MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA — September 2010 — The Nature Conservancy recently transferred 123 acres in Vigo County to the Sycamore Trails Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., ensuring that the land would be protected and serve as an educational resource for generations to come.

 

The Nature Conservancy received the 123 acres from the estate of Peter Froehde in 1993. Mr. Froehde’s intent was to see the land preserved for its natural qualities.

 

The property has considerable mature hardwood forest with high quality beech-maple forest within it, unusual for the area. The property also contains both mature and immature oak-hickory forest and a small amount of bottomland hardwood forest along Otter Creek. Timber harvests have occurred on the property through the years, with the last harvest occurring probably 30 years ago before the site was transferred to The Nature Conservancy.

 

"The property has significant value as part of a functional forest system," said Ellen Jacquart, director of stewardship for The Nature Conservancy’s Indiana Chapter. "The Conservancy’s intent for the land is the same as Mr. Froehde’s—to protect the hardwood forest and provide habitat for many plants and animals. Transferring the land to Sycamore Trails is the right choice for making that happen."

 

As part of the agreement with Sycamore Trails, a portion of the tract will allow for sustainable timber harvest while the rest of the forest will stay unharvested. This will allow Sycamore Trails to demonstrate best management practices in forestry and provide for a variety of habitats on the tract.

 

"Sycamore Trails Resource Conservation & Development Council is very excited to receive this significant and beautiful hardwood forest," said Gerald "Bud" Sharp, president of the Sycamore Trails RC&D. "We thank TNC for its indication of confidence in the conservation and sustainable use philosophy that is at the core of all of Sycamore Trails’ activities."

 

Mr. Sharp added that Sycamore Trails looks forward to managing this property as an educational asset for the communities in west central Indiana to demonstrate the highest standards of preservation and sustainable forest management.