Smokey bear will be making an appearance at four libraries in August: at the Ferdinand Public Library on the 5^th at 1:00 pm, at the Monroe County Public Library Downtown branch on the 16^th at 10:30 am, at the Perry County Library on the 19th at 5:00 pm, and at the Lincoln Heritage Public Library on the 24^th at 10:00 am CST. Smokey will also make an appearance at Hardin Ridge on the 31st.

Hoosier National Forest Photo Contest

Contest Information:

The Hoosier National Forest is excited to announce a photo contest open to the general public! Come visit the Hoosier National Forest and capture spectacular views, special moments and hidden gems.

In this year’s contest there are four categories in which to enter your photos. This means there will be a total of four winners! At the end of the submission period, there will be a final vote to determine our grand winner!

Contest Dates

Our photo contest starts immediately, and all photos must be submitted by Friday, November 29, 2024.

Contest Rules

We will select one photo to be featured on our website and social media channels from each of the following four categories: wildlife/nature, scenic/landscape, recreation, and solar eclipse photos. The only rule is that the photo must be taken on the Hoosier National Forest.

Please include with your photo:

• Your name
• Date the photo was taken
• Location of the photo
• Category for your photo
• Whether you would like to be contacted via email or phone if you are a category winner (along with contact information)

Any photos the include persons under the age of 18 are required to have an accompanying USDA Minor Photo Release form. 

Winning photos will be shared on our website and social media with photographer credit and used to promote awareness and appreciation of the forest. 

How to Send in Your Photos

Email:

Send photos to Public Affairs Specialist quentin.melson@usda.gov. File format is flexible, but we ask that you send your photos in as high resolution as possible.



Mail:

Send to:

Hoosier National Forest, Attention: Quentin Melson

811 Constitution Ave.

Bedford, IN 47421.

For questions call 812-276-4753

Contest Disclaimers:

• Photographers agree to share all copyrights for pictures submitted to Photograph Your Forest contests with the Hoosier National Forest, giving the USDA Forest Service shared ownership and rights to reproduce it.

• The photographer does retain a non-exclusive use license and may make use of their photos for personal and professional promotion.

HNF Recreation Spotlight

Buzzard Roost Recreation Area

A scenic location for walking, picnicking and camping, the Buzzard Roost Recreation Area has parking areas available at the first trailhead access and at the picnic/camping spur. Tables, grills, and a portable toilet are available at the picnic area. Benches are located on the bluffs overlooking the Ohio River. Water is not available on site.

The Buzzard Roost Trail is an 0.8 mile hiking trail that begins on the bluff overlooking the Ohio River and descends to the river adjacent a creek. There are several sandstone rock outcrops, and the trail winds past bluffs, hardwood forests, waterfalls, and views of the Ohio River and Kentucky. The trail is marked with white diamonds. 

For more information on the Hoosier National Forest Buzzard Roost Trail, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hoosier/recarea/?recid=41548

For more Hoosier National Forest Buzzard Roost Trail pictures got to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoosiernf/albums/72177720317789374/

Volunteer Opportunities

Sign up for a chance to remove invasive plants on the Hoosier National Forest at the upcoming Weed Wrangles: 7/31, 8/7, 8/10, 8/14, 8/21, 8/25, 8/28, 8/30, and 9/4.

For more information and to sign up electronically, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hoosier/workingtogether/volunteering/?cid=fseprd874183

Save the Date!

Recreation Operations

Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower - Parking is limited. Have a plan to visit another site or trail if this site is full.  If possible, plan your visit during non-peak times such as mornings, and weekdays. 

Charles C. Deam Wilderness - Due to recent storm damage, the Peninsula Trail and the Pate Hollow Trail have been temporarily closed until further notice.

In addition to these trails, Campsites 12 and 21 are also closed.

The area surrounding the Peninsula Trail contains fallen trees, branches and other storm damage, so visitors are encouraged to avoid the area.

Visitors are also encouraged to stay on established trails and not make detours or cut throughs so as not to worsen the trail conditions.

The Pate Hollow Trail is currently being cleared, but the amount of damage is extensive, and it could take several months to complete.

Visitors should be aware the Peninsula Trail is expected to be closed into the fall or later. Additional personnel and equipment will likely be needed to clear all the trees following wilderness management guidelines.

Hickory Ridge Trail - Trail 16 is closed from the junction of trail 17 on the west to junction with trail 17 on the east.

Hays Trail - Repaired and open.

As a reminder, no discounts are provided for day-use fees. On the Hoosier National Forest, Access, Senior and Military-Lifetime pass holders may obtain a 50% discount on base camping at Hardin Ridge, Tipsaw, Celina, and German Ridge.

Discounts available for Access, Senior and Military-Lifetime pass holders are for camping fees only. This discount does not apply to any other fee such as trail tags, cabin rentals, shelter rentals, group campsites, firewood, reservation fees, or electric or water surcharge for campsites.



Passes may entitle the holder to free or half price at other locations nationwide. Benefits vary based on location, type of area, and land management agency. Pass holders should contact their destination ahead of time to determine benefits.

Hoosier National Forest OFFICE HOURS

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