Known Regulations

Summary of State and Local Forestry Regulation in Indiana Affecting Timber Harvesting

(Note: This listing may not include all existing regulations affecting forestry operations)

State Regulations

Classified Forest Act (IC 6-1.1-6) - Requires landowners to follow an approved management plan. Owner must sustain the watershed protection, timber production benefits of forest land, and wildlife habitat. Failure to comply can force removal from the program and tax penalties. This law is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry.

Indiana Flood Control Act (IC 14-21-1) - Deals with construction and permitting activities in floodway areas. Examples of forestry activities that may trigger this law are stream crossings, and leaving logging debris in regulated streams or their floodway. This Act primarily pertains to streams and rivers with a drainage area larger than one square mile. This law is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water.

Licensed Timber Buyers Law (IC 25-36.5-1-18) - Requires all those buying timber to be licensed by the state and bonded. This law is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry.

Blue River Commission - Segments of the Blue River in Harrison County restrict tree cutting and other activities along its corridor. permits may be needed before harvesting trees in these areas. This law is administered by the Blue River Commission.

County Regulations

Several counties have local ordinances requiring either logging permits or posting of road bonds. At least the following counties have some regulations:

• Crawford County (road hauling)
• Greene County (road hauling)
• Franklin County (selective cutting only in Whitewater River Scenic District)
•  Martin County (road hauling)
• Monroe County (Logging permit and road bond)
• Owen County (road hauling)
• Perry County (road hauling)

Some of these may be above the normal spring hauling restrictions found in nearly all counties. These regulations are administered by county government offices (e.g. plan commissions, highway departments).