Indiana Forest Alliance

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The Indiana Forest Alliance (IFA) is a non-profit environmental group based in

Indianapolis, IN. The IFA focuses on issues pertaining to the forests of the state of Indiana, particularly the preservation, longevity, and health of native forests.[1] Their stated official mission is: "(t)o preserve and restore Indiana’s native hardwood ecosystem for the enjoyment of all."[2]

History

Founded in 1996, the Indiana Forest Alliance formed as a coalition of seven groups to coordinate efforts in protecting the

Indianapolis, IN.[4]

Initiatives

In 2017-2018, the IFA has focused on a variety of initiatives including: the protection of the Yellowwood Backcountry Area (BCA) in

Brown County, IN,[5] the Wild Indiana Campaign promoting the designation of wild areas within Indiana state forests throughout the state,[6] and surveying and inventorying the flora and fauna of Indiana forests.[7]

Awards

On December 2, 2017 IFA was awarded the Organization of the Year from the Hoosier Environmental Council.[8]

Criticism

Some criticize the IFA's efforts, arguing that logging and removing trees is necessary for forest health. Revenue from timber sales are also pointed to as a solution the Indiana Division of Forestry's declining budget and could potentially allow the Division of Forestry to increase the amount of forests through purchasing adjacent private lands.[9] The Division of Forestry also points out that the state forests in Indiana exist partly to serve as a source of commodities for the state.[10] Moreover, the Division of Forestry is required by Indiana state law to log timber in state forests that has worthy commercial value.[11]

References

  1. ^ Monroe County Public Library. "Indiana Forest Alliance". mcpl.info. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  2. ^ "Indiana Forest Alliance- About Us". indianaforestalliance.org. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  3. ^ Hays, Samuel P. (2007). Wars in the Woods: The Rise of Ecological Forestry in America. Pittsburgh, Pa.: University of Pittsburgh Press. p. 33.
  4. ^ "IFA Opens Indy Office". Forest Defender. Summer 2016: 17. 2016.
  5. ^ Indiana Forest Alliance. "Save Yellowwood!". indianaforestalliance.org. Retrieved Feb 25, 2018.
  6. ^ Indiana Forest Alliance. "Wild Indiana Campaign". indianaforestalliance.org. Retrieved Feb 25, 2018.
  7. ^ Indiana Forest Alliance. "Ecoblitz". indianaforestalliance.org. Retrieved Feb 25, 2018.
  8. ^ IDS Reports (Dec 6, 2017). "Indiana Forest Alliance named Organization of the Year by environmental council". Indiana Daily Student. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  9. ^ Hopkins, Emily (Feb 11, 2018). "Can cutting trees be good for Indiana forests? Or is it just about timber profits?". Indy Star. Retrieved Feb 25, 2018.
  10. ^ Janzen, Nick (Aug 5, 2016). "Hoosiers Debate Use Of State Forests As Logging Rates Increase". WFYI Indianapolis. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  11. ^ Indiana Department of Natural Resources. "Timber Harvests in Indiana State Forests". IN.gov. Retrieved May 3, 2018.

External links

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