Sharing the inside story
Director Kyle Hupfer takes a moment to learn about invasive species from
state entomologist Dr. Robert Waltz.
If you read this magazine, it is almost guaranteed that you are someone who has a real passion for all things outdoors.
You may prefer forests more than parks or bird watching over fly fishing, but you have a strong connection to the natural world.
As a result, you are in a very similar position to the one I was in seven months ago when the governor asked me to help him administer the DNR. I had a lot of interest, but the insight of an outsider.
I have always viewed our state forests as recreational locations. I hunted, hiked and picnicked in them from time to time growing up. I also knew that many people camped in them. Here are some things I did not know.
I did not know that the forest system was instituted as a result of the almost complete deforestation of the state. When a lot of the land was acquired by the state, it had been completely cut and was barren.
The Division of Forestry has nurtured that land into wonderful forests that are now teeming with trees and wildlife.
I also did not have a good concept of the symbiotic relationship between forest management and wildlife. I have learned that to have strong populations of many different species of wildlife, the forests need to be managed. Some need old-growth forest, some need edges and some thrive in dense areas of new growth.
I was also unaware of the vast array of “invasive species.” Unbeknownst to me, there were battles being waged in Indiana and across the country against non-native species.
With a global economy, these invasive species are unfortunately finding their way to Indiana on a more frequent basis. Those of which we are aware include emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, the goby fish, zebra mussels, Japanese beetle and soybean rust.
These invasive species have taken a tremendous toll on many of our native species. Our Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology is constantly searching for areas of infestation, and we continue to focus on the prevention of further introductions.
This strategy is a huge part of the DNR’s protection of natural resources that I was once almost completely unaware of.
Finally, I did not really have a sense of our Division of Nature Preserves. Each landholding division has a different mission, and nature preserves’ mission is to preserve and protect areas that contain native species, especially unique or endangered species, such as Karner Blue Butterfly, yellow-crowned night heron, royal catchfly, and spotted turtle.
Indiana has 205 nature preserves encompassing 29,700 acres. The division’s dedicated staff is working to ensure future generations of Hoosiers have a place to see unique natural areas like old- growth forests, unplowed prairies, and acid bogs.
They will also be able to enjoy species such as the great blue heron, and, if they’re lucky, rare species including gray beardtongue, ravine salamander and timber rattlesnake.
These examples really just scratch the surface of the types of efforts that are made on a daily basis to protect and improve the wonderful abundance of resources that are right here for you to explore and enjoy.
If you want to learn more, please visit our Web site at www.dnr.IN.gov. If there is something you would like me to discuss in the magazine, feel free to email me at khupfer@dnr.IN.gov.
