United States 

Department of

Agriculture

 

Forest 

Service

Brown, Crawford, Dubois, Jackson, Lawrence,

Martin, Monroe, Orange, and Perry Counties, 

Indiana

Hoosier National Forest

September 27, 2002

Responsible Official:

Kenneth G. Day, Forest Supervisor 

For more information contact:

Teena Ligman, Public Affairs Specialist

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

Land and Resource Management Plan

Monitoring and Evaluation Report

Fiscal Year 2001
i

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................i

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS..........................................................................................2

COSTS [219.12(K)(3)].................................................................................................................5

RESEARCH [36 CFR 219.28(A)].......................................................................................8

FY 2001 SITE SPECIFIC PROJECT DECISIONS.................................................................9

ADJACENT LANDS [36 CFR 219.7(F)]...................................................................................9

DEMAND [36 CFR 219.10(G)]................................................................................................ 14

PROTECT AND MANAGE ECOSYSTEMS ......................................................................... 16

Restocked Lands [36 CFR 219.12(k)(5)(i)] .............................................................................16

Insects and Disease [36 CFR 219.12(k)(5)(iv)].......................................................................17

Discover, report, and evaluate areas of infestations................................................................17

Monitor storm damaged stands for insect and disease infestations........................................17

Soil and Water [36 CFR 219.27(a)(1)(2)(4),(b)(5),(e),(f)]........................................................17

Monitor to ensure implementation and effectiveness of soil mitigation and protection 

measures ..................................................................................................................................17

Caves and Karst [36 CFR 219]................................................................................................18

Conduct surveys for development of cave management plans...............................................18

Vegetative Management [36 CFR 219.15 and 219.27(b)].....................................................19

Evaluate vegetative component on new forest acquisitions....................................................19

Monitor forest openings and warm season grass maintenance..............................................19

Garlic mustard monitoring in the Deam Wilderness ................................................................20

Research Natural Areas (RNA's) and Special Areas (SA's) and Potential Candidates [36 

CFR 219.25]................................................................................................................................21

Monitor rare and exotic plant populations ................................................................................21

Invasive species in special areas and selected sites of concern............................................24

Population of French’s shootingstar in Peter Cave Hollow......................................................26

Boone Creek Special Area .......................................................................................................27

Management Indicator, Federal Threatened, Endangered, and Regionally Sensitive 

Species of Concern [36 CFR 219.9]........................................................................................32

Monitor bald eagle activities near Lake Monroe ......................................................................32

Monitor populations of butternut...............................................................................................32

Fish and Wildlife [36 CFR 219.19]...........................................................................................32

Monitor fish populations in selected waters.............................................................................32

Monitor fisheries in the Oil Creek Watershed ..........................................................................34

Other fisheries monitoring – Hoosier Riverwatch ....................................................................36

Monitor populations of selected species of wildlife..................................................................37

White-tailed deer harvest information ......................................................................................37
ii

Raccoon counts........................................................................................................................38

Furbearing animals...................................................................................................................38

Wild turkey information .............................................................................................................38

Ruffed grouse counts................................................................................................................40

Bobwhite quail counts...............................................................................................................42

Bobcat trapping.........................................................................................................................42

PROTECT OUR CULTURAL RESOURCES........................................................................ 43

Cultural and Heritage Resources [36 CFR 219.24] ...............................................................43

Ensure mitigation and protection measures are correctly applied for ground disturbing 

activities ....................................................................................................................................43

Monitor national register-listed sites and potentially significant sites ......................................43

PROVIDE FOR A VISUALLY PLEASING LANDSCAPE.................................................. 44

Visual Quality Objectives [36 CFR 219.21] ............................................................................44

Monitor project design and execution to ensure visual quality objectives (VQO's) are met...44

PROVIDE FOR RECREATION IN HARMONY WITH NATURAL COMMUNITIES....... 45

Wilderness Management [36 CFR 219.18].............................................................................45

Monitor wilderness resources according to Wilderness Implementation Schedule (WIS)......45

Recreation Facilities [36 CFR 219.21(C)]................................................................................48

Monitor public feedback............................................................................................................48

Trails [36 CFR 219.21(G)].........................................................................................................49

Monitor trail use on selected trails by type and amount of use ...............................................49

PROVIDE FOR A USEABLE LANDBASE........................................................................... 51

Report land status changes by County, District, and Management Area..........................51

PROVIDE FOR HUMAN AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT....................................... 52

Special Uses and Outstanding Rights...................................................................................52

Monitoring of earth disturbing permit activities.........................................................................52

Monitor special uses for compliance with nondiscrimination...................................................53

Pesticide use on permitted lands .............................................................................................53

Air Quality [36 CFR 219.27(a)(12)]..........................................................................................54

Monitor prescribed burns for adequacy of smoke management practices..............................54

Health and Safety......................................................................................................................54

Monitor the effluent discharge at the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area......................................54

Check bacteria levels at public swimming beaches.................................................................54

Handle hazardous material spills properly ...............................................................................55

CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................... 56
iii

List of Tables

Table 1. Fiscal Year 2001 Management Attainment Report - Resource 

Accomplishments ...............................................................................................................2

Table 2. Comparison of Key Indicators ................................................................................4

Table 3. Comparison of Forest Plan Costs with Fiscal Year 2001 Expenditures......7

Table 4. Decision Matrix............................................................................................................9

Table 5. Forest Plan Demand and Supply......................................................................... 14

Table 6. FY 2001 Prescribed Fire Program ....................................................................... 20

Table 7. Other Endangered, Threatened and Rare Plant Species Found on the 

Hoosier National Forest.................................................................................................. 22

Table 8. Area Listed with Degree of Risk .......................................................................... 24

Table 9. Summary of Control Priorities ............................................................................. 26

Table 10. Trees and Shrubs................................................................................................. 28

Table 11. Herbaceous Plants and Woody Vines............................................................ 29

Table 12. Physical and Chemical Results from Oil Creek basin August 2001........ 35

Table 13. White-tailed Deer Harvest in South-central Indiana..................................... 37

Table 14. Furbearing Pelt Information ............................................................................... 38

Table 15. Turkey Harvest Information................................................................................ 39

Table 16. Age and Weight Data of Turkeys Harvested.................................................. 39

Table 17. Roadside Gobbler Counts ................................................................................. 40

Table 18. Ruffed Grouse Drumming Counts – Hoosier NF Area ................................ 41

Table 19. Trends from Drumming Count Indices - Grouse heard per stop per year.. 41

Table 20. Bobcat Trapping Results..................................................................................... 42

Table 21. User Counts in Charles C. Deam Wilderness................................................ 46

Table 22. Land Adjustment by Management Area.......................................................... 51

Table 23. Land Acquisition by County and District........................................................ 51

Table 24. Land Adjustments by County and District ..................................................... 51
1

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 2001.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on 

the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion. age, disability, political beliefs, sexual 

orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with 

disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, 

audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a 

complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten 

Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 

(voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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.

TABLE 1. FISCAL YEAR 2001 MANAGEMENT ATTAINMENT REPORT - RESOURCE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

MAR Description MAR Code

Regional 

Target

Forest 

Accomplishment

Watershed Assessment

Assessments EM-AS-WA 1

Land Management Planning

Amendments EM-AMEND 2

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

Social Profile, Community Scale, Reports EM-SP-COM 1 1

Economic Profile, Community Scale, Reports EM-EP-COM 1 1

Inventory and Monitoring

Heritage Resource Inventories, Acres, FN EM-HR-I 4,000 4,000

Terrestrial Fauna Inventories, Acres, FN EM-TF-LPS 200 325

Aquatic Inventories- Streams and Rivers, Miles, FN EM-AQBI-R 0 15

Aquatic Inventories- Lakes, Acres, FN EM-AQBI-L 20 20

Soil Resource Monitoring, Acres, FN EM-SRM-M 5 0

Water Resource Monitoring, Sites, FN EM-WRM-M 3 3

Recreation, Wilderness and Heritage Resource Management

Recreation Special Uses Administered, Permits, FN RM-SU-ADMIN 17 11

Annual (wilderness) Education Contacts, Contacts, FN RM-WLD-EC 1,300 1,500

Heritage Sites Evaluated, sites, FN RM-HERT-EVAL 5 44

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

Heritage Sites Preserved and Protected, sites, FN RM-HERT-P&P 6 4

Project Level Heritage Inventories, FN RM-HERT-INV 350 734

Grazing and Rangeland Vegetation Management

Noxious Weed Treatment, acres, FN RG-NOX-W D-TR 45 Transferred to Mark Twain
3

 MAR Description MAR Code

Regional 

Target

Forest 

Accomplishment

Wildlife, Fisheries, TES Management

Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Restored or Enhanced, acres, FN WL-THAB-RES 800 907

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 0 30

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

Biological Assessments or Evaluations, tasks, FN WL-BIO-A&E 35

Total Wildlife Structures, FN WL-STRUCTURE 0 15

Soil, Water and Air Resources Management

Soil and Water Resource Improvements, acres, FN SW-RES-IMP 50 105

Real Estate Management, Landlines, Land Acquisition

Special Use Applications Processed, permits, FN LM-SU-APPL 36 33

Special Use Permits Administered to Standard, permits, FN LM-SUP-STD 23 60

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 0 734

Land Exchange - Fee, acres, FN LA-EXCH-FEE 0 89

Rights-of-Way Acquired, cases, FN LA-ROW-ACQ 0 5

Special Use Permits Administered, FN LM-SUP-TOT 0 188

Geologic Permits and Reports, FN/C MG-GEO-PER 0 35

Fire Protection

Hazardous Fuels Reduction, Appropriated, acres, FN FP-FUELS-APP 69 351

Firefighting Production Capability, FN FP-FFPC 22 50

Public Asset Management

Trails Maintained, miles, FN TR-MAINTN 95 95

Trail Construction and Reconstruction, miles, FN CR-TR-CNST-R 5 5

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

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

 

TABLE 2. 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

1998 

Output

1999 

Output

2000 

Output

2001 

Output

Recreation Visitor Days 

(RVD) MRVD 387 896 230 510 510 525 525 525 525

Trail Construction

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

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

 Bike Miles 0 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 0

Trail Reconst. (all) Miles 0 0 0 33.4 0 0 0 51.5 28.1 28.0 9 3.3

Vegetation maintained

 Forest Openings

1 Acres 4,000 657 459 350 509 322 480 650 439 290 1,373 907

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

Wetlands Construc

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

 Marsh/Waterhole Acres 15 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 20 0 50 105

Vegetation Regen.

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

 Pine 0-9 Acres 94 0 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 0

 Roundwood MMBF 17 0.025 0.078 0.040 0.706 0.127 0.066 1.13 1.839 0.373 .0091 .0028

 Total MMBF 43 0.025 0.120 0.059 1.101 0.286 0.180 1.89 5.728 1.322 .0091 .0028

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 6.85

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 585 acres for the period of 1991 to 2001.
5

Costs [219.12(k)(3)]

Quantitatively compares actual cost of applying management practices with Forest 

Plan estimates.

As shown on line 16 of the following table entitled Comparison of Forest Plan Costs 

with Fiscal Year 2001 Expenditures, in fiscal year 2001 expenditures exceeded Forest 

Plan budget estimates. Our staff summarized over 70 budget line items into 15 program 

areas. Forest Plan cost estimates did not include land acquisition funds ($975,256) or the 

Senior Community Service Program ($249,696). 

In 1990, the estimate of funds necessary to carry out the Forest Plan was $4,934,648 (all 

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

Deflator index1).

The mix of expenditures does not correspond to plan estimates. The Forest spent 

$955,212 in forest planning, inventory, and monitoring. The interdisciplinary team did 

not estimate these expenditures in the 1991 Forest Plan cost estimates. In 1991, these 

expenditures were accounted in other program areas. Expenditures were less in 

recreation, fish and wildlife, timber, minerals, law enforcement, general administration 

than estimated in the 1991 Forest Plan. However, expenditures exceeded estimates in 

soil, water, and air; lands; engineering; and fire. 

Our expenditures for recreation were about 60 percent of our Forest Plan estimate. The 

expenditures included:

• Hardin Ridge storage building upgrade 

• Installation of accessible toilets, 

• Dam mowing,

• Heavy maintenance of Hickory Ridge Trail,

• Heavy maintenance of Shirley Creek Trail, 

• The beginning of construction of the Springs Valley Trail, and other general trail 

maintenance items. 

Timber funding was about 17 percent of the Forest Plan estimate. The timber staff 

curtailed the timber program while consulting with the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 

for federally listed species. In the interim, the timber staff uses these funds to conduct 

silvicultural examinations. 

 

1

 The Bureau of Economic Analysis, an agency of the United States Department of 

Commerce, prepared the Gross National Product Implicit Price Deflator index. 

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

Congress funded the land acquisition program. Land acquisition costs were $975,256 in 

2000 to acquire 744 acres. The lands staff also completed environmental assessments for 

the Bye Land Exchange. The Forest Plan budget did not estimate land acquisition funds. 

Engineering project expenditures included:

• Phase III rehabilitation project at Rickenbaugh House, 

• Tell City Ranger District warehouse maintenance,

• Road paving within the Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area,

• Road rehabilitation within the Tipsaw Recreation Area,

• Tipsaw Lake Boat Ramp maintenance,

• Road reconstruction on the German Ridge Road,

• Beginning work on Shirley Creek Horse Camp Road rehabilitation,

• Final payments on the Saddle Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project, 

• Final payments on the U-38 Dam Access Road project, 

• Final payments on the Celina Lake Dam Access Road project, and general road 

maintenance. 
7

TABLE 3. COMPARISON OF FOREST PLAN COSTS WITH FISCAL YEAR 2001 EXPENDITURES 

(Shown in dollars) 

Line 

Number Summarized 

budget line item

Forest Plan

Budget 

Estimate 1

(2001 dollars) 

Fiscal Year 2001 

Expenditure2

Difference 

(Expenditure -

Estimate) 

Expenditures as 

Percent of 

Forest Plan 

Budget Estimate

1

2 Recreation 1,954,121 1,171,332 -782,789 60%

3 Wildlife and Fish 599,207 350,389 -248,818 58%

4 Range 0 0 0

5

Planning and 

Inventory and 

Monitoring. 0 955,212 955,212

6 Timber 854,399 143,525 -710,874 17%

7 Soil, Water & Air 135,350 190,213 54,862 141%

8 Minerals 32,428 14,835 -17,592 46%

9 Senior Citizens 0 249,696 249,696

10 Lands3218,534 1,323,148 1,104,613 605%

11 Engineering 279,160 2,140,500 1,861,340 767%

12 Fire 105,742 658,693 552,950 623%

13 Law Enforcement 52,166 37,483 -14,683 72%

14 General Admin 703,540 364,382 -339,158 52%

15 Misc. 0 22,305 22,305

16 Total All Funds 4,934,648 7,621,712 2,687,064 154%

 

1

Inflation factor 1.410 based on Gross National Product Implicit Price Deflator Index, see web page: 

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

2

 Expenditure/Revenue from Unit Fund Control By Program Statement (ALLOT ORG) - does not 

include unpaid obligations. FFIS report FCPA, run date of 11/26/01, period ending 15 2001--

September 2001 (Closed). 

3

 Lands includes $975,256 in land acquisition funds. 
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. 

Listed below are research needs addressed in FY 2001 (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. Most research needs recognized in the Forest Plan are being addressed, 

many through partnerships with other entities. Several research studies are still in progress and work 

continues. 

Hoosier National Forest Research Activities:

Need: Native Plant and Animal Community Research

Hedge, Cloyce; Homoya, Mike; and Scott, Perry. 2001. Interim Report. Endangered, threatened, and 

rare plant species on the Hoosier National Forest. 6 pages. FOUO. On file with: Forest 

Supervisor, Hoosier National Forest, 811 Constitution Avenue, Bedford, IN 47421.

Hedge, Cloyce. 2002. Inventory and control recommendations for invasive plant species on selected 

areas of the Hoosier National Forest. 13 pages. On file with: Forest Supervisor, Hoosier 

National Forest, 811 Constitution Avenue, Bedford, IN 47421.
9

FY 2001 Site Specific Project Decisions

TABLE 4. DECISION MATRIX

Decision Date County

Special Area Amendment #5 11/22/00 Brown, Crawford, Jackson, Lawrence, 

Martin, Orange, and Perry Counties

Springs Valley Trail 02/15/01 Orange 

Orange County REMC Powerline ROW 03/14/01 Orange

Tree Planting Project 03/20/01 Perry, Crawford

Patoka Lake Regional Water 04/09/01 Crawford

Southern Indiana REC Line Replacement 04/09/01 Perry

Davies Martin County REMC Line 04/11/01 Martin

Brown Small Tract Act 04/22/01 Perry 

Vogel Road Access 05/30/01 Jackson

Southern Indiana REC Line Replacement 06/01/01 Perry

Bye Land Exchange 06/07/01 Crawford

Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail 

Relocation Project

06/20/01 Monroe and Jackson

Hensell Road Access 07/11/01 Perry

Carpenter Private Road 07/11/01 Perry 

Grant Road Access 07/16/01 Crawford

Otter Creek Riparian Restoration and Plan 

Amendment #6

09/13/01 Crawford

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.

The interrelationship between the effects of National Forest management on nearby privately owned 

lands and vice versa is particularly true 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 

quality of life benefits and opportunities to our neighbors. 

Not only Indiana residents use the forest, but the proximity of the forest to Kentucky results in a high 

level of use by residents across the river to the southern part of the forest. The Hoosier is by far the 

closest large block of public land for residents of Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky. 
10

Current demands that affect National Forest management on adjacent lands include: trail use, land 

prices, trespass, small forest products, other special uses, community development, debris burning, 

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 recreation fee demonstration program went into effect 

in 1998. On the Hoosier NF this program requires 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. Twenty-five local vendors sell tags in addition to

Forest offices. In 2001, the forest sold 1,364 annual tags and 7,469 daily tags. The fee demonstration 

project netted $22,323 for projects.

Trail use has a positive impact on the local economy and the businesses that cater to these users. 

Horse camps in the northern portion of the forest are booked to capacity most weekends during the 

recreation season. There are several trail permits issued to link private horse camps to NFS trails. 

These permits include: Midwest Trail Rides, Mr. Hildebrand has two on the Hickory Ridge trail 

system and in 2001 we received an application from Manes Trails for a new permit on the Springs 

Valley trail system once completed.

We estimate that 21,438 horse and bike riders visited the forest in 2001 (based on tags sold and 12 

percent of users being 16 years of age or younger and not required to have tags.) Random surveys 

showed bike use was down from previous years but horse use and hiking was up. Because of the 

monies received from the permit program we were able to fund a trail technician year-round to assist 

visitors, make contacts, and maintain trails. We also began construction on the Springs Valley Trail 

system.

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.

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

continual basis. Only about 25 percent of the National Forest boundaries are 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 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 

2001, there was one Small Tract Act case to resolve these kinds of trespasses. Resources permitting, 

we address these trespasses on a case-by-case basis. 
11

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. 

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

grapevine collection, house logs, fence posts, and other miscellaneous products. These are normally 

denied unless the request corresponds with a project which has dutifully been approved through the 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. 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 of recreation-related special uses on the forest are Iron Man contests. JL Kinetics 

does Iron Man contests under a recreation event permit. He gave the government 3 percent of gross 

receipts for the three events held in 2001. Greg Arnold also has a permit for an Iron Man contest and 

pays 5 percent of his gross receipts for one event. 

Another unique permit the Forest has issued annually is for a Native American Sun Dance. The event 

has been held every summer for several years and attracts Native Americans from across the country 

who fast, pray, dance, and celebrate this ancient ritual. Local people are invited to watch, although 

several conditions are placed on anyone who visits the site such as no cameras and menstruating 

women are forbidden. 

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. An Orange County REMC, Davies Martin County 

REMC, and a segment of Southern Indiana REC power lines were 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 and buy land at lower costs, are creating a demand for more home construction in 

the forest area. Economic development, primarily in the Tell City Ranger District, has the potential 

to greatly change the demographics of Perry and Crawford Counties. 
12

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. Signage 

along the route was completed in 2001, and an interpretive plan is nearing completion 

that will include the construction of kiosks and additional opportunities. Indiana is 

working in partnership with the states of Ohio and Illinois to extend the route at each end through its 

neighboring states. Key to the route’s attraction is the rolling hills and scenic overlooks on the 

Hoosier NF. The Forest has assisted with some funding, design, and contracting work on 

reconstruction portions of the route through the Hoosier National Forest.

Branchville Prison– The Branchville Training Center is across Highway 37 from the Tipsaw 

Recreation Area. Visitors to the inmates at the center are likely to use the Tipsaw area. 

Indiana Historic Pathways – Thirty-seven counties are involved in this effort 

to designate, develop and market three historic pathways. The effort pulls the 

three routes together: US Hwy 50, US 150, and the Buffalo Trace. The 

preliminary work has been done and the route has been nominated and is 

awaiting approval. 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 Kentucky Bluegrass Region 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 byways. 

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 continues to grow.

New Ohio River Bridge – A new bridge is being constructed across the Ohio 

River to Owensboro, Kentucky. This will allow additional expansion of 

industry into southern Indiana. 

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

areas during their trip to the amusement park. 
13

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 in 1902. 

Cook, Inc. funded most of the 30 million dollar 

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. The restoration 

effort of the hotel has sparked similar renovations throughout the town of West Baden and French 

Lick. Other bed and breakfasts, rooming houses, and restaurants have been restored. A “promenade” 

is being designed to link the two towns and showcase some of the area’s history. West Baden and 

French Lick were once popular resorts known for their hot springs and extravagant accommodations. 

A major fire and the 1930 depression played roles in the demise of this once famous landmark. With 

current renovations and the hope of future gambling developments - the area hopes to once again 

become a prominent destination landmark for tourists.

 Rickenbaugh House – The Hoosier NF, 

in conjunction with local partners, is 

continuing renovation of the historic 

Rickenbaugh House, shown here with its 

new windows, doors and porch. Local 

partners are now giving tours to school 

groups and hope to further develop the 

property as an education center. In 2001, 

the Hoosier won an award from Historic 

Southern Indiana for a school curriculum 

developed around the stone house. A 

group of teachers and Forest Service 

employees developed the curriculum based 

on the USDI National Park Service’s 

“Teaching with Historic Places” model. A 

grant from the Eastern National Forest Interpretive Association (ENFIA) paid for compiling the 

books. The curriculum was 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.

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 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 2001, including new valves for Celina Lake, spillway for Saddle Lake, and 

earthwork to stabilize the structures. Work is also planned for German Ridge Lake.
14

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 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. 

TABLE 5. FOREST PLAN DEMAND AND SUPPLY

Benefit

Projected 

Demand For 

1995

Projected 

Demand For 

2005

Projected 

Supply From 

Forest Plan

Dispersed Recreation (Recreation 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

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 2001, the Notice of Intent for Forest Plan Revision was published. Forest personnel 

hosted several open houses and public meetings to gather comments on this notice of intent. 

Meetings were also held to gather comments on wildlife viability analysis and on revising the 

Hoosier NF trail program. 

From the public meetings held regarding Hoosier NF trails, it is obvious that there is still a 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. There is also a 

determined group of hikers who continue to advocate the need for more hiking-only trails. As a 

result of the workshop, no trails will be closed. A new multiple use trail at Springs Valley will be 

constructed and portions of the Deam Wilderness trails will be rerouted. The Fork Ridge and 

Buzzard Roost hiking trails will be reopened and a hiking trail will be constructed at Pate Hollow. 
15

Interpretive signage will be designed and installed on the Twin Oaks interpretive trail and on the 

Springs Valley trail. A parking lot has been proposed at the Pioneer Mothers hiking trail, and a stock 

water tank at German Ridge. Continuous fine-tuning of the trail plan will keep the public involved in 

trail development and allow for us to adjust to changing demand.

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 2001 the Forest received two appeals on projects, coincidently, both appeals 

were on the same project. The project was the Wilderness trail relocation project, a project which had 

been earlier appealed in 2000. The appellants were: Hoosier Hikers Council and Donald Winslow.

The issues raised in these appeals included banning horseback use in the wilderness, planning process 

issues such as National Forest Management Act, the Wilderness Act, range of alternatives, 

cumulative effects, and public involvement, as well as on-the-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. The FY 2000 project decision was reversed by the Regional 

Forester. Additional analysis and documentation was completed on this project, and the decision reissued as five separate decisions in 2001. The two appellants appealed the project again.

The Regional Forester affirmed the FY 2001 decision in September 2001. 
16

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: For fiscal year 2001, the area called “Roland Wetland” was the only area that needed a 

stocking survey. The wetland consists of 100 acres. Fifty acres were developed into a wetland and 50 

acres remained in a upland condition and planted with a variety of tree species (swamp white oak, 

swamp chestnut oak, walnut, white oak, red oak, and hickory). 

Area school children and Americorps volunteers planted Roland wetland in FY 2000, planting 2000 

seedlings in the 50 acres. The purpose of the planting was to reintroduce species that were likely to 

have been present in the area before it was farmed since natural regeneration was not likely to occur. 

The planting spacing was kept at 50 feet to allow for natural seeding to occur between rows and 

provide an assortment of species; some planted and others naturally seedling into the area. 

Tom Thake, Forest Silviculturist, inspected the planted area in the summer of 2001 and calculated the 

survival rate at 75 percent. He made a visual inspection of the area again in late October 2001. He 

found the survival rate to be slightly lower based on observations but both surveys concur that the 

area is adequately stocked. 

Thake speculates the survival rate may have dropped slightly based on some additional flooding that 

occurred in the fall resulting in some seedlings and shelters now being located in standing water. A 

future project will be to pull the shelters off the seedlings in the flooded area. 

The third year stocking survey will be performed in 2003 at which time the final survival count and 

certification will be completed. 

The wetland construction was a success with numerous wood ducks, kingfishers, heron, and other 

shore birds present. One modification to the existing planting procedure will be to have a more 

accurate description/map as to where the flooding will occur so that site preparation and planting will 

occur only in areas which will not later be flooded. 

Forest Plan met: Yes.
17

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

Discover, report, and evaluate areas of infestations

Methodology: Coordinate with State and Private Forestry (S&PF) and appropriate state agencies. 

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 2001, the white pine in the campgrounds, the most recent area for sawfly outbreaks, 

were monitored without any occurrence of this pest noted. 

 

Forest Plan met: Yes.

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

Currently this insect is not a problem.

Monitor storm damaged stands for insect and disease infestations

Methodology: Silviculturist monitored areas of damage by walk through. The areas monitored 

include those damaged in a March 19, 1996 storm and an April 19, 1996 tornado. 

Results: This area was not checked in 2001.

 

Forest Plan met: Yes.

Recommendations: Additional informal monitoring will be done in FY 2002.

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

Reference to relevant laws and handbooks: 36 CFR 219.27(a) (1) & 2 (f).

Forest Service Handbook (FHS) 2309.18 section 3.12b – Exhibit 02.

FSH 2509.18 Soil Management Handbook.

R9 Supplement, FSH 2509.22, Soil and Water Conservation handbook

Draft R9 Supplement, FSH 2509.18, Chapter 2, Soil Quality Monitoring

Methodology: The trail monitored this year was the Oriole Trail, specifically the segment in Happy 

Hollow; T3S, R1W Sections 3, 4, 33 and 34. This trail was monitored to determine implementation 

and effectiveness of cross drains which includes waterbars, drainage dips, built-in grade roll, and 

natural drains, to protect the soil productivity from significant or permanent impairment. A 

clinometer was used to determine the grade or percent slope of the trail. Pacing was used to measure 

the distance between waterbars. If the cross-drains were implemented correctly, visual observations 
18

were also made to see if mitigation measures were effective in diverting water from the trail before 

soil erosion occurred.

Criteria for being acceptable: Compliance for cross-drains or waterbar spacing recommendations are 

found in FSH 2309.18 and FSH 2509.22.

Results: The portions of this trail that had been graveled were in good shape. Waterbar spacings 

were further apart than standards but with the gravel trail surface the spacing was adequate. Some of 

the waterbars need to be reestablished. Portions of the trail that had not been graveled had some 

erosion. Those portions of the trail that occurred in the Happy Hollow drainage and along Stinking 

Fork were muddy and wet. 

Forest Plan: The majority of this trail meets the Forest Plan requirement and provides adequate 

protection of the soil resource. Those portions of the trail that are not graveled or that occur in the 

drainages are not being damaged at this time, but if not corrected in the future, there could be a 

detrimental impact. 

Recommendations: Those portions of the trail not graveled in the bottoms should be scheduled for 

trail maintenance within the next year.

Caves and Karst [36 CFR 219]

Conduct surveys for development of cave management plans

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. Twentyeight Hoosier National Forest/Indiana Karst Conservancy Karst Inventory Committee members 

donated 572 hours of volunteer time. 

Results: The volunteers were involved in a number of activities including:

o Writing cave management plans – Four plans have been drafted.

o 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.

o Performing Values Team activities, which include: identifying the archaeological, biological, 

cultural, educational, geological, hydrological, mineralogical, recreational, and scientific 

resources within a number of caves.

o Locating seven new caves and relocating three caves that had poor location information.

o Providing input on Hoosier projects including the Forest Plan Revision, trails projects, and 

land acquisitions.
19

o Assisting with the Take Pride in America program – twelve individuals spent a day of ridgewalking to locate new cave locations and pick up trash. 

In addition the Forest continued a contract throughout FY 2001, for a biota inventory conducted by 

Dr. Julian Lewis of the caves on the Hoosier National Forest. Several members of the HNF/IKC 

committee assisted Dr. Lewis in his work.

Dr. John Whitaker from Indiana State University conducted bat surveys at the South Gardner 

Kaolinite Mine Entrance and two other mine entrances.

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. 

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

Evaluate vegetative component on new forest acquisitions 

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 9,350.5 acres were inventoried and examined on the Forest. 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. The assistant fire management officer monitored weather conditions for each burn.

Results: In FY 2001 119 acres of forest openings were burned. IDNR assisted in fireline 

construction. The objectives for burning these 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.

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

conditions during the burn period. 
20

TABLE 6. FY 2001 PRESCRIBED FIRE PROGRAM

Date Time Location Temp RH% FSM%

Wind 

Speed

(Direction)

Acres

3/19 1155

1300

1320

Hemlock #1

Completed

54

52

42

40

8 2-6 E

4-7 E

52

1500

1650

Clover Lick #5

Completed

60 33 9 4-6 E 22

1600

1610

Clover Lick #4

Completed

60 36 7 0-7 NE 14

1620

1640

Clover Lick #3

Completed

60 36 7 3-7 NE 20

1630

1645

Clover Lick #1

Completed

60 30 7 2-4 N 5

1657

1709

Clover Lick #2

Completed

55 33 6 2-4 N 6

Total Acres 119

RH = Relative Humidity 

FSM = Fuel Stick Moisture

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 2002. 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 monitoring in the Deam Wilderness

Methodology: Roads in the Deam Wilderness area were inventoried for the sixth year for populations 

of garlic mustard.

Results: In FY 2001, garlic mustard sites in the vicinity of Blackwell Horse Camp were examined

and 20 plants were pulled.

Forest Plan met: Yes
21

Recommendations: The sites will continue to be monitored in FY2002 to determine if the plant is 

still present.

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

[36 CFR 219.25]

Monitor rare and exotic plant populations

Methodology: The Hoosier National Forest had 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. They began with a search of listed plant species in the Natural Heritage Data Base. The 

search yielded 54 listed plant species with location data. 

Field workers attempted to locate these listed species during the growing seasons of 2000 and 2001. 

When located, the species name, GPS location, date, habitat, associated species, and other data was 

collected. 

Results: As a result of the study there are now 62 taxa of endangered, threatened and rare plants 

documented on the Hoosier National Forest (Table 7). Only 36 of the original 54 listed species were 

confirmed, 10 species were not seen but are presumed to be still present, 8 taxa were not seen and are 

presumed to be absent, and 8 taxa were seen for the first time and are new to the Forest. In addition, 

Sparganium androcladum, having been earlier reported, is no longer considered a documented 

species on the Forest. The total number of species now considered to have extant populations on the 

Forest is 54. 

Several species were found to have most of their known occurrences in Indiana on the Hoosier 

National Forest:

Aconitum uncinatum

Cirsium carolinianum

Desmodium humifusum

Dodecatheon frenchii

Eupatorium album

Hypericum denticulatum

Magnolia tripetala

Oxydendrum arboretum

Pachysandra procumbens

Scutellaria saxatilis

Verbesina virginica

The eight new species were:

Buchnera americana – Bluehearts -- found at three locations. Species grows in barrens 

on open, sunny sites, usually south or southwest facing. Last reported in southern 

Indiana in 1835.

Juncus articulatus – Jointed rush – found in one location. Species grows in wetland 

areas. Never previously documented in southern Indiana. 

Linum sulcatum – Grooved yellow flax -- found at one location – grows on barrens in 

full sun, prefers south facing slopes. 

Oenothera perennis – Small sundrops – found in one location - grows in open fields.

Sagittaria australis – Longbeak arrowhead -- found at one location. Species grows in 

wetlands. 

Scirpus purshianus – Weakstalk bulrush -- found in two small ponds. A wetland species.

Selaginella apoda – Meadow spike-moss – found in one location. This species is found 
22

in most sandstone areas. 

Verbesina virginica – White crownbeard -- found for the first time in Indiana. The 

species grows in young forest habitat. 

TABLE 7. OTHER ENDANGERED, THREATENED AND RARE PLANT SPECIES FOUND ON THE 

HOOSIER NATIONAL FOREST 

Scientific Name Common Name G Rank State 

Status

Statewide 

Occurrences

Forest 

Occurrences

Aconitum uncinatum Blue monkshood G4 SE 5 4

Bacopa rotundifolia Roundleaf waterhyssopG5 SE 13 1

Buchnera americana Bluehearts G5? SE 11 3

Carex bushii Bush’s sedge G4 SE 10 1

Carex eburnean Ebony sedge G5 SR 18 1

Cheilanthes lanosa Hairy lipfern G5 SR 14 7

Cirsium 

carolinianum

Carolina thistle G5 SR 14 12

Crataegus intricate A hawthorn GS SR 2 1

Desmodium 

humifusum

Tick trefoil G1G2Q SE 1 1

Dodecatheon frenchii French’s shootingstar G3 SR 27 23

Eupatorium album White thoroughwort G5 SE 6 4

Eupatorium 

incarnatum

Pink thoroughwort G5 ST 13 1

Festuca paradoxa Cluster fescue G5 SE 7 1

Gentiana alba Yellow gentian G4 SR 19 5

Gonolobus obliquus Angle pod G4? SR 20 6

Hypericum 

denticulatum

Coppery St. John’swortG5 ST 13 7

Isoetes engelmannii Appalachian 

quillwort

G4 SE 10 1

Juncus articulatus Jointed rush G5 SE 3 1

Juncus secundus Secund rush G5? SE 4 1

Lechea racemulosa Illinois pinweed G5 SE 8 1

Lilium canadence Canada lily G5 SR 10 4

Linum sulcatum Grooved yellow flax G5 SR 14 1

Ludwigia decurrens Primrose willow G5 SR 17 3

Magnolia tripetala Umbrella magnolia G5 SE 8 8

Northoscordum 

bivalve

Crow-poison G4 SR 10 1

Oenothera perennis Small sundrops G5 ST 21 1

Ophioglossum 

englemannii

Limestone adder’s 

tongue

G5 SR 13 4

Oxalis illinoensis Illinois woodsorrel G2G3Q SR 26 18

Oxydendrum 

arboreum

Sourwood G5 ST 15 10

Pachysandra 

procumbens

Allegheny spurge G4G5 SE 4 3
23

Scientific Name Common Name G Rank State 

Status

Statewide 

Occurrences

Forest 

Occurrences

Panicum bicknellii A panic-grass GUQ SE 7 1

Panicum verrucosum Warty panic-grass G4 ST 11 1

Panicum yadkinense A panic-grass G? ST 8 5

Phlox amplifolia Large-leaved phlox G3G5 ST 19 5

Ploypodium 

polpodioides

Resurrection fern G5 SR 11 6

Polytaenia nuttallii Prairie parsley G5 SE 10 1

Prenanthes aspera Rough rattlesnakerootG4? SR 29 10

Rhynchospora c. 

interior

Short-bristle hornedrushG5T? ST 11 1

Rubus centralis Illinois blackberry G2?Q SE 9 4

Rubus deamii Deam dewberry G4? SX 8 2

Rubus enslenii Southern dewberry G4G5 SE 7 3

Rudbeckia f. fulgida Orange coneflower G5T4? SR 35 18

Rudbeckia f. 

umbrosa

Coneflower G5T? SE 6 2

Sagittaria australis Longbeak arrowhead G5 SR 10 1

Sanicula smallii Small’s snakeroot G5 SR 6 3

Saxifraga 

virginiensis

Virginia saxifrage G5 SR 28 13

Scirpus purshianus Weakstalk bulrush G4G5 SE 13 2

Scutellaria p. 

australis

Southern scullcap G4T? SR 36 19

Scutellaria saxatilis Rock scullcap G4? SE 2 1

Sedum telephioides Allegheny stonecrop G4 ST 18 1

Selaginella apoda Meadow spike-moss G5 SE 11 1

Setaria geniculata Bristly foxtail G5 SE 1 1

Spiranthes 

ochroleuca

Yellow nodding 

ladies-tresses

G4 ST 11 1

Spiranthes vernalis Grassleaf ladiestressesG5 SR 12 6

Stenanthium 

gramineum

Eastern featherbells G4G5 SE 14 2

Tragia cordata Heart-leaved 

noseburn

G4 SR 28 10

Trichomanes 

boschianum

Filmy fern G4 SE 4 2

Verbesina virginica White crownbeard G5? SE 1 1

Vittaria 

appalachiana

Appalachian vittaria G4 SR 6 6

Waldstenia 

fragarioides

Barren strawberry G5 SR 21 2

Woodwardia 

areolata

Netted chainfern G5 SR 18 5

Zizia aptera Golden alexanders G5 SR 21 10

Total: 788 281
24

Global ranks are indicated as follows: 

o G5-species considered demonstrably secure globally;

o G4-species considered apparently secure globally; 

o G3-species considered vulnerable globally;

o G2-species considered imperiled globally; 

o G1-species considered critically imperiled globally. 

In addition, there are global rank modifiers, as follows: U-unranked; Q-taxonomic question; ? -

rank is best estimate; and T-sub-specific rank applying to subspecies or varieties. 

Note also that some global ranks are combinations; for example, G4G5, which indicates a range, 

based on best available data.

State ranks are as follows:

o SE – endangered species known from 1-5 occurrences within Indiana; 

o ST – threatened species known from 6-10 occurrences within Indiana; 

o SR – rare species known from 11-20 occurrences within Indian

Invasive species in special areas and selected sites of concern

Methodology: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves 

identified invasive plants in several areas on the Forest. The sites inventoried include special 

areas, the Deam Wilderness, selected tornado damaged areas, and selected trail systems. The 

tornado areas and trail systems were included because they provide avenues for invasive plant 

species to enter the forest. 

Hoosier NF botanists and IDNR biologists collectively developed a list of 33 invasive species. 

These were the species searched for in the survey. Field surveys were done throughout the 

summer months to identify plants that appeared at different times of the season. When plants 

were found data was collected with a GPS location. 

Results: Invasive plant species were found in all areas surveyed. The degree of risk from 

invasive populations to native biological diversity was determined for each area. 

TABLE 8. AREA LISTED WITH DEGREE OF RISK 

Area Name Degree of 

Risk Invasive Species

Browning Hill Medium Bush honeysuckle, moneywort, Japanese honeysuckle, 

sweet clover, garlic mustard, stilt grass

Buzzard Roost Medium garlic mustard, Lespedeza, Japanese honeysuckle, bush 

honeysuckle, sweet clover, stilt grass 

Carnes Mill High Japanese honeysuckle, ground ivy, moneywort, stilt 

grass

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

honeysuckle, crown ve tch, Lespedeza sp., moneywort, 

stilt grass, multiflora rose, myrtle, sweet clover
25

Area Name Degree of 

Risk Invasive Species

Fork Ridge Medium Stilt grass, tall fescue

German Ridge Medium Stilt grass

Hemlock Cliffs High Bush honeysuckle, crown vetch, potato vine, autumn 

olive, Japanese honeysuckle, moneywort, sweet clover, 

multiflora rose, stilt grass, 

Hickory Ridge Medium Sweet clover, garlic mustard

Mogan Ridge 

(Includes Clover 

Lick)

High Crown vetch, autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, crown 

vetch, day lily, Japanese honeysuckle, stilt grass, potato 

vine, sweet clover, Lespedeza sp., Johnson grass, garlic 

mustard

Pipeline Medium Ground ivy, tall fescue, stilt grass

Rockhouse Hollow High autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, Japanese 

honeysuckle, potato vine, tall fescue, Lespedeza sp., 

stilt grass 

Salt Creek Low Sericea lespedeza, potato vine, myrtle,

Shirley Creek Medium Sweet clover, stilt grass, bush honeysuckle, 

Starnes Low Japanese honeysuckle, crown vetch, tall fescue, autumn 

olive, Lespedeza striata

Tincher Medium Lespedeza, bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, 

sweet clover, garlic mustard, stilt grass

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

high threat; medium threat; and low threat, as follows:

High -- bush honeysuckles, crown vetch, garlic mustard, Japanese honeysuckle, stilt grass, 

potato vine, and sweet clover 

Medium -- autumn olive, tall fescue, ground ivy, Eurasian and Chinese lespedezas, and 

moneywort

Low -- day lily, Hosta, Japanese lespedeza, Johnson grass, multiflora rose, and periwinkle

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendations: Eradicating invasive plant species is considered impossible on an area as 

large as the Hoosier NF. Invasive plants invade via “disturbance corridors”: roads, trails, and 

streams. Effectively controlling their spread using an integrated approach of prevention, 

monitoring, and control measures was recommended by the study. 

A balanced approach to monitoring is recommended in which the degree of threat from 

particular species is weighed against the susceptibility of a particular natural community. 

Normally a quick annual survey is recommended for special areas. If an invasive is found, 

immediate control can be implemented with follow up to ensure control measures have been 

successful. 
26

TABLE 9. SUMMARY OF CONTROL PRIORITIES

Carnes Mill ground ivy herbicide when natives dormant

stilt grass cut or mow before seed sets

Hemlock Cliffs moneywort prescribed burn or herbicide

stilt grass cut or mow before seed sets

Tincher garlic mustard cut or mow before seed sets

stilt grass cut or mow before seed sets

Deam Wilderness garlic mustard hand pull before seed sets

stilt grass cut or mow before seed sets

myrtle herbicide when natives dormant

Fork Ridge stilt grass cut or mow before seed set

Pipeline stilt grass cut or mow before seed set

Morgan Ridge

 Cloverlick crown vetch herbicide

autumn olive cut and herbicide

lespedeza sp. late spring prescribed burn

sweet clover late spring prescribed burn

garlic mustard hand pull before seed sets

 Rockhouse Hollow stilt grass prescribed burn, cut or mow before seed 

sets

Shirley Creek stilt grass cut or mow before seed sets

German Ridge stilt grass cut or mow before seed sets

Hickory Ridge garlic mustard hand pull or mow before seed sets

Population of French’s shootingstar in Peter Cave Hollow

Methodology: In preparation of an archaeological investigation in Peter Cave Hollow (T4S, 

R1W, Sec 6), the forest botanist visited the known sites for French’s shootingstar 

(Dodecatheon frenchii) on July 2, 2001. 

Results: Six populations were found and recommendations were made to avoid significant 

disturbance to them.

The first population consisted of 12 plants. A flag pin was placed in the center of the group and 

it was recommended that activity stay one foot away from the pin.

The second site had between 75 and 100 plants. A flag pin was placed at the base of the cliff at 
27

one end of the population, a second pin was in the center of the population, and a third pin was 

at the other end of the area. The suggestion was made to keep one foot away from the line 

connecting the first and second pins, then keep one and a half feet away from the second and 

third pins.

The third population had about 50 plants. One flag pin was placed in the center of this 

population with a recommendation to keep out of an area six feet to each side and three feet to 

the front and back of the pin.

The fourth population also had about 50 plants. It was marked in the same way as the previous 

population with the same suggested restrictions.

The fifth site had about 200 plants. A flag pin was placed in the center of the population. It was 

recommended that the area not be disturbed 12 feet to each side and three feet from front to 

back.

The last site had 25 plants. A flag pin was placed at the front edge of the population. It was 

recommended that a three foot semi-circle behind the pin not be disturbed.

Forest Plan met: Yes 

Recommendations: This area should be monitored every three years to check on populations 

and if the recommendations noted above for each site need to be modified.

Boone Creek Special Area

Methodology: Approximately 100 herbaceous vegetation monitoring plots were established in 

the Boone Creek Special Area (T4S, R1W, Sec. 25). Starting from Onido Road at a large white 

oak (parking area for the “out-the-ridge” site), 43 points are in a line to the south at 30 meter 

intervals down the slope to Mount Pleasant Road. A transect crossing this area at the fifth point 

south of Onido Road runs east to west and contains another 40 points mostly toward the east. 

There is a second east-west line at the tenth point south of Onido Road. These points were 

established from late February through early April. The area was visited four times during the 

growing season. At each point, herbaceous vegetation was identified within a meter-square 

circular plot. Estimated ground cover, bare soil, and exposed rock were also recorded. Shrub 

and canopy species information was recorded on every plot. Structural characteristics of the 

area was recorded on every tenth plot. 

Results: The following tables list the species and dates recorded got FY2001. Plot data is on 

file.
28

TABLE 10. TREES AND SHRUBS.

Species 25 Feb 01 8 Apr 01 22 Apr 01 17 June 01

Acer rubrum X X X

Acer saccharum X X X X

Amelanchier arborea X X

Aralia spinosa X X X X

Carya glabra X

Carya ovata X X

Celtis occidentalis X X

Cercis canadensis X X X X

Cornus florida X X X X

Diospyros virginiana X

Fagus grandifolia X X

Fraxinus americana X X X

Juniperus virginiana X X X X

Lindera benzoin X

Liriodendron tulipifera X X X

Nyssa sylvatica X X

Ostrya virginiana X X X X

Pinus strobus X

Prunus serotina X X X X

Quercus alba X X X X

Quercus coccinea X

Quercus marilandica X X X

Quercus muhlenbergii X X

Quercus prinus X X

Quercus rubra X

Quercus shumardii X

Quercus stellata X X X

Quercus velutina X X X X

Rhamnus caroliniana X X

Rhus copallinum X X X

Sassafras albidum X X X X

Ulmus alata X X X X

Vaccinium arboreum X X X

Vaccinium stamineum X X

Vaccinium vacillans X X X X

Viburnum rufidulum X X X
29

TABLE 11. HERBACEOUS PLANTS AND WOODY VINES.

Species 25 Feb 01 8 Apr 01 22 Apr 01 17 June 01

Agrimonia rostellata X X

Agrostis perennans X

Allium canadense X

Allium vineale X

Amphicarpaea bracteata X

Andropogon gerardii X

Anemone virginiana X

Anemonella 

thalictroides

X X X

Antennaria 

plantaginifolia

X X X

Arabis laevigatus X

Aristolochia serpentaria X X

Asplenium platyneuron X

Aster shortii X

Aster solidagineus X

Aster undulatus X

Botrychium virginianum X X

Brachyelytrum erectum X

Bromus purgans X X

Cardamime angustata X

Cardamine concatenata X X

Cardamine douglassii X

Carex albicans X X X X

Carex complanata X

Carex glaucodea X

Carex meadia X X

Carex rosea X

Carex umbellata X X

Carex willdenowii X

Ceanothus americana X X X

Chaerophyllum 

procumbens

X

Chamaecrista nictitans X

Claytonia virginica X

Coreopsis tripteris X

Cunila origanoides X X X X

Cynoglossum 

virginianum

X X

Cystopteris fragilis X

Danthonia spicata X X X X

Delphinium tricorne X X

Desmodium glutinosum X
30

Species 25 Feb 01 8 Apr 01 22 Apr 01 17 June 01

Desmodium 

rotundifolium

X

Dioscorea villosa X X

Elymus hystrix X

Eryngium yuccifolium X

Erythronium 

americanum

X

Eupatorium rugosum X X

Frasera caroliniensis X X

Galactea volubilis X

Galium circaezans X X

Galium concinnum X

Galium triflorum X X X

Helianthus divaricatus X X X

Helianthus hirsutus X

Hieraceum gronovii X X

Houstonia purpurea X

Hydragngea 

arborescens

X

Hypericum hypericoides X

Hypoxsis hirsutus X

Iris cristata X

Krigia biflora X X

Lactuca floridana X

Lespedeza intermedia X

Lespedeza procumbens X

Lespedeza violacea X

Liatris spicata X

Lonicera japonica X X X

Luzula multiflora X X X X

Obolaria virginica X

Orbexilum 

pedunculatum

X

Oxalis stricta X X

Oxalis violacea X X

Panicum boscii X X X

Panicum dichotomum X

Panicum microcarpon X

Parthenocissus 

quinquefolia

X X

Pedicularis canadensis X

Phlox divaricatus X

Phlox pilosa X

Podophyllum peltatum X X

Polemonium reptans X
31

Species 25 Feb 01 8 Apr 01 22 Apr 01 17 June 01

Polystichum 

acrostichoides

X

Porteranthus stipulatus X

Potentilla simplex X X X X

Prenanthes altissima X X

Prenanthes aspera X

Pycnanthemum 

tenuifolium

X

Ranunculus hispidus X X

Ratibida pinnata X

Rhus radicans X X X X

Rosa setigera X

Rubus flagellaris X X X

Rubus occidentalis X

Salvia lyrata X X

Sanguinaria canadensis X

Sanicula canadensis X

Sanicula gregaria X

Schizachyrium 

scoparium

X X X X

Scleria oligantha X X X X

Scutellaria nervosa X

Smilacina racemosa X X X

Smilax glauca X X X X

Smilax rotundifolia X X X X

Solidago erecta X

Solidago ulmifolia X X

Stellaria pubera X X

Symphoricarpos 

orbiculatus

X

Trillium recurvatum X

Verbesina helianthoides X X

Viola sororia X X

Viola triloba X X

Vitis cinerea X X X

Forest Plan met: Yes 

Recommendations: Continue to monitor this area.
32

Management Indicator, Federal Threatened, Endangered, and Regionally 

Sensitive Species of Concern [36 CFR 219.9]

Monitor bald eagle activities near Lake Monroe

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. One known 

nesting site has been located. The Forest issued a closure order to protect the area surrounding 

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

Results: IDNR – Division of Fish and Wildlife coordinates monitoring of bald eagle nests. In 

2001, bald eagles were observed incubating at the nest on the Hoosier National Forest. The 

nest was checked 3 times during the year (March, April, June) by helicopter to determine how 

many chicks were produced. Despite the eagles appearance of incubating eggs, no chicks were 

fledged.

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendations: Continue monitoring work through IDNR.

Monitor populations of butternut 

Methodology: All live butternut trees (Juglans cinerea), a Regional Forester’s sensitive 

species, are to be monitored using the butternut monitoring form: dbh, percent of live crown, 

and fruits produced.

Results: A total of thirty-four butternut trees are known to occur on the forest, seven of which 

are dead. Information was collected on ten of the live trees.

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendations: Continue monitoring these trees.

Fish and Wildlife [36 CFR 219.19]

Monitor fish populations in selected waters

Methodology: Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the Indiana Department of 

Natural Resources (IDNR) manages the fish populations within designated select water within 

the Hoosier National Forest. In 2001 the IDNR completed reports for Saddle and Deer Creek 

Lakes. Survey methods employed by the IDNR include electrofishing, gill nets, and trap nets. 

The IDNR collects water chemistry and physical habitat data as well (for detail results see 

Carnahan 2001). 

Relevant laws and regulations: 36 CFR 219.9, 36 CFR 219.27
33

Results: Saddle Lake is a 41-acre impoundment north of Tell City, Indiana. Active management 

of the lake has been conducted by the IDNR since 1968. Recent survey results suggest that the 

panfish (bluegill and redear) populations within the lake are increasing in size with redear 

sunfish exhibiting excellent growth rates. The largemouth bass population of the lake is 

comprised mostly of bass less then 14 inches in length, and the channel catfish population has 

declined since 1997.

Hoosier National Forest personnel conducted fish, reptile, and amphibian surveys at Saddle 

Lake in August of 2001. Sampling methods included seining and search and seizure techniques. 

The objective of these surveys was to develop baseline presence or absence data for forest lakes. 

One species of amphibian (green frog) and four species of fish (largemouth bass, bluegill, 

mosquito fish, and blackspotted topminnow) were collected. No reptiles were collected, 

however aquatic turtles were observed. 

Deer Creek Lake is a 39-acre impoundment located northeast of Tell City, Indiana. Active fish 

population management of the lake has been conducted by the IDNR since 1980. Survey results 

indicate that largemouth bass and panfish currently provide the best fishing opportunities within 

the reservoir. The IDNR identified a problem with the presence of excessive aquatic plants in 

Deer Creek Lake. Excessive aquatic vegetation makes it difficult to fish from the bank and 

provides cover for small fish enabling them to evade predators. The Forest is presently 

developing plans to reduce the amount of aquatic vegetation within the lake. 

Male and 

female 

longeared 

sunfish.

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendations: Continue to support the IDNR in the monitoring of fish populations. 

Develop plans and viable methods to contain and control nuisance aquatic plants and animals. 

Support and possibly augment state stocking programs. 
34

Monitor fisheries in the Oil Creek Watershed 

Methodology: The fisheries staff of the Hoosier National Forest conducted intensive surveys 

within the Oil Creek watershed. The objectives of these surveys were to: (1) inventory and 

document fish, mussel, amphibians, reptiles, and crayfish populations. (2) define and measure 

current physical habitat conditions; and (3) identify adjunct or unstable populations. 

Oil 

Creek 

Relevant laws and regulations: 36 CFR 219.9, 36 CFR 219.27, 36 CFR 219.19

Results: Seventeen sites were surveyed within Oil Creek basin yielding over 30 species of fish. 

Seven species of amphibians and reptiles (five-lined skink, fence lizard, eastern box turtle, 

southern leopard frog, green frog, bullfrog, and longtail salamander) were recorded during these 

surveys. A point of interest was that no water snakes (Nerodia) of any type were observed 

during the two-week sampling period. Mussel populations relative to surveys conducted on the 

Hoosier National Forest in 1998 (Clarke et al 1999) seem to be stable. However, mussel survey 

design varied between 1999 and 2001 making it difficult to compare results. Crayfish 

populations seem to be healthy within the Oil Creek basin. To classify and characterize stream 

segments habitat composition was measured, and corresponding water chemistry collected from 

the seventeen sample sites (Table 12). 
35

TABLE 12. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL RESULTS FROM OIL CREEK BASIN AUGUST 2001 

Oil Creek Habitat Values Range: Low-High1

Water Temperature (Celsius) 22.8 - 30.9

pH 7.34 - 8.48

Conductivity (uS/cm) 199 - 411

Turbidity (NTU) 0 - 110

Canopy Cover (%) 0 - 100

Air Temperature (Celsius) 25.5 - 33.3

1Range data summarized from 17 sites distributed throughout the basin. 

One spring was sampled within the Oil Creek watershed. Longtail salamanders (Eurycea

longicauda), commonly associated with springs, were the only species encountered. The 

spring’s discharge had a pH of 9.70. Levels of pH this high can have a negative impact on 

aquatic systems, however the flow was so low from this spring (0.149 Cu meters/sec) that no 

impact would occur to the nearby main stem of Oil Creek. 

The large number of new fish species documented by the 2001 surveys suggests that the 

Hoosier National Forest stream and spring systems have historically been under studied. Some 

of these species are shown here:

Golden 

Redhorse
36

Pirate Perch

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendation: The effective management of an environment relies on the amount and 

accuracy of available baseline information. Continued support in monitoring and inventorying 

the aquatic ecosystems on the Hoosier National Forest would enable the forest to better manage 

its aquatic resources. 

Other fisheries monitoring – Hoosier Riverwatch

Hoosier Riverwatch is a volunteer program designed to promote stewardship of Indiana's 

waterways through stream monitoring and water quality education. Riverwatch is supported by 

the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil Conservation in cooperation with 

Purdue University. One of the main objectives of the watch program is to recognize and 

monitor long term trends and shifts in water quality using physical, chemical, and biological 

indicators.

Methodology: Macroinvertabrate populations are collected and counted at each riverwatch site 

and a biotic index developed from this data. Results of this type of sampling provide an average 

tolerance value for invertebrates collected. This value can then be related to the collection site, 

thus relating species diversity directly to site health. Physical and chemical data is collected at 

each riverwatch site building baseline site information for comparison with other sites. 

Relevant laws and regulations: 36 CFR 219.27, 36 CFR 219.23

Results: Hoosier National Forest personnel took part in the Hoosier Riverwatch program in 

2001, collecting data from three sites within the Hoosier National Forest.
37

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendation: The continued long term monitoring of Riverwatch sites within the Hoosier 

National Forest would provide valuable and temporarily significant information in the effective 

management of forest streams and rivers. 

Monitor populations of selected species of wildlife

Methodology: IDNR biologists collect information on several game and non-game species in 

the state. The south-central Indiana region contains all the counties in the Hoosier National 

Forest area, as well as an additional four counties. For general purposes the south-central region 

has been used synonymously with the Hoosier NF area. Game populations within this region 

can be used as barometers of the health of other wildlife. 

Results: IDNR biologists have collected the following information by species.

White-tailed deer harvest information

There are no numbers specifically on deer harvested from National Forest System land, but 

harvest from counties with National Forest may be of interest. In general the harvest was down 

1 percent between 1999 and 2000, and up 4 percent in 2001. Several counties with high 

percentages of farmland reported higher harvests than any of the nine counties with National 

Forest System land. 

Sixty-nine percent of the deer harvested were male. The following chart shows harvest by 

county in the Hoosier NF area, and the percent change over the 1996-2000 time frame in deer 

harvested.

TABLE 13. WHITE-TAILED DEER HARVEST IN SOUTH-CENTRAL INDIANA

County Antlered Anterless Total 2000 % Change 1996-00 Total 2001

Brown 524 353 877 -27 957

Crawford 711 604 1,315 -18 1,474

Dubois 653 811 1,463 +3 1,486

Jackson 736 1,111 1.847 +4 2,164

Lawrence 744 705 1,449 -2 1,657

Martin 648 795 1,443 +41 1,037

Monroe 574 794 1,368 -14 1,514

Orange 817 1,119 1,936 -3 1,978

Perry 920 466 1,386 -16 1,826

Total 6,327 6,758 13,084 14,093
38

Raccoon counts

Conservation officers gather information on each road-killed raccoon they see during the 

months of March, July, and August. The sex of the animal is recorded and the approximate age. 

The indices for road-killed raccoons is measured in number of raccoons/10,000 miles driven by 

the conservation officers in the assigned timeframes.

Numbers of raccoons seen increased in all regions of the state except for the southwest and 

south-central region. The south-central region decreased by 21 percent since the previous year. 

The number of raccoons found in 1999 was 28/10,000 miles; in 2000 the number was 

22/10,000. The ratio of male to female animals found was 100 males: 81 females. The number 

of juvenile animals was down from past years. 

Furbearing animals

The total number of pelts purchased increased 34 percent and the total value of the 2000-2001 

fur harvest was 147 percent greater than in the previous fur season. The value of the average 

pelt increased by 85 percent. Raccoon pelt values have long driven the fur market in Indiana, 

and their values increased 134 percent to around $6 /pelt in 2000-01. Mink was the only 

furbearing animal whose pelt value decreased in the 2001 season. 

The south-central region containing the Hoosier National Forest purchased the lowest number 

of pelts in the state. Of the five licensed furbuyers in the south-central area, only one purchased 

furs which resulted in this year’s figures dropping drastically. Direct out-of-state sales of pelts is 

increasing. 

TABLE 14. FURBEARING PELT INFORMATION

Number of Pelts

Season

Total 

Sold

Muskrat

Raccoon

Red FoxGray FoxMink

Opossum

SkunkBeaver

Coyote

Weasel

Percent 

collected 

Statewide

1996-97 10,212 1,763 7,580 99 93 124 394 8 112 39 0 4.61

1997-98 7,485 1,052 6,213 42 51 34 39 0 46 8 0 2.53

1999-

2000 3,377 212 2,954 39 50 23 25 1 59 13 1 3.95

2000-01 263 6 250 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0.23

Wild turkey information

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

records 2001 as the 19th consecutive year for an increase in harvest numbers. The 2001 harvest 

was a 28 percent increase over the previous year. Orange, Perry, and Crawford Counties were 

among the state’s highest in turkeys harvested. A mean of 1.38 birds were harvested / square 

mile of forestland. 
39

TABLE 15. TURKEY HARVEST INFORMATION

County 2000 Reported 

Harvest

Percent of 

Harvest

2001 Reported 

Harvest

Percent of Statewide 

Harvest

Brown 197 2.5% 260 2.6%

Crawford 277 3.5% 353 3.5%

Dubois 142 1.8% 174 1.7%

Jackson 165 2.1% 191 1.9%

Lawrence 195 2.5% 290 2.9%

Martin 204 2.6% 239 2.4%

Monroe 145 1.9% 202 2.0%

Orange 327 4.2% 414 4.2%

Perry 349 4.5% 379 3.8%

The trends in harvest variables are influenced by the poor summer production from 1995-1998 

and countered by increases in the available hunting range. The overall indication is a general 

maturation or leveling off of population growth following restoration. Turkey populations are 

still growing in most areas. The following table showing the age of the birds harvested is helpful 

in providing a sample of the size and age range in the state’s turkey population.

TABLE 16. AGE AND WEIGHT DATA OF TURKEYS HARVESTED

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

2001 9,975 26 15.7 50 20.1 24 22.1

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 2000 brood 

production index decreased to 3.1 poults per hen, down from 4.2 in 1999. Each route was 

driven twice with 15 stops along the route from April 1-21, 2001.
40

TABLE 17. ROADSIDE GOBBLER COUNTS

County/Area

1998 Total Turkeys Heard/ Seen Total Heard per stop in 19981999 Total Turkeys Heard/ SeenTotal Heard per stop in 19992000 Total Turkeys Heard/ SeenTotal Heard per stop in 20002001 Total Turkeys Heard/ SeenTotal Heard per stop in 2001

Jackson, Brown, 

Monroe/Hickory 

Ridge Area

32/8 1.40 22/0 0.80 11/2 0.60 19/2 0.73

Perry County/ Oriole -

St Croix Area

13/0 0.47 13/0 0.47 16/0 0.53 17/0 0.53

Lawrence and Orange/ 

Lost River East Area

18/2 0.60 31/0 1.27 26/0 1.27 20/0 0.67

Martin and Orange/ 

Lost River West Area

13/5 0.53 47/1 2.53 12/0 0.47 17/3 0.73

Orange County/ Lick 

Creek Area

7/1 0.27 23/0 0.87 29/0 1.33 26/4 0.93

Ruffed grouse counts

IDNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife conducts drumming counts along certain roads on NFS 

lands. The results are shown below for routes on NFS land. Grouse populations have declined 

fairly steadily since a peak in 1979. The count in 2001 is only 7 percent of the 1979 population. 

The primary reason for the decline is due to habitat changes from advancing forest succession. 

The decreasing grouse population parallels the decline in the proportion of seedling/ sapling/ 

pole-timber size class timber. Parallel declines are expected in other early forest successional 

birds such as woodcock and rufous-sided towhees. Grouse numbers are at their lowest level in 

over 2 decades across their range in Indiana. 

Each route was driven twice with 30 stops along the route from April 2-20, 2001.
41

TABLE 18. RUFFED GROUSE DRUMMING COUNTS – HOOSIER NF AREA County/Area 1998 Grouse Heard/ Seen 1998 Total Drums 1999 Grouse Heard/ Seen 1999 Total Drums 2000 Grouse Heard/ Seen

2000 Total Drums2001 Grouse Heard/ Seen2001 Total Drums

Jackson, Brown, 

Monroe/Hickory Ridge 

6/0 13 1/0 2 2/0 5 1/0 2

Perry County/ Oriole - St 

Croix Area

0/0 0 1/0 2 0/0 0 2/0 3

Lawrence and Orange/ 

Lost River Area

14/2 29 8/0 16 4/0 13 4/0 4

Martin and Orange/ Lost 

River Area

4/0 6 24/0 41 2/0 2 2/0 2

Orange County/ Lick 

Creek Area

2/0 2 0/0 0 2/0 5 4/0 4

TABLE 19. TRENDS FROM DRUMMING COUNT INDICES - Grouse heard per stop per year

Year 

Jackson, Brown, 

Monroe/Hickory Ridge 

Area

Perry County/ 

Oriole - St Croix 

Area

Lawrence and 

Orange/ Lost River 

Area

Orange County/

Lick Creek Area

1979 1.00 --

1980 1.27 0.60

1981 1.33 0.60

1982 0.73 0.20

1983 0.53 0.33

1984 0.93 0.33

1985 1.00 0.20

1986 1.00 0.13

Data incomplete for 1976-1986

1987 0.40 0.20 0.27 0.33

1988 0.33 0.07 0.33 0.47

1989 0.67 0.21 0.27 0.73

1990 0.47 0.13 0.37 0.47

1991 0.13 0.07 0.40 0.53

1992 0.13 0.13 0.27 0.40

1993 0.07 0.13 0.33 0.40

1994 0.20 0.07 0.40 0.40

1995 0.13 0.07 0.47 0.40

1996 0.13 0.07 0.33 0.20

1997 0.20 0.07 0.53 0.07

1998 0.27 0.00 0.53 0.07

1999 0.07 0.07 0.40 0.00

2000 0.13 0.00 0.27 0.13

2001 0.07 0.07 0.13 0.13
42

Bobwhite quail counts 

Survey routes are run throughout the state listening for quail from mid-June through mid-July. 

In the south-central part of the state there were nine paired routes. In 2000, there were 0.69 birds 

heard per stop. In 2001, there were 1.15 birds heard per survey stop. Statewide the average was 

0.62 birds/stop. This was an increase in 66.7 percent. 

Bobcat trapping 

Eight bobcats were captured nine times from mid-November 2000 until late March 2001 in 

Lawrence, Martin, and Greene counties. Three previously marked individuals were captured 

and fitted with radio-transmitters. Five new captures were fitted with radio-transmitters. The 

capture rates (bobcat/100 trap-nights) is increasing over time for both types of traps commonly 

used:

TABLE 20. BOBCAT TRAPPING RESULTS

Type Trap 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001

Welded-Wire Box Trap 0.24 1.51 0.30

Soft Catch Food-hold Trap 0.05 0.15 0.53
43

Protect our Cultural Resources

Cultural and Heritage Resources [36 CFR 219.24]

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, and 800.

Methodology: Monitor to determine if new resource damage occurs and if vandalism increases, 

i.e. deterioration/collapse of significant buildings is avoided and rockshelters are not actively 

looted or inadvertently damaged by recreation users. Take steps to protect sites through public 

education, signing, and law enforcement activities. 

Acceptable Criteria: Project areas are inspected for the presence of historic and prehistoric 

properties prior to project implementation. Significant and potentially significant properties are 

protected. Any discovery of unrecorded resources is brought to the attention of the forest 

archaeologist. 

Results: No projects were implemented this fiscal year that required protection of significant or 

potentially significant heritage resources. So project monitoring was not conducted. 

Forest Plan Met: Yes

Recommendations: Continue to monitor projects in the vicinity of eligible or potentially eligible 

properties to ensure protection measures are implemented.

 

Monitor national register-listed sites and potentially significant sites 

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, and 800.

Methodology: Methods include literature reviews, field inspections, and surface and subsurface 

investigations. Original site forms and associa ted sketch maps are used to determine change 

and assess current site condition. All changes are noted in these permanent records. Develop, 

recommend, and implement protection or mitigation measures, if applicable. 

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 actively looted 

or inadvertently damaged by recreation users. Steps are taken to protect sites through public 

education, signing, and law enforcement activities. 

Results: A total of five sites were monitored and their condition assessed during FY 2001. 
44

• The National Register of Historic Places listed Rickenbaugh House (12 Pe 0784) was 

monitored frequently during Phase III of the rehabilitation.

• The Roll Petroglyph (12 Cr 0175) was monitored several times during the year in 

preparation for the photogrammetric recording conducted in September by C 

Dimensions (Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Report No. 09-12-04-0207). This site is 

eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. See pictures below. 

• Two standing building complexes (12 Or 0579 Brooks Barn and 12 Cr 0482 Schmidt 

Barn) were revisited and condition assessments prepared for deferred maintenance 

(Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Report No. 09-12-04-0207). 

• During the Otter Creek Upland Restoration Project (Cultural Resource Reconnaissance 

Report No. 09-12-04-0203) one potentially eligible prehistoric site (12 Cr 176/214) was 

resurveyed. 

Forest Plan Met: Yes

Recommendations: Continue to monitor significant and potentially significant sites throughout 

the forest to ensure their protection. 

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. Projects that potentially affect the VQO's 

include soil and water improvements, wildlife opening maintenance, prescribed burns, trail 

maintenance, trail construction, and recreation construction. 

Acceptable Criteria: Meet the VQO's stated in the Forest Plan
45

Results: Two projects were inspected in 2001; the Spring’s Valley Trail construction and 

installation of new SSTs at North Face Campground within the Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation 

Area, and German Ridge Campground. All projects inspected in 2001 met the assigned VQO.

Forest Plan met: Yes 

Recommendations: Continue to follow VQO principles on all projects and coordinate with the 

forest VQO coordinator. 

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 of acceptable change standards as developed for the Charles C. 

Deam Wilderness (see WIS and following information).

Results: All areas were monitored according to monitoring plan for the Charles C. Deam 

Wilderness. The monitoring plan will be updated in 2002 to include new monitoring 

information such as use of trail counters, Frissell and Cole campsite inventories, and trail 

condition surveys. 

1. Campsite Impact and Inventory: No campsites were monitored in 2001. 

2. Trail Social Encounters: Three infrared trail counters were tested in the Charles C. 

Deam Wilderness during July, August, and September. One counter was placed on the 

Grubb Ridge Loop Trail, west of Blackwell Campground. A second counter was placed 

on Terrill Ridge. The third counter was placed on Sycamore Trail. Some problems 

were encountered during the summer, such as foliage growing and blocking the infrared 

eye. Problems have been resolved and more information will be collected during FY 

2002.
46

Counter Results:

• Sycamore Trail – no accurate data collected.

• Grubb Ridge Loop – between July 7, 2001 and September 9, 2001, the counter 

collected 36 days of data. During the 36 days, 543 counts were recorded.

• Terrill Ridge - between July 7, 2001 and September 9, 2001, the counter collected 

nine days of data. During the nine days, 174 counts were recorded.

Trails in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness (CCDW) were patrolled by Wilderness 

Ranger Rod Fahl, Fee Demo Ranger Jason Haberberger, and Wilderness Manager Eric 

Sandeno. Social encounters were documented on 41 days during FY2001. A total of 

261 hikers and 196 horse riders were observed during the 41 days. On the days patrolled, 

a total of 6.4 hikers per day were observed and 4.8 horseback riders were observed.

TABLE 21. USER COUNTS IN CHARLES C. DEAM WILDERNESS

Trail Days 

Patrolled

Hikers 

Observed

Horse Riders 

Observed

Axsom Branch 2 3 4

Grubb Ridge 14 125 71

Peninsula Trail 1 22 9

Terrill Ridge 8 74 23

Hayes Trail 3 15 2

Sycamore Trail 3 14 0

Cope Hollow 6 1 80

Martin Hollow 2 0 4

Lake Patrol 1 2 3

Tower Trailhead 1 5 0

TOTAL 41 261 196

Based on information collected, it is difficult to determine overall use in the Charles C. 

Deam Wilderness. Trail counters will be placed at all access points during FY2002 and 

other monitoring efforts will be utilized to determine use.

3. Trail Social Impact: The amount of garbage on or along the trails and in campsites was 

minimal. However, garbage at trailheads and off-trail areas has a social impact to 

wilderness visitors as much as garbage along trails. Garbage continues to be a problem 

at the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower. Most garbage is a result of Friday and Saturday night 

parties by local residents. Law Enforcement is aware of the problem and has been 

working with local authorities to develop a solution.

A significant amount of garbage washes onto the shore of the Charles C. Deam 

Wilderness along Monroe Lake. Every May, the Hoosier National Forest sponsors Take 

Pride in America, a day for people to complete volunteer work projects on the forest. A 

popular project has been cleaning the shoreline in the wilderness. This annual clean up 

prevents large amounts of garbage from accumulating.
47

Another concern area is the northeast side of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness adjacent 

to the Middle Fork Salt Creek. Middle Fork Salt Creek itself is managed by the Army 

Corps of Engineers, but garbage is collecting along the wilderness boundary. This is a 

potential location for work projects. 

4. Trail Tread Condition: Problem erosion units were not inventoried, as identified in the 

Charles. C. Deam Wilderness monitoring plan. Specific muddy areas or areas draining 

poorly were identified and corrective action taken on several sections of trail. Using 

problem erosion units as an indicator in monitoring will be reviewed during FY2002 to 

determine if a more accurate method of monitoring can be used.

Waterbars were cleaned and improved throughout the spring and summer. The Hoosier 

Horsemen and the Monroe County YMCA provided a total of 38 volunteers on four 

separate workdays.

The Hoosier Horsemen had three volunteer workdays during the summer to improve 

drainage on the trails and eliminate muddy sections. Adding gravel, re-contouring trails, 

and constructing drains were the primary projects completed during the year. 

All trails in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness were cleared of down trees using 

minimum- tool methods during February 2001. 

5. Access Trail and Impact: Minimal trash was collected at Hayes, Blackwell, and Grubb 

Ridge Trailheads. As stated above, garbage at the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower, especially 

alcohol containers picked up on Saturday and Sunday mornings, is steadily getting 

worse. 

Information and education is listed in the Wilderness Implementation Schedule as an issue and 

concern (Appendix B), but does not have a category in the Monitoring Plan. There appears to 

be a lack of awareness of why the Charles C. Deam Wilderness is unique and why management 

direction in wilderness is different. When the Charles C. Deam Wilderness monitoring plan is 

updated in 2002, information and education will be included as a monitoring category. Results 

of information and education efforts in 2001 are:

a. Weekly Leave No Trace demonstrations were provided at Maumee Boy Scout Camp. 

Approximately 200 Boy Scouts attended these programs.

b. Leave No Trace demonstrations were provided to individual Boy Scout Troops during 

the year. Three programs were presented to approximately 100 Boy Scouts.

c. A volunteer staffed Brooks Cabin every Sunday during the summer and fall. The 

volunteer provided wilderness information to approximately 350 people.

d. Two lectures were given discussing wilderness management on the Hoosier National 

Forest at an Indiana University SPEA class. A total of approximately 100 people 

attended the two lectures.

e. Presentations were given at Midwest Trail Rides regarding the use of forest trails and 

wilderness management.

In accordance to Forest Service Manual 2320 and EM-7100-15, Sign and Poster Guidelines for 

the Forest Service, trail junction signs were replaced in May 2001. Carsonite posts were 

removed and routed wood signs were placed at all the junctions. Some reassurance markers 
48

were also removed during the year. Wilderness boundary signs were installed at the major 

trailheads.

Forest Plan Met? Yes

Recommendations: Improve monitoring program for Deam Wilderness and review Wilderness 

Implementation Schedule for possible changes. 

1. Campsite inventory utilizing either Frissell or Cole method will be a priority for 2002.

2. Continue to use trail counters to determine use on trails.

3. Collect trail encounter information on a more consistent basis. Trail encounter forms 

have been created for forest staff to complete while patrolling the Deam Wilderness.

4. Improve trail condition inventory/survey information.

Recreation Facilities [36 CFR 219.21(C)]

Monitor public feedback

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, concessionaire customer response forms, e-mails to 

the forest website, scoping responses for project proposals, and personal contacts at forest 

offices and in the field. Comments are also occasionally found on bulletin boards or in the form 

of graffiti. Feedback on trailheads, campgrounds, signs, restroom designs and function, and 

accessibility issues are requested. 

Acceptable Criteria: There is no standard regarding this type of public feedback. However, 

each comment is evaluated and action taken if warranted. 

Results: Forty-six Forest Service Customer Comment Cards were forwarded from the 

Washington Office, 174 visitor comment forms were forwarded to the forest by the 

concessionaire, and numerous comments were noted from a variety of scoping efforts and 

informal contacts with staff. The majority of the responses indicated very favorable feedback, 

particularly in regard to good service by the staff, be it Forest Service or concessionaire. In 

instances where a complaint was voiced, the problem was addressed on the spot by the front 

liner if it was a routine issue. If it constituted a more significant issue, the program manager was 

notified and handled the issue accordingly. Suggestions and comments (internal and external) 

were also reviewed and action taken when possible and appropriate. For example, one common 

thread emerged regarding the Hardin Ridge campground shower buildings, when visitors stated 

they wanted benches and hooks for clothes. Approximately half of the showers have had hooks 

and benches installed and plans are underway to complete the job. Another issue was a weed 

problem at Tipsaw Lake. Forest staff is working with IDNR officials on the possible use of 

grass carp. Other comments centered on desire for water hookups, concern about fees, and 

concern about trail tread as well as general statements about having a great time and liking the 

facilities.
49

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, recreation area roads, and degraded trails. 

Recommendations: Continue to strictly enforce concessionaire requirements, emphasize 

customer service, and continue to pursue capital investment funds and other resources to 

address the facility backlog situation.

Trails [36 CFR 219.21(G)]

Monitor trail use on selected trails by type and amount of use

Legal or Regulation Reference: 36 CFR 219.21

Methodology: On multiple use trails, we are able to estimate use by comparing the number of 

trail permits sold with field observations. The methodology and results are documented in a 

memorandum to file dated January 22, 2002 titled Methodology for estimating horse and bike 

use for CY2001, file code 2350, authored by Les Wadzinski.

A trail counter was installed and stolen so it yielded no useable data. 

The recreation staff visited a photo point on the Peninsula Trail (T7N, R1E, Section 2, NW 1⁄4 

SE 1⁄4) that was very degraded during the summer of 1992. That segment of trail was closed in 

1994, and an alternate route installed in a more suitable location. Photos were taken of the same 

location in October 2001 to determine how well it had healed and whether or not users were 

staying off the closed trail. As indicated by the photos the trail has healed nicely and users have 

abided by the closure. 

Peninsula Trail, Charles C. 

Deam Wilderness, Summer 

1992
50

Peninsula Trail closed 

segment, Charles C. Deam 

Wilderness, Fall, 2001

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 (see Wilderness 

Management monitoring report in this document). For forest-wide trails, we have no formal 

specific use criteria, however, we use the following general guidelines: 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. These guidelines are influenced by site-specific conditions such as 

soil types, topography, weather, season, and use type.

Results: It is estimated that 4,369 bike riders and 16,895 horse riders used the trails in 2001. 

About 3⁄4 of this use likely occurred on the Pleasant Run Unit based on permit sales in that area. 

It is more difficult to draw conclusions about hikers because they are not required to buy a trail 

permit. However, hikers accounted for 31 percent of the users observed. There are also 

additional hikers using hiking-only trails such as the Two Lakes Loop and Hardin Ridge trails, 

although exact numbers are unknown. There is evidence of some illegal use of trails by ATVs, 

most notably in the Tell City District.

Forest Plan met: Yes. Generally, forest trail use is within moderate levels, with sporadic high 

use periods at some locations. Trail conditions have now been upgraded in most areas where 

work was needed to sustain the levels of use and to provide environmental protection.

Recommendations: Continue using the trail permit program to determine use. Install trail 

counters at locations where more specific data is needed and research methods to prevent theft 

and vandalism.
51

Provide for a Useable Landbase

Report land status changes by County, District, and Management Area

TABLE 22. LAND ADJUSTMENT BY MANAGEMENT AREA

Management Area 2001 Acreage 

Adjusted

Total NFS land Acres 

(9/30/01)

2.4 70 17,225

2.8 311 101,184

5.1 0 12,953

6.2 32 20,386

6.4 264 25,164

7.1 0 6,205

8.1 0 88

8.2 67 13,297

8.3 0 630

9.2 0 1,586

Total 744 198,718

TABLE 23. LAND ACQUISITION BY COUNTY AND DISTRICT

County District Acreage Value ($) Management 

Area

Crawford Tell City 27 29,250 8.2

Jackson Brownstown 117 145,000 6.2, 6.4

Martin Brownstown 180 165,700 2.8

Orange BT and TC 370 488,000 2.4, 2.8, 6.4

Brownstown 245 331,000 2.8, 6.4

Tell City 125 157,000 2.4, 2.8

Perry Tell City 40 44,000 8.2

TABLE 24. LAND ADJUSTMENTS BY COUNTY AND DISTRICT

County District Acreage Value ($) Management 

Area

Crawford Tell City -80 108,00012.8

Jackson Brownstown 89 114,00026.4

Orange Brownstown 0 1,00036.4

1

 Land Exchange – 80 acres of federal land in Crawford County, valued at $108,000 plus cash 

equalization of $6,000, exchanged for 89 acres of private land in Jackson County, valued at 

$114,000

2

 Land Exchange – see footnote 1 above

3

 Small Tract Act (exchange) – resolved error in survey; equal land (0.50 acre) and equal value 

($500)
52

Provide for Human and Community Development

Special Uses and Outstanding Rights

Methodology: The special uses team monitored rights-of-way (ROW) width changes from 

outstanding rights by comparing current ROW width with the width at time of land acquisition 

by the Forest Service. Often, there were no land records in the acquisition file with ROW 

widths for roads, powerlines or other ROW cleared land features. In these cases, the team made 

comparisons to old aerial photos and made assumptions on width. Some records did indicate a 

narrow width that has been widened to meet the new ROW. An example is an old single-phase 

line required a 20-foot ROW clearing which was increased to a 40-foot ROW clearing for a 

three-phase line. Most rights-of-way are cleared 40 feet wide regardless of single or three phase 

line. The permits were all reviewed before renewal and those with increased widths were 

reviewed for heritage and threatened and endangered (T&E) species clearance for the wider 

clearing limits. 

Results: No impacts were found for either cultural or T&E resources and the permits were 

renewed with the appropriate width. There were only two permits to fall in this category in FY 

2001 and both were on state roads.

Forest Plan Met: Yes

Recommendations: Record the width of ROW clearings on new property acquisitions for 

outstanding rights. Monitor width change over time for compliance and encroachment and 

administer appropriately.

Monitoring of earth disturbing permit activities

Methodology: The special uses team monitored earth disturbing activity associated with new 

permit rights-of-way for compliance with forest plan guidance in Appendix K and mitigation 

measures now included in each permit. 

Results: No impacts were found to soil and water resources on the Patoka Lake Regional 

waterline project in Crawford County. Mitigation measures to possible impacts to soil and water 

resources followed installation. An example of these measures was that when trees were cut 

and removed, tops were chipped and exposed soil was seeded and mulched.

Forest Plan Met: Yes

Recommendations: Work done during the summer often results in conditions that are too hot 

and dry for grasses to catch without mulch. Its best to require mulch to hold the seed in place 

until rain finally arrives to sprout the seed.
53

Monitor special uses for compliance with nondiscrimination 

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: Permittees are subject to pre-award nondiscrimination reviews anytime a permit 

involves public use. The permittee is also notified of their responsibility. Assurance statements 

(Form 1700-1) are signed by all new "direct service" providers. Permittees must agree to 

comply; otherwise, we do not issue permit. The Federally Assisted Program Manager monitored 

the recreation areas under concession and trail permittees who have large programs for 

compliance with Title VI by visiting with permittees at the start of the season.

Results: All permittees agreed to sign assurance statements. Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination 

issues are discussed annually with all recreation type permittees. The “Simple Justice” video is 

shown and basic hospitality training is provided for all concessionaires each spring before the 

recreation season begins. All permittees visited were in compliance and no complaints were 

received on the forest.

Forest Plan met: Yes.

Recommendations: Continue to monitor recreation permittees and send reminders of 

compliance requirements to other permittees according to the schedule.

Pesticide use on permitted lands

Methodology: The special uses team monitored pesticide use in Jackson County on outstanding 

rights rights-of-way for accomplishment of objectives to control woody stems in the ROW and 

prevent damage to non-target organisms or soil and water.

Results: No impacts were found to soil and water or non-target organisms in the ROW on both 

Jackson County REMC and PSI Energy (now CINERGY) powerline ROW.

Forest Plan Met: Yes

Recommendations: Jackson County REMC uses their own employees to apply herbicides. 

They believe they have better results. Continue to coordinate with both companies for treatment 

of vegetation on outstanding rights. Incidentally, there was more exposed soil on the permit 

ROW segments where no herbicide was used and maintenance relied on mechanical treatment. 

The recommendation is to use herbicide on all properties rather than just outstanding rights to 

lessen soil impacts.
54

Air Quality [36 CFR 219.27(a)(12)]

Monitor prescribed burns for adequacy of smoke management practices 

Methodology: Record any comments or calls received.

Results: The Hoosier NF completed seven prescribed burns for 351 acres in 2001. Post 

monitoring was completed on the burns to determine if objectives were met for ecological 

purposes. All burns were monitored for smoke management and were in compliance with no 

negative comments or calls received.

Forest Plan met: Yes

Recommendations: Continue to monitor future burns, and accompany each burn with an 

aggressive public outreach to assure that people are aware of the plans to burn and know where 

to call if smoke is a problem.

Health and Safety

Monitor the effluent discharge at the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area 

Legal or Regula tion Reference: National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (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 FY2002 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.
55

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: There were no known incidents in FY2001.

Forest Plan Met: Yes

Recommendations: Continue to monitor for hazardous material concerns.
56

Conclusion

We carried out the fiscal year 2001 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. It is our responsibility, within this allocation and congressional direction, to 

emphasize a balanced mix of projects that are environmentally sound and provide benefits to 

people. 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 2001. Our deficiencies are noted. We will ensure that corrective action is taken 

where appropriate. I am satisfied that management activities accomplished during Fiscal Year 

2001 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. 

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 as we work toward plan revision. 

This meets the intent of both the Forest Plan (Chapter 5) and the National Forest Management 

Act planning regulations (36 CFR 219).

/s/ Kenneth G. Day September 27, 2002

 _____________________________ 

KENNETH G. DAY Date

Forest Supervisor