The Indiana chapter hit the ground running after being officially accredited in May.
The Board of Directors decided on several strategic priorities that are both consistent with the overall goals of BHA and specific to Indiana’s unique needs: invasive species, chronic wasting disease, education and outreach.
The Indiana chapter is engaged with other conservation groups including the Ruffed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Sportsmen’s Roundtable.
In July, a proposal to convert two key state forests into state parks was heard by the Indiana Natural Resources Commission. Indiana BHA stood with other conservation organizations in opposing this move, as it would have impacted the management of these forests, set a dangerous precedent for Indiana public lands, and eliminated access and opportunity. We mobilized Indiana BHA members, worked alongside our conservation partners, contacted the Governor’s office with our concerns, and our Vice-Chair, Cindy Stites, spoke against the proposal at the meeting. The proposal was ultimately rejected.
Current officers of the Indiana Chapter are as follows:
Neil Summers, Chair
Cindy Stites, Vice-Chair
Mark Back, Secretary
Ben Stout, Treasurer
About Zack Williams
Backcountry Journal editor