Conservationists have been trying to save this wild and rugged forest east of the Monroe Reservoir in Indiana for fifty years. By expanding the Deam Wilderness to the east, it will protect some of the oldest and deepest hardwood forests within the Hoosier National Forest. The proposed wilderness area has immensely rich biodiversity and harbors reproducing populations of five federal listed or proposed endangered bat species. Allowing the forests to transition to old growth conditions will support climate resilience by supporting their role as carbon sinks. The forest to be set aside as wilderness lies between the existing Deam Wilderness and the 16,000 acres of Brown County State Park. Connecting these two areas and establishing the adjacent Recreation Area will protect an island of wild nature that exceeds 73,500 acres.
Protection of these landscapes will expand a network of trails and protected public forests for dispersed recreation. This includes the 160 mile Knobstone Trail, Indiana’s longest backpacking trail. The area is also home to horse trails, mountain biking trails, and has access for canoers and kayakers. Providing these recreational experiences will generate economic benefits from tourism and recreational use. Indiana Forest Alliance will continue to build support for protection of this landscape, elevating the economic impacts and benefits of expanding the Wilderness and creating the National Recreation Area.
