OPSF hosts open house

Owen-Putnam State Forest was one of several state forest properties to host a recent open house, where division personnel displayed information on forest, recreation and facility management. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions and comment.

"These open house events provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive first-hand information about how the state forests are working to provide diverse wildlife habitat, forest products and recreational opportunities," State Forester Jack Seifert said. "They also allow us to receive valuable feedback from our neighbors and users about state forest management."

Seifert, who also serves as the Director of the DNR's Division of Forestry, oversees the certification of state and private forestlands under the North American and international sustainability "green" standards and is active with the Indiana Tree Farm program, the Indiana Woodland Owners Association, the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen's Association and the Indiana Forest Industry Council.

Established in 1948 with most of its landholdings purchased as smaller non-contiguous tracts in the 1950s and '60s, Owen-Putnam State Forest contains 6,688 acres of forested land. Along with hiking and horseback riding trails, the state forest is home to three campgrounds. Each campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has its own self-registration booth. All campgrounds are primitive.

The office is located at 2153 Fish Creek Road, five miles west of Spencer and less than one mile north of State Road 46. For more information, call 812-829-2462.