More than 1,400 acres of forestland in northern Indiana will soon be managed as part of the Indiana State Parks system under a transition announced by Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Beginning July 1, management of Salamonie River State Forest and Frances Slocum State Forest will shift from the DNR Division of Forestry to Indiana State Parks.
Under this change, Salamonie River State Forest will be administered through Salamonie Lake, while Frances Slocum State Forest will be managed through Mississinewa Lake.
State officials said recreational opportunities currently available at both properties — including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and horseback riding — will continue, and staffing levels at both locations will remain in place.
Primitive and horseman’s campsites at Salamonie River State Forest are expected to become available through the Indiana State Parks reservation system in August for stays beginning September 1.
Governor Braun said the transition will allow additional opportunities for Hoosiers and visitors to experience the properties while preserving them for future generations.
DNR Director Alan Morrison said managing the properties through Indiana State Parks is intended to encourage more visitors to explore both forests.
According to the DNR, the Indiana State Parks system currently manages 24 state parks, seven satellite locations, eight reservoir properties, two state forest recreation areas and two off-road riding areas.
