hoosier national forest

The seeds will go to the Purdue University Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center to create hybrids to find a strain resistant to an invasive fungus.

Fourteen invasive plant species have been found on Deam Wilderness trails, and some species will be hard to control without herbicides.

Local government and environmental interest groups are concerned that the project would be detrimental to the health of Lake Monroe.

The fires maintain the habitat by burning away ground vegetation to allow sunlight to reach sprouting seedlings.

Fallen trees and debris on the Peninsula Trail in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness and the Pate Hollow Trail forced closure.

Tuesday's storm left extensive storm damage around Lake Monroe. Staff at Hoosier National Forest are still assessing the damage on its trails.

The private owners sold the land at auction last month for $541,000 to the Central Indiana Land Trust.

The project seeks to improve the oak-hickory tree population, wildlife habitats, and reduce tree density.

The second phase of Hoosier National Forest campground reservations open Feb. 5.

The group plans to prohibit camping within 200 feet of trails, trailheads, roads, water sources, rock shelters, caves and historic structures.