Lincoln State Park staff will remove more than 300 white pine trees and nearly 90 white ash trees from the campground in the coming weeks. The pine trees were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Park staff have been removing several of these trees each year to reduce the potential for breakage that damages campers and campsites, but so many of the trees have reached the point where they are becoming hazardous that removal of a larger number is required. The ash trees have been affected by the emerald ash borer insect.

Property staff have planted more than 300 new shade trees in the last several years in anticipation of this removal. More than 60 hardwood trees were planted last year. Replanting will continue as time and space are available.

“These trees have provided great service for nearly 80 years. Thousands of campers have enjoyed their shade and a variety of birds and other wildlife have used them for nesting, shelter and food,” said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship for State Parks. “It is time for a new generation of healthy trees to replace them, but it is going to take a while for them to grow.”

Removed trees will be used as a park firewood supply. Any logs that are healthy enough may be hauled to a Department of Correction facility to be used in constructing camper cabins for state forest campgrounds.

Removal of the trees will begin this week and continue through March.

Lincoln State Park (on.IN.gov/lincolnsp) is on State Road 162, Lincoln City, 47552.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

Media contact: Michael Crews, interpretive naturalist, 812-937-4710