The Hoosier National Forest, Indiana’s only national forest, has long been a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning over 204,000 acres from just south of Bloomington to the Ohio River, it offers opportunities for hiking, camping, boating, and wildlife observation. But for more than 30 years, this lush landscape has also been at the center of a contentious battle over conservation and forest management.
In a bid to capture this ongoing fight, a group of passionate environmentalists and filmmakers have come together to produce Saving the Hoosier: A Fight for the Lungs of America, a documentary that highlights the efforts of those determined to halt logging and prescribed burning in the Hoosier National Forest. With the forest facing new threats, the film aims to shed light on these pressing issues and galvanize the public to protect this vital natural resource.
A Forest Under Siege
The Hoosier National Forest is a unique patchwork of public and private lands. It is a critical part of the ecosystem, not just for Indiana but for the broader region. However, over the years, various forest management proposals have sparked controversy. Many residents, environmental activists, and local groups oppose these projects, fearing that they could degrade the forest’s long-term health.
One of the most notable figures in this battle is Andy Mahler, a private landowner and environmental advocate who has been fighting to protect the Hoosier since the 1980s. Mahler, now 73, has played a key role in halting logging and controlled burns in the forest for over a decade, earning him recognition as a champion of conservation.
Mahler’s fight isn’t over. He is once again raising his voice against the U.S. Forest Service’s latest proposal, the Buffalo Springs Restoration Project, which he believes threatens the forest’s health. This 29,729-acre project area includes both public and private lands and is located near Mahler’s home in Orange County. For Mahler and his supporters, the project represents an unnecessary disturbance to a historically rich area that could instead be preserved as a national park. They argue that logging and prescribed burning are harmful practices that endanger water quality, biodiversity, and overall forest health.
The Documentary’s Mission
Filmmakers Racheal Himsel and David Yosha are working to capture the ongoing battle in their documentary, Saving the Hoosier. Himsel, a longtime environmental volunteer, recalls attending a meeting in Mahler’s barn where she realized no one was documenting the current proposals threatening the forest. Along with Yosha, the duo set out to create a film that not only raises awareness of the issue but also documents Mahler’s decades-long struggle to protect the forest.
The documentary focuses on the personal stories of those who have fought against logging and burning in the Hoosier National Forest. Through interviews with residents, activists, and experts, Saving the Hoosier aims to offer a comprehensive view of the complexities surrounding forest management, highlighting both the environmental concerns and the viewpoints of those who support forest management practices.
Director David Yosha, who brings a fresh perspective to the subject, emphasizes the importance of fairness and balance in the film. “We want to include multiple points of view,” Yosha explained. “The situation is more complex than it may initially seem, and it’s crucial for the audience to understand all sides before forming an opinion.”
Buffalo Springs and Beyond
The Buffalo Springs Restoration Project has become a focal point of the documentary. The project, which could begin in February 2025, is part of the U.S. Forest Service’s efforts to manage forest ecosystems, including thinning trees, conducting controlled burns, and addressing tornado damage. However, Mahler and others believe the project will ultimately harm the forest, rather than improve it. They argue that instead of logging and burning, the area should be designated as a national park to ensure its long-term protection.
Mahler has been outspoken in his opposition to the Buffalo Springs project, citing the region’s historical significance. The area is home to natural mineral springs, which played a key role in the establishment of nearby towns like French Lick and West Baden Springs. For Mahler, protecting the area is about more than just preserving trees; it’s about safeguarding clean water and ensuring the health of future generations.
Mahler’s plea for the preservation of Buffalo Springs received a significant boost when Indiana Governor Mike Braun intervened in February 2025. In a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, Braun requested the withdrawal of the project, citing widespread public opposition and concerns over its environmental impact. The governor’s intervention has been a crucial moment in the ongoing fight, as it brings significant political attention to the cause.
Support and Opposition
While Mahler and his allies argue for the preservation of the Hoosier National Forest, the U.S. Forest Service maintains that their management practices are necessary to maintain the health of the forest and protect surrounding communities. Chris Thornton, district ranger for the Hoosier National Forest, has stated that the restoration project aims to improve water quality, reduce fire risks, and promote healthy forest growth. He emphasized that the project will not involve large-scale deforestation but will focus on sustainable management practices.
Despite these assurances, many local residents remain skeptical. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and Protect Our Woods, continue to fight against the project through legal challenges, hoping to delay or stop the proposed logging and burning. They argue that the project could lead to irreparable damage to the forest’s ecosystem and water supply.
The Road Ahead
As Saving the Hoosier nears completion, its creators hope to engage the public in a larger conversation about forest conservation. By documenting the history of the Hoosier National Forest’s preservation efforts and shedding light on the current challenges, the filmmakers aim to create a sense of urgency around the issue.
With more interviews to conduct and editing still underway, Yosha anticipates the film will be ready by spring 2025. The documentary’s website, savingthehoosier.com, is also working to raise funds for the project, ensuring that the voices of those fighting to protect the Hoosier are heard.
In the end, Mahler’s message is clear: protecting the Hoosier National Forest is not just about preserving trees—it’s about securing clean air and water for generations to come. As he put it, “The choice is in your hands. Your lands, your hands.”
(Source : newsbreak.com)
