Indiana Forest Alliance
The Indiana Forest Alliance (IFA) works to preserve and restore Indiana’s native hardwood forest ecosystems for the enjoyment and benefit of all. IFA fulfills its mission through scientific collaboration, policy advocacy, and public engagement. We partner with researchers to document the ecological and economic value of forests, advocate before state and federal agencies, and educate communities on the importance of forest protection. IFA promotes the health and climate benefits of intact forests, shares the human stories behind conservation, and pursues legal action when necessary to safeguard Indiana’s natural heritage.
About Indiana Forest Alliance
The Indiana Forest Alliance (IFA) is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting and expanding Indiana’s public and native hardwood forests. IFA advocates for sound forest policy, environmental justice, and sustainable recreation while providing science-based research and public education that advance forest conservation statewide.
IFA’s initiatives include protecting drinking water for more than 130,000 residents through forest watershed preservation, halting destructive logging in the Hoosier National Forest, and leading public advocacy for legislative protections that sustain Indiana’s natural heritage.
The Deam Expansion Project seeks to permanently protect and expand the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area within the Hoosier National Forest. The project envisions adding tens of thousands of acres of forest to create the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area—a connected landscape that safeguards biodiversity, strengthens recreation opportunities, and ensures long-term preservation of Indiana’s remaining wilderness. IFA’s advocacy, research, and coalition building have mobilized bipartisan support for federal legislation that will shape the state’s conservation legacy for generations.
The Forest for Indiana (FFI) Project focuses on strengthening forest connectivity and advancing permanent protections for critical forest tracts across the state. Through mapping, ecological assessment, and policy advocacy, FFI identifies high-value habitats, builds partnerships with landowners and local governments, and promotes protection of existing forest ecosystems.
Funding supports continued research, outreach, and advocacy—empowering Hoosiers to protect their forests and ensuring the health and sustainability of Indiana’s woodlands for generations to come.
Funding Needs:
The Indiana Forest Alliance (IFA) seeks $100,000 in total funding support for 2025–2026 to sustain and expand its statewide forest protection and advocacy initiatives.
Key funding areas include:
- Forest for Indiana (FFI) Project – $40,000: Supports mapping, ecological assessment, and policy advocacy to identify and protect at-risk forest tracts statewide.
- Deam Expansion Project – $35,000: Advances research, outreach, and coalition efforts to secure federal designation for the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area.
- Community Education & Outreach – $15,000: Expands citizen engagement through public workshops, events, and materials connecting Hoosiers to forest issues.
- Operations & Capacity – $10,000: Provides essential administrative and compliance support to maintain IFA’s advocacy and research infrastructure.
Funding will help ensure continued research, advocacy, and legislative engagement—empowering IFA to protect Indiana’s forests for future generations.