Fire Tower Trail Logging Operations

[PKemppainen]

If you've been out on Fire Tower Trail, you've seen the blue markers painted on some trees. In late June, these marked trees in the Harrison-Crawford State Forest were sold.


Many of the trees are white ash trees, which are being attacked by the emerald ash borer. The emerald ash borer eats the inner layer of bark, which cuts off food and water to the tree, eventually killing them. At the rate the emerald ash borer is spreading, these trees are expected to die within the next ten years. The trees are being removed while they still have some value.


Logging operations can begin at any time between November 16, 2014 through March 31, 2015 and again from November 16, 2015 through March 31, 2016. While the logging operations take place, the Fire Tower Trail between Fox Hollow Road and Iron Bridge Road will be closed to all hiking and biking.


Additional information regarding the planned trail closure will be posted on this site, as it comes available.


For more information about the logging, or Harrison-Crawford State Forest:


www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/fo-HCnewsletter2014.pdf

[PKemppainen]

NOTICE!


Logging operations near Fire Tower Trail have begun.


The Fire Tower Trail between Fox Hollow Road and Iron Bridge Road will be closed while logging takes place.


Logging will be finished before March 31. The trail will be re-opened as soon as they've finished their work and had a chance to repair any damage.


The Rocky Ridge and Group Camp Trails are not affected by the logging operation.

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

First, the trail is still closed between the Fire Tower and the Iron Bridge Road.  So please respect the trail closure. Our future plans to build trails on State Forest property would not be helped if mountain bikers ignore trail closed signage.  The good news is that I haven't heard of any issues with riders the trail while closed, so good job riders!


More good news is that our trail builders have looked at sections of the trail that were in areas logged.  They were very happy with the conditions of the trail. State Forests worked closely with the logging company and took a lot of effort to protect the trail.  The impact to the trail was limited to a few crossings. 


Looking at the areas logged, they did a selective harvest, which left the smaller trees.  These trees will be very happy to have more sunlight this spring and the canopy will fill in very quickly. 

[PKemppainen]

NOTICE!

The Fire Tower Trail is closed for logging operations until March 31, 2016 or until further notice. Riding is prohibited.

Riders parking at the Fire Tower can use the Group Camp Trail. Parking to access the other trails is available near the campground gatehouse, in the parking lot behind the wood shed.

Access to Rocky Ridge is still available through the campground.