Hoosier National Forest - Science

Science

Much of Hoosier National Forest is over karst, responsible for the many caves in south-central Indiana.

Included in Hoosier National Forest is the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, the only recognized wilderness area left in Indiana. This means that no motorized vehicles are allowed in the area, and instead mules and horses must be used to maintain hiking trails.

In the Clover Lick Barrens, in the southern portion of Hoosier National Forest near the Ohio River and the vegetation more typical of prairies on the Great Plains is found. This was discovered by a botanist and a biologist from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, who later found that in the first recorded survey of the area in 2005, the land was described not as forest, but as "a mile of poor barrens and grassy hills". It is believed that the inability of tall oaks to grow in the area allows for this prairie vegetation to persist in such an unlikely location. In 2006 a conscious effort was made to keep the barren look to the area; previous federal efforts on renovating Hoosier National Forest meant adding nonnative species to low-growth areas. It was around Clover Lick in 1972 that Indiana decided to reintroduce wild turkeys back to Indiana, dedicated 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) for the purpose.

Also in Hoosier National Forest is Sundance Lake, a 5.3-acre (2.1 ha) lake; not only is fishing offered, but every year Native Americans perform a spiritual dance near the lake.

Hoosier National Forest lies in parts of nine counties in southern Indiana.