Proposed changes to an Indiana Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) strategic plan will be open to public input next month.
Three meetings held across the state will host public concerns regarding fee and policy changes with the DNR forestry division, including one meeting in Wabash at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in the Honeywell Center's Nixon Room.
The forestry division, which supervises 156,000 acres of forest across 12 state parks and recreation areas, has proposed a universal entrance fee for all state parks.
According to Dan Ernst, assistant state forester with DNR, the forestry division funds hundreds of thousands of acres in public and private forests across the state, often at little to no cost to the public despite the maintenance costs incurred by the State.
"We need to take a look to see where it makes the most sense to" apply those fees, Ernst said. Currently, the DNR charges fees at three state parks. Ernst said that while an across-the-board fee is being considered it would be hard to implement, as some parks managed by the DNR do not feature campgrounds or building facilities.
"No gates, no buildings, no fees, yet we still cost to maintain the facility," Ernst said.
The DNR is also considering adopting fees for its classified forests, or private woodlands operated in partnership with the DNR.
According to Ernst, the DNR assists with maintenance of more than 7,000 acres in private woodlands across the state at no cost. Approximately 85 percent of Indiana forests are owned by private entities and Ernst said that the DNR would like to discuss with these owners a possible fee structure for assistance provided by the State.
The proposed changes are featured in the 2015-2019 Division of Forestry Strategic Plan, available for public review on the DNR's website.
"We do this strategic plan about every five years," Ernst said. "We draft up that plan with input we receive throughout the year...then present them for public comment."
The past two five-year planning sessions have been open to public comment, Ernst said. Attendance is normally fairly low, but there are interests across the state, including private woodlands owners and frequent state park visitors.
DNR representatives selected Wabash due to the city's prime location in north central Indiana and proximity to numerous private woodlands and state forests.
Two other meetings will be held next month in Indianapolis and Huntingburg.
Those from the public wishing to provide input on proposed fee changes but unable to attend one of next month's meetings, may submit comment online at www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/2857.htm.