Purdue researchers release white paper on Indiana forest management issues

A team of forest and wildlife researchers from Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources has published a white paper addressing three critical questions in the ongoing discussion about management of Indiana state forests.

Bob Wagner, department head and professor, said the purpose of the paper, titled “Addressing Concerns about Management of Indiana’s Forests,” was to provide useful information to policymakers and the public.

“This is our best science-based assessment from decades of research on these issues,” Wagner said.

Questions addressed in the paper are:

* Are natural disturbances alone adequate to maintain a desirable structure and diversity of Indiana’s forests and wildlife?

 * Is timber harvesting bad for wildlife?

* How is “old-growth” forest defined, and is it a relevant term for managing Indiana’s forests?

In addition to Wagner, other contributing authors are John Dunning, professor of wildlife ecology; Lenny Farlee, hardwood Extension specialist; Elizabeth Jackson, hardwood Extension specialist; Michael Jenkins, associate professor of forest ecology; Brian MacGowan, wildlife Extension specialist; Charlotte Owings, hardwood ecosystem experiment project coordinator; George Parker, forestry and natural resources professor emeritus; Michael Saunders, associate professor of hardwood silviculture; Robert Swihart, professor of wildlife ecology; Harmon Weeks, forestry and natural resources professor emeritus; and Patrick Zollner, associate professor of wildlife science.

Featured Stories

Bobolink bird
When nature’s song returns

Spring Break season is here, and many Indiana residents are boarding planes and flying south to...

Read More
Yi-Kai Liu, W. Andy Tao, Zhoujun Luo, and Zheng Zhang stand in a row wearing white lab coats.
Protein modification discovery opens cancer therapy possibilities

A research team led by Purdue University’s W. Andy Tao has discovered of a new type of...

Read More
Experts examine trade, policy and economic trends in the 2026 Purdue Agricultural Economics Report outlook issue.
Experts examine trade, policy and economic trends in 2026 Purdue Agricultural Economics Report

Economic uncertainty, shifting trade policies and questions surrounding the future of the U.S....

Read More
Megan Broecker
Hands-on learning leads Megan Broecker to Animal Sciences

Megan Broecker finds her path in animal sciences through hands-on learning, research and leadership.

Read More
Chip biosensor
Purdue research team wants to harness AI to secure corn crops from pathogenic threats

Purdue research team wants to harness AI to secure corn crops from pathogenic threats

Read More
Dr. Michael O. Hunt with Dr. Carl Eckelman in 1967; Dr. Hunt (r) pictured with Dr. Carl Eckelman and Dr. Eva Haviarova at the FNR Professor Emeritus luncheon in 2024.
Tales From FNR with Professor Emeritus Michael O. Hunt

Dr. Michael O. Hunt came to West Lafayette in February 1960 as an assistant professor and...

Read More