Expanding Resources for Indiana’s Forests

In Ferdinand and Pike State Forests, DNR staff are improving habitat and creating new recreation opportunities thanks to another grant from our partners at TC Energy. The properties, which cover nearly 13,000 acres combined, will benefit from a new mulching attachment for years to come.

“Both the staff at Ferdinand-Pike State Forest and the Division of Forestry appreciate the generous support of TC Energy and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation to make this purchase a reality,” said Jamie Winner, property manager of the two forests.

Jamie Winner (DNR) and Erika Janak (INRF) with TC Energy representatives and the new mulching attachment at Ferdinand State Forest.

According to the Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI), oak and hickory species are lacking in the understory of the region’s forests due to competition from shade-tolerant species such as American beech and maple. The restoration of these species in the forests is an area of focus for Winner and one example of the attachment’s benefits.

Oak and hickory trees provide many benefits to Indiana’s outdoors. Through nut and acorn production, the species provide important food sources for wildlife while also creating species diversity in our woodlands. This diversity increases resilience to forest insects and diseases. Additionally, oak and hickory are important species for timber production in the state.

The large-scale oak-hickory improvement plan will include timber stand improvement projects, invasive species control, and tree plantings. Ultimately, the project will improve habitat across the forests, benefiting recreation opportunities such as wildlife watching and hunting.

While the oak-hickory improvement project is yet to begin, the staff quickly put the attachment to work when it was received last fall. The equipment was used extensively to mulch tree top debris as part of a campground improvement project at Ferdinand, expanding camping opportunities.

Brian Finch (DNR) drops a fish structure into Patoka Lake from a resource boat in 2024. A TC Energy grant supported the purchase of the new resource boat at the property.

Supporting the purchase of the new mulching attachment continues TC Energy’s dedication to giving back to Indiana’s outdoors. From helping Patoka Lake secure a much-needed new resource boat to supporting the addition of a UTV at Martin State Forest, there are many habitat and recreation projects taking place in southern Indiana because of their generosity.

Our dedicated donors and partners make our work of supporting Indiana DNR and Indiana’s outdoors possible. If you’d like to join us in celebrating and preserving Indiana’s natural legacy, please consider donating today.