District Ranger Discusses Draft Decision on Houston South Project

We are moving to the next step in the process for the Houston South Project following the National Environmental Policy Act.  After a thorough review of public comments and Tribal consultation on our Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment, released in October 2023, our staff has prepared a Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment.  The goal of this assessment was to take a hard look, using the best available science, at any potential environmental effects the Houston South Project could have on the water quality of Monroe Lake. Based on this rigorous scientific review, we have concluded that the Project will have “No Significant Impact” on the water quality of Monroe Lake.  It’s important to realize that, in this context, the term “significant impact” is defined by regulation, and I am making the decision to implement the proposed action because this effort will have meaningful benefits to our forests, wildlife and other resources. We are confident that the actions proposed in this project will not cause harm to our water sources, wildlife, or any other resource. On the contrary, these actions are critical to the long-term well-being of the watershed as a whole and the wildlife that depend on the habitat within it. The Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment and the draft Decision Notice and finding of no significant impact are now available for public review and the published legal notice opens a 45-day objection period for any individual or organization that previously submitted an official comment on the draft report.  This will conclude a process of analysis that has included many opportunities for public engagement and comments through multiple venues.  The project work has been widely supported by numerous interested organizations and individuals.

The long-term health of the forest ecosystem and its ability to provide the many things we expect and need from it including diverse wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration and storage, clean water, and sustainable recreational opportunities are at the core of my decision to propose this project move forward.  I appreciate all of the interest in this project. I understand the concerns and opportunities expressed in the comments that were received, both for and against the project. We thoroughly reviewed each of the comments to ensure that all issues were addressed. In my position, as the line officer responsible for this decision, I sit in the middle of many differing views and along with advice from both a skilled set of specialists and the most current science I have made the best decision for the Houston South area in the future.

Of utmost importance is that the Houston South Project area is experiencing a steady decline in forest health as stressors such as overcrowding, more periods of drought, higher temperatures, and more storms with high winds make trees more susceptible to pests and pathogens. It has already suffered losses from the lethal condition known as “oak decline”, which now covers about 10% of the forested land in the Project Area.  Oak decline will continue to kill more trees due to the continuing stress of overstocked (overly dense) stands and drought. There is an immediate need to reduce the stress of overstocking by implementing thinning and selection harvests.  Less competition for water, sun and nutrients gives the remaining trees the best chance to survive.

The Houston South  Project will ensure a healthy and sustainable forest for the future by restoring native ecosystems and improving the forest’s resilience to the threats posed by climate change, non-native species, insects and disease. Inaction is not a viable option for ensuring long-term forest health and sustainability.  There is no option available that “lets nature fix itself.”  The combined impacts of a legacy of land use prior to the creation of the National Forest, pressures and impacts from ongoing human uses and a fragmented landscape, and the continual and growing stresses of climate change all contribute to challenges faced by our forests and watersheds which must be addressed for long-term well-being.  In my position as the steward of these lands, I feel compelled to act to ensure the health of the forest in the future.  I realize that changes like some proposed in this project can be difficult to see, but with the passage of time, the treatment areas will transition into a healthy, resilient forest for the public to enjoy into the future. 

I understand people’s concern about the quality of the water they drink and recreate in.  I want to assure the public that the Forest Service was founded on protecting water quality and will continue to protect and improve water quality by managing for diverse, healthy forests and restoring stream health in and around the Hoosier National Forest.  The Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment points to the research, and our own monitoring results, which demonstrate the effectiveness of erosion control measures for projects like Houston South and shows that following our Forest Plan guidelines and the use of “best management practices” such as seeding, mats, water bars, silt fencing, and reinforced stream crossings is exceedingly effective at preventing soil erosion from impacting water ways.  We are confident this project will not negatively affect the water quality of Monroe Lake.  Not only are these preventative measures successful in maintaining water quality, some forest management practices that will be implemented actually improve water quality.   

Forest Service staff work diligently to steward the Hoosier National Forest daily.  They are trained professionals who take great pride in their work on behalf of the American people.  Projects that stood any actual risk of polluting or degrading anyone’s water supply would never be proposed by our staff.   Not only do we work here, we live here.  Just like our neighbors and visitors, we recreate in and enjoy the forest and its resources, value its history, and drink water that is sourced from or runs through these lands, and we care deeply for the long-term well-being of these treasures we are so lucky to share with current and future generations.