By JACK SPAULDING
Spaulding Outdoors 

Hoosiers can offer input on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry’s 2015-19 strategic plan at three public meetings in September. The plan may be read by visiting www.dnr.IN.gov/forestry – click on the link for "Publications and Presentations."

DNR Forestry manages approximately 156,000 acres in 12 state forests and state recreation areas; manages the Classified Forest and Wildlands program, which includes more than 700,000 acres of private woodlands; grows and sells 3 million seedlings annually; and administers a statewide urban forestry program.

"The Division of Forestry has more than a 100-year track record of sustainably managing public and private woodlands, or as we call them, ‘working forests,’" said John Seifert, division director. "We routinely seek public input. But since this is a five-year commitment, we want to go directly to the citizens to seek guidance on the current plan and to make sure we are doing it right."

Seifert will attend each meeting to facilitate discussion and receive customer feedback. He and other staff members will outline the plan, answer questions and take comments. The dates and locations are:

•Sept. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Indiana State Museum, third floor Conference Room, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

•Sept. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Honeywell Center, Nixon Room, 275 W. Market St., Wabash

•Sept. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Cool Springs Education Center; the entrance to the center is located off State Road 64, about 8 miles west of Huntingburg, on the left

State forests are managed for multiple uses and benefits, including hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, hiking, mushroom hunting and picnicking. Other benefits include timber production, conservation of air, soil and water resources and forest aesthetics.

One way the strategic plan differs from previous plans is an emphasis on increasing and improving recreation opportunities on state forests. The plan is also seeking to support the activities with user fees, something DNR Forestry has done for many years on three properties but now intends to apply across the entire state forest system.

Also new to the plan is supporting private lands woodland management with fees paid by people who use the services of district foresters. The services and fees are undecided at this time, and the division is looking for public input and direction on how to carry out the program.

Have you ever wanted to try deer hunting, but you don’t know where to start? Indiana DNR’s new program, "Hunt, Fish, Eat," may be right up your alley. The state-sponsored whitetail deer classes take a beginner to a hunter in a four-session course.

Sessions will focus on the following fundamentals: deer biology, laws and regulations, archery and firearms safety, locating a hunting spot and preparing your harvest for the table.

Each session will include an opportunity to sample wild game recipes. Participants also will learn what gear and resources are available to hunters today. Sessions will be held at different locations in the Indianapolis area.

Participants are asked to attend all sessions, be new to deer hunting in Indiana and have an interest in hunting for food. All equipment will be provided. Classes will take place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays starting Aug. 25 or 26. To register, call 317-234-8440 or e-mail dfwed@dnr.in.gov

To see what it’s all about online, watch a video at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=nb7GVIidKRg

Floodwaters in the Upper Wabash region of Indiana are receding, and as a result all electric campsites at Salamonie Lake in Andrews have reopened. At neighboring Mississinewa Lake near Peru, however, campsites will remain closed through Aug. 24.

"The water is finally heading in the right direction – down," said Christie Sorrels, DNR business services program director. "But work to restore our lake properties to the lush condition our guests have come to expect is just beginning. We hope customers will continue to be patient during this long process."

At Salamonie, power has been restored and property staff have cleaned previously flooded sites of debris. Affected campsites are devoid of grass or vegetation because of prolonged submersion, and they may become muddy during rain.

The DNR expects vegetation and grass in affected areas along Salamonie, Mississinewa and J.E. Roush lakes will not recover until next year.

All Salamonie boat ramps have reopened, but the courtesy docks remain unusable due to high water. The swimming beach and youth tent areas remain closed. Horse trails may be used, but some areas may still be impassible due to high water and debris.

Mississinewa Lake is still experiencing flooding. The Red Bridge and Francis Slocum boat ramps have been reopened, with Francis Slocum being the easier to use. All campsites, cabins, shelters, youth tent areas, fishing piers and the beach area remain closed.

The DNR recommends motorized boats stay off both lakes because of floating debris and possible submerged objects. If you go out, operate at idle speed for safety.

Water is still higher than normal at many reservoirs across the state. Beaches remain closed at Lieber, Mississinewa, Monroe, Patoka, Raccoon and Salamonie lakes. Some or all of the boat ramps at each reservoir property have been reopened, except Lieber State Recreation Area, where boats may still be launched from the main road.

To make reservations at DNR campgrounds, go to www.camp.IN.gov or call 866-622-6746. For updates, check www.in.gov/dnr and search for the property name.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by email at jackspaulding@hughes.net