Tag Archives: Indiana Forest Alliance

The Indiana Forest Alliance, along with hundreds of volunteer scientists, is nearing completion on an “Eco Blitz,” aimed at documenting life in Indiana’s forest ecosystems. For five years, the IFA and volunteer researchers from across the country have gathered data on species living in the state’s forests. As IFA Executive Director Jeff Stant tells WFHB Correspondent Norm Holy, experts are …

Indiana’s second highest ranking public official, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, is encouraging the expansion of the state’s timber industry. Lt. Gov. Crouch unveiled a strategic report on Tuesday, at the annual meeting of the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, in downtown Indianapolis. The Indiana Hardwood Strategy report details opportunities to expand the state’s timber industry. According to the report, the state’s hardwood …

In this week’s Eco Feature Report, WFHB News Director Wes Martin speaks with Indiana Forest Alliance Conservation Director Dr. Rae Schnapp about the report, and logging in public lands.

A new report, released yesterday by the Indiana Forest Alliance, timber sales on public land average lower returns than private timber sales. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Department of Forestry is responsible for managing the state’s forests. After logging in state forests increased significantly due to budgetary reforms in the mid-2000’s, the DNR has supplemented their state-allocated budget with …

The Bloomington Utilities Service Board approved a $1.9 million contract with Utility Metering Solutions for a ‘smart water metering system,’ which would allow residents’ water to be shut off, or turned on, remotely; A truck damaged a 135-year-old covered bridge in Greene County, on Friday; State Senator (D-Bloomington) Mark Stoops filed two bills in the legislature aimed at increasing gun regulations, …

The Federal Government shutdown over President Donald Trump’s border wall has furloughed an estimated 320,000 federal employees. In Indiana, that includes the Hoosier National Forest, maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, which spans over 200,000 acres.  Progression towards the end of the shutdown, now entering its third week, are stalled between Congress and the President. The government shutdown comes after November’s announcement  …

Federal Authorities are considering logging thousands of acres of the Hoosier National Forest, including over 400 acres of clear cutting south of lake Monroe.  WFHB Correspondent Annie Aguiar speaks with Indiana Forest Alliance Director Jeff Stant on the possible effects of logging and clear cutting the state’s only national forest —in today’s Feature Report.

The Indiana University Media School is developing an investigative journalism center; Monroe County’s three commissioners will each get paid the same amount next year ; Indiana State legislators are considering a tax increase requested by Sheriffs across the state; A planned discussion between local midterm election candidates faces a last-minute withdrawal. FEATURE WFHB correspondent Jonah Chester speaks with Dr. Rae …

Indiana Republicans reaffirmed ‘marriage’ as the union between a man and a woman, during their state convention, on Friday; MCCSC is looking to adopt new curricula for its middle and high schools students, after racist materials in the district’s elementary schools Social Studies curriculum generated controversy, earlier this year; Monroe County and the City of Bloomington are working on how best to …

State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) toured logging areas of Yellowwood State Forest last week. Pierce says he hiked through the Back Country area, where a Department of Natural Resources contractor is removing 1,700 trees, with the Indiana Forest Alliance’s Dave Seastrom. Pierce says the Indiana DNR designated Yellowwood’s Back Country area back in the ‘80’s, in an effort to preserve …