Report Blasts DNR for Lack of Transparency, Poor Forest Stewardship

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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 timber sales.

The report finds the state sells timber, and access to public land, at an average of 43 percent of the value of private timber sales. As IFA Conservation Director Rae Schnapp, Ph.D., tells WFHB News Director Wes Martin, the state claims the quality of timber sold from public land is responsible for the discrepancy.