PAOLI- In response to the Forest Service’s decision to proceed with the highly controversial and deeply unpopular Buffalo Springs logging and burning proposal, Orange County residents, forest lovers, hunters, horseback riders, hikers, cavers, and other concerned citizens are invited to a free concert and meal featuring Buffalo Chili (made with buffalo meat), information exchange, and fundraiser at the Orange County 4-H Building on Thursday, Nov 14, from 6-8 pm.
Organizers from Protect Our Woods, Indiana Forest Alliance, and Heartwood hope to raise awareness about threats to local water quality and recreational opportunities from the U.S. Forest Service’s plan to heavily log and repeatedly burn a 30,000-acre area of southern Orange County and portions of northern Crawford County for up to 25 years — in an area that includes some of the largest old trees in the Hoosier National Forest and the cleanest drinking water in the State of Indiana.
In addition to performances by numerous area musicians and a free meal featuring Buffalo Chili (participants are invited to bring a side dish or dessert to share), there will be opportunities to learn about what the Forest Service has planned and to get involved. The groups also hope to raise funds to support ongoing litigation, and to purchase and display yard signs and billboards, as well as a few other surprises. These initiatives are intended to demonstrate widespread, bipartisan opposition to the logging and burning of Buffalo Springs and to win long-term protection for the publicly owned Hoosier National Forest.
- Date: Thursday, Nov 14, 2024
- Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
- Location: Orange County 4-H Building
- Activities: Information session, pitch-in, free concert, and fundraiser
Community members are invited to attend, learn more about the project, and stand together to protect Indiana’s forests, clean water, and rich biodiversity. Donations will directly support legal action, yard signs, billboards, and other public outreach projects to help inform residents and visitors about the threats facing Buffalo Springs.
Contact:
Jesse Laws <jesselaws20@gmail.com> 812.653.3031
Trail Riders of the Hoosier National ForestShane Murphy <wandtheboys@gmail.com> 402.960.9408
Protect Our Woods
Steven Stewart <stevenstewart@indianaforestalliance.org> 812.340.5207
Indiana Forest AllianceAndy Mahler <andy.heartwood@gmail.com> 812.723.2430
Heartwood
