46-55.

Winslow, Donald E.; Whitehead, Donald R.; Whyte, Carolyn Frazer; Koukol, Matthew A.; Greenberg, 

Grant M.; & Ford, Thomas B. 2000. Within-landscape variation in patterns of cowbird parasitism 

in the forests of south-central Indiana. In: Smith, James N. M.; Cook, Terry L.; Rothstein, 

Stephen I.; Robinson, Scott K; Sealy, Spencer G., eds. Ecology and Management of Cowbirds 

and Their Hosts. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press: 298-310.

Additional research being done on the forest includes:
9

Prescribed Fire

Acquillani, Steven M.; LeBlanc, David C.; Morrell, Thomas E. 2000. Effects of prescribed surface 

fires on ground- and shrub-nesting neotropical migratory birds in a mature Indiana oak forest, 

USA. National Areas Journal. 20(4): 317-324

GIS and GPS Technology

Taylor, Ross H.; Jasumback, Tony; Karsky, Dick; Weigel, Dale. 2000. Evaluation of the Trimble 

ProXR GPS receiver under a hardwood canopy using CORS broadcast real-time DGPS 

corrections. Tech Tips 0071-2341-MTDC. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest 

Service, Technology and Development Program. 6 p.

FY 2000 Site Specific Project Decisions

DECISION DATE COUNTY

Roland Riparian Restoration Project 10/05/99 Orange 

Perry County Land Exchange 10/25/99 Perry

Lake Celina Dam Access Road Project 12/08/99 Perry 

U-38 Lake Dam Access Road Project 12/08/99 Perry

Reforestation Tree Planting 02/16/99 Orange 

Thompson Exchange 03/26/99 Jackson

Pioneer Wagon Works 03/26/99 Jackson, Orange 

Reforestation Tree Planting 04/15/99 Perry and Martin 

Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail Relocation Project 01/12/00 Monroe and Jackson

Hitching Area and Access Trail 02/08/00 Lawrence 

Reconstruct Fire History 02/08/00 Perry 

Saddle Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project 02/18/00 Perry 

Celina Lake Toedrain Installation 04/26/00 Perry 

Haverstock Exchange 07/27/00 Crawford and Jackson 

Kimball International Road Use Permit 07/10/00 Orange

Garlic Mustard Removal 08/29/00 Crawford, Perry, Lawrence 
10

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 its use. 

According to the Indiana Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) only 3 

percent of the state is in public ownership and but a fraction of an acre is available per capita of public 

land for recreation. Of the public ownership in Indiana, 31 percent is within the Hoosier NF. The 

impact of this concentration of visitors obviously affects adjacent lands as well as providing benefits 

and opportunities to our neighbors. 

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, land prices, trespass, small forest products, other special uses, community 

development, and flood control. 

Trail use – In concert with the Forest Plan, demand for special use trails and permits to conduct 

events on NFS lands remains high. Most trail riding requests are for horse-riding events, but we have 

also received requests for mountain bike events. A Fee Demonstration Program went into effect in 

1998. On the Hoosier NF this program entailed requiring a trail use permit for all horse and bike riders 

on forest trails. The permits are available as daily tags or as an annual trail use tag. In 2000, the 

forest sold 8,580 permits, up 9 percent over the previous years’ sales. The fee demonstration project 

netted $30,322 for projects. 

Initially the permit requirement may have curtailed some users from recreating on NFS lands but most 

have now adjusted to the new policy and are willing to purchase tags. Trail use has a positive impact 

on the local economy and many businesses, which cater to these users, have continued to expand 

and add improvements. Horse camps in the northern portion of the forest are booked to capacity 

every weekend during the recreation season. 

There are also negative impacts from the increased trail use to some adjacent lands. Undoubtedly 

trespass is a problem in many areas and a trail ranger has been hired to monitor trail use with a 

portion of the fee demonstration monies. Increased trail use adversely affected the Hickory Grove 

Church. This log structure which dates to 1881 is located on an access road to one of our most 

popular horse trail systems. Unfortunately, one loop of the trail crossed the road near the church’s 

parking lot. The church parking lot then became an unofficial trailhead for the trail system. Visitors 

would not only park in the church’s small lot, but they tied their horses to the trees and cemetery 

fence, which resulted in damage to both. Signs posted by the church congregation were ignored. In 

February 2000, the forest made a decision to construct an area on National Forest System land 

adjacent to the church with hitching racks and a short access trail connecting to the main trail system. 
11

This has curtailed damage to the church property and the access trail has helped eliminate some 

erosion from user-made trails. 

Hickory 

Grove 

Church and 

cemetery 

(west of 

church).

New hitching 

racks and

parking area 

added to the 

east of the 

church 

building.

Land Prices and Real Estate – Most realtors when advertising private land for sale mention if the 

land borders NFS land. People usually consider locating adjacent to NFS land to be desirable. 
12

Trespass – Trespass from NFS land to private land occurs inadvertently and purposefully on a 

continual basis. Only a fraction of the National Forest boundaries is marked and identifiable. As a 

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

trespassed. Local landowners complain about an increasing apathy on the part of these trespassers 

for attention to boundaries and a wanton disrespect for private landowner rights. 

There is also the potential for private landowners to inadvertently trespass with land practices onto 

NFS land. As the numbers of neighbors increase through parcel subdivision, the likelihood of 

trespass also increases. Some of these cases can be resolved using the Small Tracts Act authority. 

The cases thus resolved vary from someone’s garden or yard to substantial improvements such as 

homes. In FY 2000, there were nine Small Tract Act cases to resolve these kinds of trespasses. 

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

Off-road vehicle use continues to be a problem as adjacent landowners illegally ride from their 

property onto NFS land. Efforts to apprehend these trespassers are rarely productive since they do 

not access the Forest by public points, however, the damage they do to the forest resource can be 

substantial. Horseback riders also often ride onto the forest from private lands and create their own 

trails, resulting in further resource impacts.

Dumping of trash, old appliances, and tires is also an ongoing problem on the forest. The forest is 

actively working with community recycling and solid waste districts to promote responsible waste 

disposal. The forest has one site under special use to the Orange County Solid Waste Disposal 

District. This site provides for recycling containers and household trash collection. In Perry County, a 

similar special use arrangement was in place. In 2000, a land exchange was completed which 

allowed the County to acquire ownership of the 27-acre transfer station and recycling center site. In 

return a 40-acre wooded tract was acquired by the Hoosier NF.

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

grapevine collection, houselogs, fence posts, and other miscellaneous products. Plant collection was 

banned on the forest due to dwindling populations of several key species. Requests for other 

products, though rarely approved, may be allowed under certain circumstances if they fit into Forest 

Plan guidance. Resource specialists determine the best locations and impose restrictions. As 

appropriate, permittees pay a fee for the small forest products, commensurate with their value. 

Other special uses – Occasionally private enterprises are authorized to use NFS land. One 

example is the concessionaire permit for Hardin Ridge, Indian/Celina Lakes and Tipsaw Lake 

Recreation Areas. These permits provide jobs and income to local people as well as services to NFS 

visitors in a cost-efficient manner. 

Other examples are private drives to access in-holdings or utility rights-of-way to develop rural areas. 

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. An Orange County REMC power line 

was moved from a cross-country ROW route to a road corridor in accordance with Forest Plan

guidance to consolidate utility lines along road corridors. 

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 that continue to expand. Commuters preferring to live in 

a more rural area are creating a demand for more home construction in the forest area. Economic 
13

development, primarily in the Tell City Ranger District, has the potential to greatly change the 

demographics of Perry and Crawford Counties. These developments include:

Riverboat casinos – The AztarCasino at Evansville and the Ceasars Casino near Corydon, are 

both located within 25-50 miles of the Tell City Ranger District. Both continue to be big attractions 

which have increased development in the area by bringing in money and jobs. Although the 

casinos are traveler’s destination, it is likely that some visitors will also use the recreational 

facilities on NFS. 

Ohio River Scenic Byway– This 981-mile route, of which only a portion crosses NFS lands in 

three states, was nominated as a National Scenic Byway in 1996. It continues to evolve into a 

growing tourist attraction. Brochures are now available with loop tours off the byway through the 

Hoosier NF as well as other rural communities. Kiosks and signage have begun to go up with a 

unique logo for the route. In 1999, Indiana forged a partnership with the states of Ohio and Illinois 

to extend the route at each end through its neighboring states. Signage, interpretive plan, and 

marketing are three emphasis areas to be completed in 2000-2001. Articles have appeared in 

most Midwest media markets and the route is drawing more visitors to the area. Key to the route’s 

attraction are the rolling hills and scenic overlooks on the Hoosier NF. 

Highway 50/Buffalo Trace Byway – Thirty-seven counties are involved in this effort to develop 

and market scenic byways on these two historic routes. A committee has been active in 

identifying attractions and points of interest on both routes, researching history, and building a 

coalition to support the two byways. U.S. Highway 50 crosses the state as part of one of the 

earliest coast-to-coast highways. Through Indiana, the highway route parallels the railroad that 

also has historic routes in the area. The Buffalo Trace predates all other routes, as the route 

migrating buffalo used to cross from wintering grounds in the south to the plains of the Midwest,

crossing at the falls of the Ohio River (now Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN). The route angles 

across the southern part of the state to Vincennes where the buffalo crossed the Wabash River 

and spread out onto the Illinois prairies. Later stagecoaches, travelers, and even the military used 

the trace as the easiest access across southern Indiana. Part of its route was paved and became 

Highway 150. Highway 150 and the original buffalo trace both cross the National Forest, and 

some of the last remnants of the unpaved portions of the trace remain on National Forest System 

lands. The Hoosier is an active part of the committee working toward recognition of these two 

byways. 

Toyota plant – Toyota constructed a major facility within commuting distance to much of the 

Hoosier National Forest. The plant has provided employment to rural residents already living in 

the area as well as attracting more residents and development. In 1999, Toyota announced it 

would double the size of the current facilities so more jobs and expansion are expected. Adjacent 

satellite industries will also attract more people to the area thus increasing demands on National 

Forest System lands. 

Steel plants -- AK Steel constructed a major steel mill in Spencer County, near the Tell City unit. 

The Wopaka Foundry in Perry County near Troy, IN now employs a significant number of people. 

The impact of these plants on the National Forest 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, the park has undergone a major renovation. 

Its popularity has grown as the park has put significant money into expansion and construction. 

Each year they have opened a major new ride and the number of visitors continues to spiral 

upwards. Hotels, restaurants, and other tourist accommodations are springing up to 
14

accommodate these visitors. Many of these tourists will also camp on the Forest or visit other 

Forest areas during their trip to the amusement park. 

West Baden Hotel Renovation – The West Baden Springs Hotel has long been of interest to 

people from around the world. It was an architectural wonder when constructed shortly after the 

turn of the century. Cook, Inc. funded most of the renovations for the hotel’s current owner, 

Historic Landmarks Foundation. Historic Landmarks Foundation sponsors tours of the site 

including the ongoing renovations and the restoration of the hotel grounds. Periodically events 

are sponsored as renovation milestones - such as the raising of the towers or the opening of the 

atrium. Each event is a huge extravaganza that serves to raise funds and bring influential people 

to the area. The tours have been very popular and helped raise money for the project. In addition 

to the outstanding architecture, the dome hosts some fabulous artwork and a beautiful atrium. The 

property is for sale and the hope is, that the new owner will finish the restoration and bring back 

visitors and affluence to the area. West Baden and French Lick were once popular resorts known 

for their hot springs and wonderful accommodations. A major fire and the 1930 depression played 

roles in the demise of this once famous landmark. 

The Hoosier NF, in conjunction 

with local partners, is renovating 

the historic Rickenbaugh House, 

shown here with its new windows. 

Community Center and School Curriculum Development – We continue renovation of the 

historic Rickenbaugh House at the Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area in cooperation with the 

Lincoln Hills RC&D. Much of the money used to accomplish the renovation came from local 

donations or grants secured by the community. The community hopes to soon have the old stone 

house open for visitors, community meetings, and environmental education. In the meantime, 

interested local people continue to promote the house. The vision is that schools will come from 

all around the area to use the house as a hub for cultural and environmental education. A group of 

teachers and Forest Service employees developed a curriculum for schools to use. The USDI 

National Park Service’s “Teaching with Historic Places” model was used. A grant from the Eastern 

National Forest Interpretive Association (ENFIA) paid for compiling the books, and the curriculum 

was completed and sent to 70 teachers in local schools (6-8

th grade levels). One teacher used the 

theme for a class project that involved students interviewing local people and Forest Service 

employees, and developing a documentary video of the house.
15

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

the boundary of the Hoosier National Forest. Most of the existing lakes and ponds were designed 

primarily for flood control with recreation as a secondary use. 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. Floods and storm damage resulted in higher risk situations, 

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

Saddle Lake, and U-38 dam, all located on the Tell City Ranger District. The work has been ongoing 

through 1998, 1999, and 2000, including new access routes to Celina and U-38 dams, new valves for 

Celina and U-38 Lake, spillway for Saddle Lake, and earthwork to stabilize the structures.

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.

With the Forest Plan in 1991, many demands for the National Forest were emphasized. 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 (p. 3-3 to 3-4). The 

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 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, redcedar, 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
16

As reported earlier in this report, recreation visitor days exceeded our expectations in 2000 (525,000 

actual versus 387,500 projected in the Forest Plan Environmental Impact Statement, page 2-19). 

Demand for other benefits has not changed appreciably since the Forest Plan estimates. 

During FY 2000, forest personnel hosted several open houses and public meetings to gather 

comments and concerns for forest plan revision. Each of these forums was attended by a large 

contingent of ORV and 4-wheel drive supporters. In some meetings the ORV supporters 

outnumbered all other participants 10:1. There is obviously still a tremendous demand for motorized 

recreation use of the national forest, and those advocating this use come with documented use 

figures, economic impacts, and projected visitor numbers. 

Some people believe that controversy about national forest decisions demonstrate 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 2000 the Forest received three appeals on proposed projects. The issues 

raised in these appeals included planning process issues such as National Forest Management Act, 

the Wilderness Act, range of alternatives, cumulative effects, and public involvement, as well as onthe-ground concerns such as soil erosion and trail maintenance, violating the character of wilderness, 

fragmentation of habitat, and potential impacts on reptiles, turtles, and herps. Two of the appeals 

were on the relocation of wilderness trails and one was on forest opening maintenance. The 

Regional Forester reversed the District Ranger’s decision on the Charles C. Deam Trail Relocation 

project. Additional analysis and documentation was completed on this project, and the decision reissued in 2001. The Regional Forester affirmed the Supervisor’s decision on opening maintenance. 

The appellants sued the Forest Service on the maintenance of forest openings in the U.S. District 

Court for the Southern District of Indiana. In 2001 this case was decided in favor of the Forest 

Service. 

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

if still not satisfied, take legal recourse. We believe 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.

_______________________________________________________
17

The next section of this report is organized by Forest Plan goal. The appropriate regulations are 

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. 

Seedling counts are taken on 1/750-acre plots at about one plot per acre. 

Criteria for judging acceptability: We base management decisions on the information collected. 

Results: In FY 2000, we surveyed 346 acres to determine if they had adequate stocking of 

regeneration. Three types of areas were surveyed. 

o The tornado blow-down areas were surveyed. Two tornados swept through the Hoosier 

National Forest area, one on June 2, 1990 and the other on April 19, 1997. Surveys were 

done of natural regeneration in the areas most heavily impacted by the tornados. We found 

they were 80-100% stocked. However, the species composition of the regeneration was 

primarily yellow poplar and sugar maple. There was only a small component of oak in these 

stands. The silvicultural prescription for these areas recommends a prescribed fire through the 

stands to encourage the oak component.

o The second type area surveyed was also part of the tornado blow-down sites, however, these 

areas were impacted by salvage sales and then planted with oak seedlings. Tree shelters 

were used on 10-15 percent of the planted seedlings. In 1999, southern Indiana had one of 

the worst droughts in recorded history that took a severe toll on the young trees. The stocking 

survey indicated an overall average of 60 percent survival in the planted oaks. Those oaks 

planted in tree shelters had over a 70 percent survival rate. We estimate seedlings planted 

without shelters had only a 20 percent survival rate due to the effects of drought and predation 

in a lean food year.

o The third area surveyed was the Snow Pine Sale. This Virginia pine stand was harvested and 

allowed to regenerate naturally. Stocking surveys found it to be 100 percent stocked with 

mixed hardwood species, predominately yellow poplar. 

Forest Plan met: Yes. 
18

School children plant trees and put up 

protective tree shelters on strips within the 

new Roland Wetland area.

Roland Restoration Project – Tree Planting

Methodology: This report is based on observations of the Roland restoration project completed in 

T2N, R2W section 17 and 18 (compartment 67). In spring, 2000 approximately 2,000 seedlings of 

various species were planted for the purpose of increasing the species diversity in the area. Tree 

shelters were installed on all of the trees planted due to high mortality in an adjacent wetland planted 

without tree shelters. Site preparation consisted of plowing strips across the old fields to rip up the 

fescue sod and made it easier to get the seedlings into mineral soil. School children, Americorp 

volunteers, and Forest Service employees planted the trees. 

Results: Fifty acres were planted with a mixture of bottomland hardwood species. Survival rates 

appear to be at approximately 75 percent. 

Forest Plan met: Yes.

Recommendations: We followed recommendations made after monitoring a similar planting in the 

adjacent Moffitt Wetland. These recommendations included improving survival rates with site 

preparation of plowing furrows in the grass cover and using tree shelters. The survival rate of 

seedlings in the Roland Wetland is adequate to provide cover in this restored bottomland habitat. 

 

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: Introduced sawfly outbreaks were first observed in 1996. Since that time, stands have 

been monitored throughout the forest for further signs of the sawfly. Visual observations are made 

regularly in these pine stands. 

Results: In 2000, there were no additional outbreaks on the forest. 

 

Forest Plan met: Yes.
19

Recommendations: Continue to monitor pine stands since additional insect outbreaks are likely. 

Currently this insect is not a problem.

Monitor damage from March 19, 1996 storm and April 19, 1996 tornado for insect and 

disease infestations.

Methodology: Silviculturist monitored areas of damage by walk through. 

Results: The silviculturist noticed scattered trees along the fringe or within the heavily impacted area 

that had subsequently died since the salvage operations. He attributed the additional mortality 

(higher than the normal) to the trees being in a weakened condition after the tornado and the drought 

in 1999. Time and stress left the trees vulnerable to insects and disease. 

 

Forest Plan met: Yes.

Recommendations: Additional informal monitoring will be done whenever the silviculturist is in the 

area.

Photos above show blowdown in a pine stand and a hardwood stand hit by the 1996 tornado.

 
20

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.

Indiana Forestry Best Management Practices Guidelines 

Lake Celina Dam Access Road Project

This project was monitored to determine if erosion control practices described in the erosion control 

plan were used successfully during the construction of the access road.

Methodology: Visual observations were made to see if mitigation measures had been used and if 

they were effective in controlling soil erosion.

Results: Temporary sediment basins, diversions, and other erosion control practice seemed to be 

working. In one instance, a sediment basin was not installed and a recent intense rainstorm caused 

some soil erosion. In this case some of the soil was deposited as sediment in Lake Celina. The 

amount of soil deposited in the Lake was not significant considering the area of soil disturbing 

activities that occurred.

Forest Plan met: Yes 

Recommendations: In the future Contracting Officers Representatives need to more closely ensure 

that erosion control practices are used during construction of projects.
21

 Photo of Indiana Karst Conservancy

 volunteer outside a cave in southern 

 Indiana.

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: A large percentage of this program depends on caver volunteers. Members of the 

Indiana Karst Conservancy conduct the actual base level inventories and cave mapping. 

Results: Twenty-nine Hoosier National Forest/Indiana Karst Conservancy Karst Inventory Committee 

members donated 618 hours of volunteer time. The volunteers were involved in a number of 

activities including:

• Writing cave management plans – Three plans have been drafted.

• Attending HNF/IKC Karst Inventory Committee meetings – Meetings are held every other 

month to discuss items of interest on the Hoosier National Forest and to discuss cave and 

karst issues.

• Locating ten new caves, relocating eight caves that had poor location information, locating a 

connection between two caves, and verifying that one cave was physically closed.

• Training – Sponsored an HNF/IKC Karst Project Training Session in October 1999 that 22 

people attended. Resource experts gave presentations on archaeological, biological, cultural, 

geological, hydrological, and recreational resources within caves. Committee members used 

the information presented in the training session to perform karst values inventory on a 

number of caves on the forest.

• Surveys for land acquisitions and other projects – Volunteers provided input on Hoosier NF 

projects including the Forest Plan revision, Forest Plan amendment for special areas, trails 

projects, kaolinite mine gating project, and land acquisitions.
22

• Take Pride in America – 20 individuals assisted at this event with a day of ridgewalking to 

search for new cave locations and pick up trash. Other interested members of the public were 

encouraged to help, allowing more people to be involved and interested in karst resources.

• Bat Surveys – Dr. John Whitaker from Indiana State University completed bat surveys at the 

South Gardner Kaolinite Mine entrance.

• Biota Inventory - Dr. Julian Lewis began a biota inventory of the caves on the Hoosier National 

Forest on August 1, 2000. Members of the HNF/IKC committee assisted Dr. Lewis in his 

work.

• Core sampling – Dr. Jim Durban collected sediment core samples from the floor of Wesley 

Chapel Gulf to document the sediments in the gulf and the stratigraphy.

Forest Plan met: Yes. We continue to work on acquiring locations, mapping interiors, listing resource 

values, and writing individual management plans (Forest Plan Appendix I). 

Recommendations: Caves recommended for significance are required to be verified. When 

verification is complete, those caves that meet the significance criteria will be nominated. 
23

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

Evaluate vegetative component on new acquisitions on the Hoosier National Forest 

Methodology: A silvicultural examination was done on all new land acquisitions. Plots were 

inventoried on each tract to determine the site capabilities, vegetative components, and make 

recommendations for management activities. The silviculturist also conducted examinations on other 

forest areas to update the data base or document information for future management prescriptions.

Results: A total of 8,200 acres were inventoried and examined on the Tell City District and 4,378 

acres were examined on the Brownstown District. For each area examined, we prepared a 

silvicultural report and made recommendations for future treatments. 

Forest Plan met: Yes 

Recommendations: Continue to inventory vegetative components on new acquisitions and other 

forest areas as time allows.

Monitor Forest Openings and Warm Season Grass Maintenance

Methodology: Actual project work is done cooperatively with Indiana Department of Natural 

Resources (IDNR), Division of Fish and Wildlife. Monitoring is done in field visits by the ecosystem 

team staff. We treated 549 acres of prescribed burning under three separate NEPA decisions. The 

forest biologist monitored weather conditions and results of each burn.

Results: In FY 2000 1,373 acres of forest opening maintenance have been completed. IDNR mowed 

497 acres and assisted in fireline construction on the 296 acres of openings burned. The mowing of 

580 acres was contracted. The 296 acres of openings were burned under the Forest Openings 

Maintenance (FO) decision (Day 1999). The objectives for burning those openings were to reset 

succession, reduce encroachment by woody vegetation, and maintain or enhance grass and forb 

dominated plant and animal habitats. These areas will require repeat burning at intervals of 2 – 5 

years to achieve these objectives on a continual basis.

An additional 248 acres were prescribed burned in the spring of 2000 for warm season grass 

restoration. This project was done under a Warm Season Grass (WSG) Decision (Denoncour 1996). 

After it was burned, 30 acres were tilled between August and October. This area has been tilled three 

times to break up the fescue sod. Objectives for burning these areas were to increase domination of 

the sites by native warm season grasses and maintain grass and forb plant and animal habitats. 

These areas will require repeat burning on 2-3 year intervals to establish site dominance by warm 

season grasses. After that they could be burned on 5 – 10 year intervals to maintain that dominance.

A five-acre plantation was burned at the Paoli Experimental Forest under the Prescribed Burn on 

Paoli Experimental Forest (PBEX) decision (Denoncour 1999). Objectives for burning this site were 

to kill yellow poplar and favor establishment of planted and natural oak seedlings and saplings. 

Treatment response will be intensively monitored under the experimental design for this study.

The table below lists the date, time, size, and location of each burn as well as environmental 

conditions during the burn period. The NEPA decision being implemented is listed so we can 

consider the environmental analysis when reviewing the efficacy of each treatment. 
24

FY 2000 Prescribed Fire Program

Date Burn

Period

Location Comp/

Stand

District

Acres Temp

(Deg. 

F)

RH% FSM% Windspeed 

(MPH)

Direction

NEPA

Dec.

3/6/00 1130-

1300

Starnes 

#2

49/210

BT

20 63-68 34-28 9.3-6.9 4-9 S FO

1415-

1500

Silo #1 44/207

BT

5 70-73 24-21 5.9-5.0 7-9 S FO

3/7/00 1010-

1214

Maines 

Pond (E)

13/218

BT

35 65-75 35-33 7.7-6.3 5-8 S, SW FO

3/14/00 1045-

1132

Maines 

Pond

13/218

BT

37 50-53 59-51 14.4-

11.5

4-8 W, SW FO

1240-

1340

Scott 

Pond

13/203

BT

16 55 43-41 10.4-

11.5

4-7 SE, SW FO

1420-

1445

Fleetwood 

#1

43/218

BT

9 55-58 41-35 8.9-8.5 4-8 SE, NW FO

1515-

1530

Starnes 

#1

42/206

BT

11 58-60 35-37 8.5-7.9 4-9 S, NW FO

1600-

1710

Silo #2 44/208

BT

9 60 37-38 7.9-7.2 3-9 S FO

3/15/00 1100-

1219

Hager (N) 64/202

BT

25 66-70 37-32 9.2-6.8 6-10 S, SW FO

3/23 1055-

1210

Deuchars 

#15

16/024

TC

70 62-65 52-43 12.2-

9.3

6-8 SE WSG

1255-

1335

Blue River 16/211

TC

13 65-67 43-42 9.3-6.8 3-5 SE FO

1255-

1355

Deuchars 

#16

16/214

TC

46 65-69 43-35 9.3-6.8 3-8 SE WSG

1359-

1430

Harvey 

Flat

16/201 5 69 35 6.8 3-5 E FO

1600-

1805

Birdseye 

#12b

62/062

TC

70 70-67 38-43 5.7-7.2 4-8 E WSG

1815-

1850

Birdseye 

#11

62/055

TC

16 67 43 7.2 4-8 E WSG

3/24 1010-

1240

Hemlock 

#2

2/204

TC

26 69-78 45 12.0-

9.0

5-10 S, SW FO

1330-

1414

Seton #13 1/006

TC

46 78-79 43-42 7.2-7.7 6-10 S WSG

3/29/00 1213-

1238

Elder 

School

18/215

TC

35 54-58 37-35 11.0-

10.0

3-7 S FO

1407-

1430

Old 

Chapel

18/216

TC

25 56-58 32-30 7.0-6.7 4-10 SE, NW FO

1600-

1700

Paoli 

Research

NA

BT

5 60-58 31-38 5.8-6.3 3-10 W PBEX

1754-

1845

Hager 64/202

BT

25 53 40 6.6 2-6 S FO

RH = Relative Humidity 

FSM = Fuel Stick Moisture
25

Forest Plan Met: Yes

Recommendation: A review is recommended of some of the warm season grasses areas and forest 

that were treated once the vegetation has had a chance to develop. This could occur as part of the 

Forest Plan monitoring trip in the fall of 2001. This review would look at how the site has responded 

in comparison to our desired future condition and treatment objectives. Some variation in vegetative 

response may be affected by environmental conditions at the time of burn that in turn affected burn 

intensities.

Garlic mustard, an invasive exotic flower.

Monitoring of Garlic mustard populations. 

Methodology: Recorded garlic mustard populations were checked, and where found, pulled, and 

removed from the forest. This is the fifth year for this effort.

Results: In FY 2000, garlic mustard plants were pulled in four areas of the forest. Those areas were: 

Shootingstar Cliffs, Beaver Creek, the Huron Woods Special Areas, and the Buzzard Roost area. 

The populations of this exotic weed appear to be getting smaller.

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendations: The sites will continue to be monitored in FY2001 to determine if the plant is still 

present.
26

Research Natural Areas (RNA's) and Special Areas (SA's) and 

Potential Candidates [36 CFR 219.25]

Monitor rare and exotic plant populations in Research Natural Areas and Special 

Areas.

Methodology: The Hoosier National Forest has an agreement with the Indiana Department of Natural 

Resources, Division of Nature Preserves to conduct a survey of rare and exotic plants in special 

areas. 

Results: Field work was ongoing in FY 2000 and will run into FY 2001. Populations of rare plants are 

documented, former sites revisited and plot information collected, and each exact location is noted 

with Global Positioning System technology. Of the previously known rare plants sites on the Hoosier, 

32 populations were relocated and 52 new populations were found. The botanists also discovered six 

rare plants not previously listed on the Hoosier National Forest. 

The six new species were:

Buchnera americana – found at two locations. Last reported in southern Indiana in 1835.

Linum striatum – found at one location

Linum sulcatum – found at one location

Sagittaria australis – found at one location

Scirpus purshianus – found in two small ponds

Verbesina virginica – found for the first time in Indiana

The other rare plants found or rechecked from previous findings in FY 2000 were:

Aconitum uncinatum – Two new locations, one consisting of seven colonies spread over a 1⁄2 

mile area

Bacopa rotundifolia – a thorough search revealed no plants remaining at the only previously 

known site

Carex bushii – the only known site is doing well and expanding

Cheilantes lanosa – located at one known site, found at one new site

Cirsium carolinianum – located at three known sites, found at two new sites

Crataegus intricata – possibly seen, but fruit and flowers never found, identification uncertain

Desmodium humifusum – located at the only known site. Thought to be a hybrid so should 

drop from the list

Dodecatheon frenchii – only two of the 20-some known sites were rechecked, two new sites 

found

Eupatorium incarnatum – located at the only known site

Gentiana alba – located at the only two known sites, appears to have increased at one site

Gonolobus obliquus – found at three new sites, very few plants at any location

Hypericum denticulatum – found at one new site

Juncus secundus – looked for but not found, may have fallen victim to succession in old field 

habitat

Lechea racemulosa – there is one old record of this plant, it was searched for without 

success, again a victim of plant succession

Lilium canadense – looked for at two sites but not found

Ludwigia decurrens – plant not found at its only known location, but it is not clear that the 

searcher reached the correct spot

Magnolia tripetala – located at one known site

Nothoscordium bivalve – the only known site has been checked several times in the past few 
27

years but no plants were located

Ophioglossum engelmannii – located at one known site, one new site found

Oxalis illinoensis – located at one known site, one new site found (tens of thousands of plants 

in several colonies in one large area)

Oxydendrum arboretum – located at two known sites

Panicum verruscosum – located at only one known site

Panicum yadkinense – looked for but not found at the only recorded site

Phlox amplifolia – located at one known site

Polypodium polypodioides – located at one known site, found at two new sites

Polytaenia nuttallii – located at the only known site

Prenanthes aspera – located at one known site, found at nine new sites, but only a few plants 

found (less than ten) at any location

Rhynchospora corniculata – located at the only known site

Rubus centralis and Rubus enslenii – these two trailing blackberry species are difficult to 

distinguish and it is not clear these are two distinct species 

Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida – found at five new sites

Rudbeckia fulgida var. umbross – a colony with roundish basal leaves was found 

Sanicula smallii – looked for in several places, but not found

Saxifraga virginiensis – located at one site, found at one new site

Scutellaria parvula – located at one known site, found at seven new locations. This plant could 

be moved to “watch list”

Scutellaria saxatilis – located at the only known site

Setaria geniculata – this plant should no longer be considered rare, it is found in large 

quantities at many roadside sites on the Hoosier

Sparganium androcladum – believe this plant was earlier included by mistake and may never 

have been found on the forest, but was mistaken for a similar species S. americanum

Stenanthium gramineum – one new site found

Tragia cordata – two known sites searched but not found

Trichomanes boschianum – located at one known site

Waldsteinia fragarioides – located at one known site

Woodwardia areolata – located at two known sites

Zizia aptera – located at two known sites, found in three new locations

Through an agreement, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves 

earlier identified invasive plants in virtually every site on the Forest. Sites of concern are listed in the 

following table because they are either important natural features threatened by invasive plants, or 

had an exceptionally "heavy" invasive plant population. 
28

Area Name Invasive Species

Boone Creek Barrens garlic mustard, Lespedeza sp., Microstegium, sweet clover

Buzzard Roost garlic mustard, Japanese honeysuckle 

Carnes Mill Japanese honeysuckle, Microstegium, moneywort, unknown ground cover

Clover Lick Barrens autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, crown vetch, day lily, Japanese 

honeysuckle, Microstegium, potato vine, sweet clover

Deam Wilderness autumn olive, garlic mustard, Hosta, Japanese honeysuckle, 

Microstegium, myrtle

Oil Creek Cliffs/Peter

Cave Hollow 

garlic mustard, Microstegium

Pioneer Mothers garlic mustard, bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle 

Plaster Creek Seeps reed canary grass

Rockhouse Hollow autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, Microstegium 

IDNR, Division of Nature Preserves also separated the above invasive plants into three categories: 

most threat; medium threat; and least threat, as follows:

Most -- bush honeysuckle, crown vetch, garlic mustard, Japanese honeysuckle, Microstegium, potato 

vine, sweet clover and reed canary grass

Medium -- autumn olive, Lespedeza sp., and moneywort

Least -- day lily, Hosta, Johnson grass, multiflora rose, periwinkle, and teasel

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendations: The final report is expected by December 31, 2001. Once received we will move 

forward on the basis of what was found. 

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 bald eagles on NFS lands near Lake Monroe. We issued a closure order 

to protect the area surrounding the nest and monitored to determine the effectiveness of the closure.

Bald Eagle nest site: IDNR – Division of Fish and Wildlife coordinates monitoring of bald eagle nests. 

In 2000, bald eagles were observed incubating at the nest; however, no chicks were fledged. The 

nest is protected by a forest closure order to reduce disturbance to the site. The nest was checked 3 

times during the year (March, April, June) by helicopter to determine how many chicks were 

produced.

Forest Plan met: Yes 
29

Recommendations: Continue monitoring work through IDNR.

Monitor populations of butternut (Juglans cinerea), a Regional Forester's Sensitive 

Species.

Methodology: Monitor all live butternut trees using the butternut monitoring form, recording dbh, 

percent of live crown, and fruits produced.

Results: Prior to the monitoring efforts in 2000, the location of only seven butternut trees were known 

on the forest. After an employee noticed some butternut trees while hunting, he returned and located 

a total of 34 butternut trees, seven of which are dead. Information was collected on the other twentyseven live trees in May, 2000. No seedlings were found at any of the sites.

Information on the trees found follows:

Tree 

#

Alive? DBH 

(inches)

Height 

(feet)

Fruiting 

?

% of live 

crown

Is it a Root 

Sprout

Remarks

1 No 8.0 35 No None No Alive in 98

2 Yes 8.9 50 No 80 No

3 Yes 10.1 50 No 90 No

4 Yes 6.2 40 No 60 No

5 Yes 6.3 40 No 0 No

6 Yes 9.9 50 No 80 No

7 Yes 7.8 40 No 50 No

8 Yes 8.1 40 No 60 No

9 Yes 6.6 45 No 80 No

This patch was in 

a creek bottom. 

Lack of sunlight 

caused limbs to 

die. Crowns look 

good.

10 Yes 8.3 40 No 40 No Some scars

11 Yes 11.0 50 No 50 No No scars, looks 

good

12 No 7.0 50 No 80 No

13 No 8.0 40 No 0 No

14 No 5.0 35 No 0 No

15 Yes 11.7 50 No 0 No

16 Yes 6.0 40 No 50 No

17 Yes 9.4 40 No 40 No

18 Yes 8.5 45 No 25 No

19 Yes 9.6 40 No 10 No

20 No 6.0 30 No 0 No

21 No 8.8 40 No 0 No

22 Yes 10.0 50 No 60 No

23 Yes 12.0 45 No 10 No

24 No 5.0 30 No 0 No

25 Yes 6.5 35 No 25 No

26 No 6.0 35 No 0 No

27 Yes 8.5 40 No 30 No

Located within 

clearcut. Most 

butternut trees are 

on the bottom 1/3 

of north facing 

slope. There may

be more trees in 

stand. 

Forest Plan met: Yes 
30

Recommendations: Continue to monitor as well as widen the search of the surrounding area to 

determine if other trees may be nearby. 

Fish and Wildlife [36 CFR 219.19]

Monitor Management Indicator Species (MIS)

Methodology: Consult references and monitor projects to maintain a viable population of existing 

native and desired non-native vertebrate species. Monitoring will be done in cooperation with state 

fish and wildlife agencies to the extent practicable. MIS are defined as "plant and animal species, 

communities, or special habitats selected for emphasis in planning in order to assess the effects of 

management activities on their populations and the populations of other species with similar habitat 

needs which they may represent" (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 1991b, 2620.5). 

The FSM further states that species selected will be those that "best represent the issues, concerns, 

and opportunities to support the recovery of Federally-listed species, provide continued viability of 

sensitive species, and enhance management of wildlife and fish for commercial, recreational, 

scientific, subsistence, or aesthetic values or uses" (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 

1991b, 2621.1). The Forest Plan forest-wide guidance for managing vegetation to provide diverse 

ecosystems states that "habitat objectives and capability for management indicator species will be 

considered in forest management as appropriate. MIS are monitored on National Forest land to 

determine population trends and to evaluate effects of management activities on selected species" 

(U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 1991c, pp. 2-6, 5-5). Analysis of project level effects 

is used to determine an activity's contribution to meeting forest-wide objectives for providing for well 

distributed, viable populations. Management activity effects are examined in light of the existing 

habitat conditions, both within and outside the Forest, and documented population conditions or 

trends.

Results: Species effects are summarized below —

Wood duck (Aix sponsa) - This duck favors bodies of water with overhanging trees or brush and 

downed logs. It is often found in wetlands and marshes but will use any body of water. The wood 

duck nests in cavities in hardwood trees, which are not necessarily close to water, but are usually in 

bottomland areas. Breeding begins in early March. Ponds or perennial streams under forest canopy 

are required after eggs hatch, however. Acorns and grains provide most of the food for this species, 

but insects are frequently taken by young birds. Monitoring of wood duck production for Indiana 

indicates generally increasing populations with annual variability. Nesting success for this species 

was higher in Indiana than for the Mississippi Flyway as a whole (Hartman 1997, 1998a, 1998b). 

American woodcock (Scolopax minor) - This bird nests in wet meadows and thickets but uses dry, 

upland, old-field habitats for courtship. Earthworms are their preferred food, although other 

invertebrates are also eaten. The 11-year trend for this species is downward about five percent 

(Lehman 1998a). 

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) - This species uses both heavily wooded areas and openings. It 

typically nests in upland hardwood forests, although pine plantations are occasionally used. They 

begin nesting in early April. Grains of grasses, acorns, and other plant material form most of their 

food, but many invertebrates are also taken. Open land is also required for foraging for insects. 

Population trends for turkeys show continuing increases in Indiana (Backs 1998a). More information 
31

is included below on wild turkey monitoring.

Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) - This species is found in woods, woods borders, brushy areas, 

dense young forest, or openings. It breeds during April and May. These birds feed largely on insects 

during the summer, but fruits and other plant material is consumed throughout the year. The 

population trend for this species indicates significant declines since a peak in the 1970's. (Backs 

1998b and 1998c). More information is included below on grouse monitoring.

Broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) - These hawks tend to nest in extensive woodlands or 

larger woodlots. It typically requires a large foraging area which includes forest, edges, and 

openland. This species takes primarily small mammals, reptiles, and insects as food. Populations of 

this bird have not shown significant changes since 1966 (Castrale et al. 1998).

Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) - This bird uses deep woods, woodlots, residential areas, 

and narrow bands of woods along stream courses. It is a cavity nesting species which requires large 

snags and large woody debris on the forest floor. Nesting begins in early May. Insects and larvae 

provide most of this birds food. It is unlikely that suitable habitat is limiting populations of this species 

on the Forest, however the species is largely restricted to landscapes with high forest cover. 

Populations have shown a significant annual increase since 1966 (Castrale et al. 1998). 

Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) - This bird is found in heavily wooded areas with 

developed understories and on wooded streambanks within floodplains. This bird requires snags in 

the understory from which it forages for insects. Nests are located on slender branches of trees and 

shrubs, usually 10 to 20 feet above the ground. Nesting usually occurs during June. This bird eats 

insects taken primarily while in flight. Population trends for this species have not shown significant 

changes since 1966 (Castrale et al. 1998). 

Scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea) - This tanager nests in large, dry, upland forests and utilizes 

clearings and forest edges for foraging (Mumford and Keller 1984). Nests are found on horizontal 

branches often above openings during June. Insects and larvae provide most of this species food. 

These are gleaned from leaves and twigs. This species has showed a significant annual increase in 

population since 1966 (Castrale et al. 1998).

Louisiana waterthrush (Seriurus motacilla) - This bird lives along small, usually perennial, woodland 

streams and is seldom found far from water. Nests are usually found in root tangles along stream 

banks from early May through mid June. This bird eats insects and other invertebrates taken from 

the edges of streams. This species populations have increased significantly since 1966 (Castrale et 

al. 1998). 

 

Wood thrush (Hilocichla mustelina) - This bird prefers woodlands and will nest near clearings or 

buildings in wooded areas (Mumford and Keller 1984). It nests in deciduous forest understory trees 

about ten feet above the ground during June. It is found in both open and closed canopy forests. 

This species feeds on insects, and fruits and berries. Population trends indicate a significant decline 

in this species statewide since 1966. They are much more abundant in south-central Indiana 

landscapes dominated by forest, including the Hoosier National Forest (Castrale et al. 1998). 

Black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia) - This bird nests in both secondary and mature forests. It 

nests at the base of large trees among dense ground vegetation in May and early June. Insects and 

larvae provide most this species food. These are taken from the trunk and lower branches of large 

trees. While this species has been detected during Breeding Bird Surveys, there is no reported 

significant population trend information (Castrale et al. 1998). 
32

Worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus) - This warbler prefers dense woodlands with down 

timber or dense understory vegetation. Nests are near or on the ground in late May and early June. 

Insects and larvae provide most of this species food, and are taken mostly from the ground. Survey 

information has not shown a significant population trend for this species (Castrale et al. 1998). 

Prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor) - This bird nests in overgrown, old-field habitats. It is found in 

somewhat open brushy areas with many shrubs and saplings. Nests average about seven to eight 

feet above the ground in shrubs and small trees. Breeding takes place from May to July. Insects and 

larvae provide most of this species food. Significant changes in populations have not been detected 

since 1966. The greatest concentrations of this species are in southern Indiana, including the 

Hoosier National Forest (Castrale et al. 1998). 

Pine warbler (Dendroica pinus) - This warbler prefers to nest in pine plantations, usually of shortleaf, 

more rarely in white pine. Most nests are well above the ground from May to July. Insects and larvae 

provide most of this species food. While this species has been detected during Breeding Bird 

Surveys there is no reported significant population trend information (Castrale et al. 1998). 

Yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) - This bird prefers thickets, briar patches, and somewhat open 

grassy area with many shrubs and saplings. Nests are near the ground, frequently in blackberry 

brambles form May to July. Insects and larvae provide most of this species food. Population 

monitoring for this species indicates a significant annual decline since 1966 (Castrale et al. 1998). 

Raccoon (Procyon lotor) - This species is a habitat generalist although it prefers to forage near 

water. It uses most terrestrial habitats and generally needs streams or ponds. Raccoons travel along 

hedgerows and waterways. Dens are typically in large hollow trees. Young are born in April and 

May. Raccoons are omnivorous. Population indices for raccoons show increased populations since 

the 1970's with relative stability in recent years (Lehman 1998b). More information is included below 

on raccoon monitoring.

Bobcat (Felis rufus) - Bobcats may be found in a variety of habitats including forests and open lands. 

They often forage along roads and openings. They are nocturnal predators. Dens are usually in 

crevices in rock. Young are born in late spring. Although populations remain low, numbers of this 

species are apparently increasing with sightings tripling since 1992 and increased incidence of 

roadkill (Lehman and Weaver 1998, Indiana Department of Natural Resources 1999). 

Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) - This species utilizes overmature or declining trees with hollows 

for den sites. It prefers mature deciduous forest, often with scattered brushy or open areas. This 

species may nest in cavities or build nests of twig and leaves in treetops. Litters of young are 

produced from February through October. It eats mostly plant material. Populations of this species 

are stable with some year to year fluctuation (Lehman and Weaver 1998). It is unlikely that habitat is 

limiting. 

Cliff plant associations - These plant communities include a number of vascular and non-vascular 

plants which occur on sandstone cliffs. They may be moist or dry, or have species characteristic of 

both depending on their height and aspect. Monitoring of these associations on the forest indicates 

they are healthy and have not been disturbed (U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service 1998). 

Barrens/glades - Barrens and glades are grass dominated plant communities with some degree of

tree canopy, typically dry site oaks. Glades have large amounts of exposed bedrock. Both 

communities are dominated by prairie herbs. Restoration efforts are improving the health and vigor of 
33

barrens and glades on the Forest. Monitoring indicates healthy and diverse vegetative conditions in 

these communities following treatments (Olson 1997). 

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) - The largemouth bass has been stocked in most ponds 

and lakes on the Hoosier National Forest, and can sometimes be found in deep pools or backwaters 

of medium to larger streams. Spawning occurs during May and June. It feeds on insects, 

crustaceans, and smaller fish. 

Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) - The smallmouth is found in clear, gravel bottomed 

streams with relatively cool water. Spawning occurs during May and June. It feeds on insects, 

crustaceans, and smaller fish. 

Rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) - The rock bass is found in clear, relatively cool water, in silt-free 

rocky streams. It has been introduced into some lakes and ponds by anglers. It feeds on insects and 

crustaceans. It tends to utilize vegetated and brushy stream margins and pools, and the rocky and 

vegetated margins of lakes. 

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) - This fish is stocked into most ponds and lakes on the Hoosier 

National Forest. It is found most often in clear ponds with fairly dense vegetation, but may occur in 

many other bodies of water. It feeds on insects and crustaceans. 

Grass pickerel (Esox americanus) - The pickerel is found in vegetated pools and slack waters in 

streams. Spawning occurs during March and April. It feeds on smaller fish. 

Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) - The pugnose minnow is found in vegetated pools and 

slack waters of streams. Spawning probably occurs in June. It feeds on small invertebrates. 

Southern redbelly dace (Phoxinus erythrogaster) - This species prefers small, clear, cool streams in 

ravines. Spawning occurs during May and June. They feed mostly on algae and creek sediments. 

Redfin shiner (Lythrurus umbratilis) - This species is found in pools in smaller streams. Their food 

habits are essentially unknown. 

Stream invertebrates - Stream invertebrates occur in ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial 

streams. Each stream type has its own characteristic group of species. This group of animals 

includes crayfish, mollusks, aquatic larval forms of insects, segmented worms, and others. 

Monitoring of Fish and Stream Invertebrates

Monitoring of management indicator fish species and stream invertebrates is accomplished by 

Hoosier National Forest personnel, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and 

Wildlife, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Surveys of each water body are 

completed to develop species composition profiles and information is gathered on water quality and 

habitat characteristics. Productivity varies between bodies of water and segments of streams and 

rivers. Baseline information has been gathered which shows comparatively healthy and dynamic 

aquatic ecosystems on and around the Hoosier National Forest. Population trend data is not yet 

available. 

Wetlands

Wetlands include ephemeral wetlands, marshes (herbaceous dominated permanent wetlands), and 
34

swamps (wetlands dominated by trees and or shrubs). Each type has distinct vegetation, soils, and 

hydrology. Acres of wetlands are recorded in Combined Data System (CDS) database. The number 

of acres of wetlands on the Forest has been increased through restoration projects and lake 

construction. 

Cave invertebrates - Cave invertebrates may be found in true caves and in deep rock shelters. 

Cave habitats can be affected by changes in airflow or hydrologic regimes. Monitoring of caves on 

the Forest has found an array of species existing in a system with no major environmental problems. 

Population trends have not been determined (Lewis 1994, Lewis 1998, Hobbs 1995, Liddle 1995). 

Reference

Backs S. 1998a. Progress Report: Wild Turkey Hunter-Bag Check. In Indiana Statewide Wildlife Research 

1996-97 Progress and Final Reports. p. 133-154.

Backs S. 1998b. Progress Report: Population Status of Ruffed Grouse in Indiana. In Indiana Statewide 

Wildlife Research 1996-97 Progress and Final Reports. p. 116-123.

Backs S. 1998c. Breeding indices of ruffed grouse - spring 1998. Wildlife and Research Management Notes, 

6/8/98. 6 p.

Castrale, J.; E. Hopkins; C. Keller. 1998. Atlas of Breeding Birds of Indiana. Indiana Department of Natural 

Resources. 388 p.

Hartman, M. 1997. Progress Report: Fall and Winter Waterfowl Survey. In Indiana Statewide Wildlife 

Research 1996-97 Progress and Final Reports. p. 123-125.

Hartman, M. 1998a. Progress Report: Fall and Winter Waterfowl Survey. In Indiana Statewide Wildlife 

Research 1996-97 Progress and Final Reports. p. 157-169.

Hartman, M. 1998b. Progress Report: Wood Duck Nest Box Monitoring Program. In Indiana Statewide 

Wildlife Research 1996-97 Progress and Final Reports. p. 257-260.

Hobbs, H. 1995. Final Report - Assessment of the Biological Resources of Selected Caves in the Hoosier 

National Forest, Southern Indiana 114 p.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources. 1999. Confirmed records of bobcats in Indiana, 1970-1999. 

Unpublished IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife information. 3 p.

Lehman L. 1998a. Progress Report: Woodcock Singing Ground Survey. In Indiana Statewide Wildlife 

Research 1996-97 Progress and Final Reports. p. 181-182.

Lehman L. 1998b. Progress Report: Raccoon Roadkill Survey. In Indiana Statewide Wildlife Research 1996-

97 Progress and Final Reports. p. 70-76.

Lehman L.; M. Weaver. 1998. Progress Report: Statewide Archers Index of Furbearer Populations. In Indiana 

Statewide Wildlife Research 1996-97 Progress and Final Reports. p. 101-108.

Lewis, Julian J. 1994. Lost River cave and karst biological survey. Louisville District. U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers. 63 p.

Lewis, Julian J. 1998. Subterranean fauna of the Blue River area. Species at Risk Program, U.S. Geologic 

Survey; The Nature Conservancy; Natural Heritage Program, Division of Nature Preserves, Indiana Department 
35

of Natural Resources; Non-game and Endangered Wildlife Program, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indiana 

Department of Natural Resources. 267 p.

Liddle, T. 1995. Ecology and observed biota of selected caves in the Hoosier National Forest, Indiana. 

Unpublished. 36 p.

Olson, Steven. 1997. Boone Creek vegetation - post burn. A memorandum from Steve Olson to Ecosystem 

Program Manager dated July 9, 1997. Filed at Tell City Ranger District, Tell City, Indiana. 12 p.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1998. Eco-report 2. Unpublished report on monitoring and 

accomplishment. 20 p.

Forest Plan Met: Yes

Recommendations: Continue monitoring these species until a new list is developed.

Coordinate with IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife in monitoring fish populations in 

selected waters.

Methodology: In July of 2000, IDNR biologist collected information on the fish composition of Spring 

Valley Lake. 

Results: While data was collected for all species encountered the IDNR survey focused on sport fish 

composition. The following table indicates that within Spring Valley Lake high quality fishing 

opportunities exist for bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.

Fish Survey Results Spring Valley Lake 2000

NUMBER %

LENGTH 

RANGE (in.)

WEIGHT 

(lbs.) %

Bluegill 319 55.7 0.8- 8.7 22.15 16.7

Largemouth bass 135 23.6 2.3- 21.6 48.87 36.9

Redear sunfish 51 8.9 2.7- 10.7 10.99 8.3

Warmouth 26 4.5 2.2- 7.5 2.15 1.6

Channel catfish 21 3.7 13.5- 28.8 46.05 34.7

Longear sunfish 18 3.1 2.3- 4.8 0.74 0.6

Brown bullhead 2 0.3 10.6- 15.4 1.52 1.1

Black crappie 1 0.2 7.1 0.1 0.1

Totals 573 132.57

Forest Plan met: Yes 
36

Recommendations: Continue to monitor lakes on the forest.

Monitor condition of dams on forest lakes and ponds.

Methodology: Complete condition surveys on dams.

Results: Condition surveys were completed for 44 dams across the forest in 2000. Surveys focused 

on observing structural condition and vegetation cover of dams. Maintenance activities suggested or 

executed as a result of these surveys included prescribed burning, chainsaw work, root raking, and 

mowing. 

Forest Plan met: Yes 

Recommendations: Continue to monitor 

Monitoring Fisheries Habitat in Streams

Methodology: Identify opportunities to improve fisheries habitat during forest project design.

Forest Service 

inventory crew 

assesses aquatic 

life in a pool made 

by a fallen log. 

Results: An example of this awareness is shown in the above photo. This tree was marked to save 

during the tornado salvage operation in Starnes Branch on the Brownstown District. The blue “W” is 

still visible at the tree’s base. By saving the tree, a pool has formed above and below the fallen tree 

(note the depth of the water on the people standing above it). The habitat in both pools is a shallow 
37

run/glide habitat with little complexity but as time goes by, these pools will provide increasingly good 

habitat for aquatic life.

Forest Plan met: Yes 

Recommendations: Continue to monitor 

Monitor Populations of Selected Species of Wildlife

Methodology: IDNR biologists collect information on several game and some non-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. 

Results: The following charts by species have been collected by IDNR biologist.

A general trend in turkey populations can be estimated by the spring harvest of gobblers. IDNR 

records 1999 as the 17th consecutive year for an increase in harvest numbers. Biologists believe that 

the populations in many areas are now at long term habitat carrying capacity.

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

1998 6,384 22 15.5 51 21.1 28 22.5

1999 6,548 25 15.5 49 21.1 26 22.6

2000 7,822 27 15.2 44 20.7 28 21.9

Roadside gobbling counts are conducted by IDNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife along certain roads 

on NFS lands. The results are shown below for routes on NFS land. The 1999 brood production 

index increased to 4.2 poults per hen, up from 2.8 in 1998. Each route was driven twice with 15 stops 

along the route between April 6-18, 2000.
38

ROADSIDE GOBBLER COUNTS

County/Area

1998 

Total 

Turkeys 

Heard/ 

Seen 

1999 

Total 

Turkeys 

Heard/ 

Seen

2000

Total 

Turkeys 

Heard/ 

Seen

Total 

Heard per 

stop in 

1998

Total 

Heard per 

stop in 

1999

Total 

Heard per 

stop in 

2000

Jackson, Brown, 

Monroe/Hickory Ridge Area

32/8 22/0 11/2 1.40 0.80 0.60

Perry County/ Oriole - St Croix 

Area

13/0 13/0 16/0 0.47 0.47 0.53

Lawrence and Orange/ Lost 

River East Area

18/2 31/0 26/0 0.60 1.27 1.27

Martin and Orange/ Lost River 

West Area

13/5 47/1 12/0 0.53 2.53 0.47

Orange County/ Lick Creek 

Area

7/1 23/0 29/0 0.27 0.87 1.33

FURBEARING ANIMALS – South central Indiana

(South central Indiana region contains all NF counties as well as an additional four counties)

Declines in total numbers of pelts collected was seen statewide, perhaps fueled by decreasing pelt 

values. Raccoon pelt values have long driven the fur market in Indiana, and from the 98-99 season 

to the 99-2000 season, raccoon pelts decreased from an average price of $5/pelt to under $3/pelt. 

Declining numbers of trappers and decreasing pelt values are thought to be more responsible for the 

dropping numbers than any change in population in the furbearer animals. 

Number of Pelts

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

Season

Sold Muskrat Raccoon Red 

Fox

Gray 

Fox Mink Opossum

Skunk Beaver Coyote Weasel

Percent