Opposition raised to logging plans at Salamonie River Forest

Opposition is being raised to plans for logging in the Salamonie River State Forest in northern Indiana.

The Journal Gazette reports the state Division of Forestry announced a plan four years ago to log selected trees on about 120 acres (48.5 hectares) in Huntington and Wabash counties.

Officials say logging will help clear dead and dying pines planted about 90 years ago for flood control and allow old hardwoods more room to regenerate.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says a careful planning process was conducted.

Aaron Goulet of Fort Wayne, who describes himself as a lifelong recreational user of the forest, and others are skeptical. They say the plan will detrimentally alter rare ecosystems.

Logging plans for Frances Slocum State Forest in northern Indiana also have come under scrutiny.