Indiana Governor Mike Braun is calling for the United States Forest Service (USFS) to halt the Buffalo Springs Restoration Project in the Hoosier National Forest. The governor is asking USFS to focus instead on finalizing the Hoosier National Forest Management Plan. The controversial plan proposes logging 5,000 acres and conducting controlled burns across an additional 15,500 acres, according to a release from the State of Indiana.

Gov. Braun, responding to the concerns of local residents and recreational users, cited the forest's popularity with horseback riders, hikers, and hunters, among others. "The Project area is treasured by Hoosiers and recreationists alike," Governor Braun said, according to the State of Indiana release. He emphasized the importance of preserving the enjoyment and resources of the area for these communities. The project would affect various areas, including Tucker Lake, Springs Valley, and a couple of trails, namely Youngs Creek and Lick Creek.

This development has faced resistance at the local level, with unanimous resolutions opposing the project passed by the Orange and Crawford County Commissioners and the Paoli Town Council. Despite alternative proposals from local entities, the USFS under the Biden Administration did not alter the fundamental aspects of the project. Now, the Trump Administration has signaled its willingness to re-evaluate previous decisions to ensure they serve the American people effectively.

Gov. Braun is leveraging this recent administrative shift, expressing a respectful demand for reconsideration. "As Governor of Indiana, I respectfully request that the USFS withdraw the Project, and that it instead focus on the completion of the long overdue Hoosier National Forest Management Plan," he stated, firmly betting on the newly revived Trump Administration's approach as a means for environmental and community advocacy, according to the State of Indiana.