State forest in Brown County adds 120+ acres for permanent protection
Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the acquisition of 122.4 acres of land that will become the newest addition to Yellowwood State Forest, strengthening long-term conservation efforts and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in south-central Indiana.
“This expansion to Yellowwood State Forest represents our ongoing commitment to stewardship and preserving Indiana’s natural heritage for future generations,” said Governor Braun. “Adding this land to Yellowwood State Forest ensures its permanent protection while opening new opportunities for Hoosiers to enjoy the outdoors.”
The newly acquired property is in northwest Brown County and is adjacent to the existing state forest boundary, connecting a previous gap between sections of the state forest. It features areas of young stands of tulip poplar, early successional species, and moderate to steep terrain. The addition will permanently protect the land, conserve ecosystems, and provide new space for hunting and sustainable forest management.
The property was acquired for $860,000 through the Indiana DNR’s Next Level Conservation Trust. To date, the Next Level Conservation Trust has contributed more than $21 million in funding to preserve nearly 3,600 acres of natural landscape across Indiana.
DNR will begin updating boundary markings and including this land in the forest’s resource management planning. Yellowwood State Forest spans more than 24,000 acres and is known for its rugged landscapes, scenic lakes, and abundant wildlife. Yellowwood State Forest was created in 1940, and for 86 years, DNR foresters have used science-based forest management to promote sustainable forest growth.
Yellowwood State Forest is part of extensive public lands in the area managed by the Indiana DNR and available for public access, which also include Brown County State Park, Mountain Tea State Forest, Morgan-Monroe State Forest, and Monroe Lake.
“Protecting land for conservation is fundamental to our work at DNR,” said Alan Morrison, DNR director. “The simplest way for all Hoosiers to help support projects like this at Yellowwood State Forest and across Indiana is to choose the blue environmental license plate for your vehicle. All funds DNR receives from your plate renewal support land conservation.”
For more information about Yellowwood State Forest, visit on.IN.gov/YellowwoodSF, and for more information on Indiana’s Environmental License Plate, visit on.IN.gov/EnviroPlate.
