Southern Indiana oaks - $7.9M USDA grant

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted $7.9 million to fund the “Ready-Set-Fire in White Oak Woodlands” project in southern Indiana. This initiative aims to restore declining oak ecosystems across public and private lands through a comprehensive conservation strategy.

The project, funded through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership program, will span three years and involve both the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Forest Service.

One of the key goals of the project is to restore fire-dependent plant communities, which are essential for maintaining local ecosystems.

The project will also focus on improving water supplies and enhancing habitats for at-risk songbirds that rely on forested areas. The use of prescribed fires will be a central strategy for regenerating oak woodlands and promoting healthier ecosystems.

Jeremiah Heise, Hoosier National Forest ecosystem program manager, explained that the project will help increase the capacity for forest conservation.

“This initiative allows us to implement effective forest management practices and expand the use of prescribed fires in more areas, benefitting both at-risk species and forest health,” said Heise.

The project aims to address long-standing issues, such as a decline in oak regeneration, which has been caused by overpopulation of deer and a lack of proper forest management.

Indiana NRCS state forester, Dan Shaver, highlighted the importance of proactive forest management to prevent further degradation of oak ecosystems.

“Without taking action, the diversity of plant and animal species in these forests will suffer,” Shaver said. “This project is essential for sustaining our oak ecosystems and preventing long-term damage.”

The Forest Service is partnering with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to implement prescribed fires across 16 counties.

The funding will also support oak barrens and glade habitat restoration, helping to protect and improve southern Indiana’s unique landscapes. This project is a crucial step in preserving the state’s natural resources and ensuring the long-term health of its oak woodlands.

Photo Credit: usda