We may occasionally close roads or parts of the Forest for the safety of people or to protect natural resources. For more details, see the Public Notices or Closures section below or call one of our offices. We also publish many of our Forest Orders and closures in the "News & Events" section on this web site.
Orders/Closures
ADMINISTRATIVE PUBLICATIONS SUMMARY
The following is a summary of Special Orders which pertain to the Hoosier National Forest. These orders establish certain travel regulations, closures, and other restrictions on the use of the National Forest. Please direct specific questions to the District Ranger's office.
All orders are shown as pdf files. PDF files require the Acrobat Reader program. You can download the Acrobat Reader free of charge.
In 2010 the Hoosier issued a closure order banning any unauthorized firewood from being brought into the Forest.
The ban was initiated because of the threat from the emerald ash borer. By banning the movement of firewood we hope to slow further spread of the beetle. Ash species comprise an estimated four percent of the trees on the Hoosier. The beetle moves very slowly on its own but spreads quickly with the movement of firewood or nursery stock. Eliminating infested firewood coming onto the Hoosier will hopefully stop the leap-frog pattern of infested sites.
Campers and other visitors can still bring in pine firewood or other conifer wood, and kiln dried lumber. They can also buy or bring in certified firewood from USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) or the Indiana DNR. Visitors may also collect downed wood from the Forest floor to use while camping.
Be observant. Notice people and activity in the woods and in your community. If you see suspicious activity, back out and notify law enforcement immediately. Your "tip" may prevent damage of public lands and protect public safety. Potential signs of illegal activity:
-Vehicles or suspicious people in unusual locations
-Heavily-used or unusual foot paths (other than designated trails)
-Vehicles or people with unusual camping/gardening equipment (e.g. watering hose; fertilizer bags; tents or tarps; seedling trays; hand tools like saws, shovels, rakes, hoes; or propane tanks)
-People carrying guns in spring or summer or concealing firearms
-Tents, tarps or primitive structures of trees/saplings in unusual locations
-Garbage-strewn campsites
If you have information about criminal activity on or near National Forest land, contact us: 812-275-5987 or r9_hoosier_website@fs.fed.us
Before traveling or going outdoors to recreate, it's good to check the current weather and forecast. Local conditions can change quickly. Be well prepared so you can enjoy your trip!
The following is a partial summary of rules and regulations that apply to the most common activities on the Forest. Forest visitors may review the complete text for rules and regulations by contacting a Hoosier National Forest (NF) office or viewing on the national website.
An exotic pest - the emerald ash borer - is now in the Hoosier National Forest area. Because of this pest- hardwood firewood can no longer be brought onto the Hoosier unless it is certified. Learn more...
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