IN SB0275

Requires the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to designate at least one undivided area comprising at least 30% of each state forest as an old forest area by January 1, 2019, with a target minimum size of 500 acres wherever possible.

Prohibits the department from conducting or allowing timber management (including harvesting, planting, fertilization, thinning, or weeding) in designated old forest areas.

Directs the department to be guided by seven purposes in designating old forest areas: retaining trees of all age classes, providing wildlife habitat, protecting sensitive areas, protecting water resources, providing recreation, maintaining aesthetic value, and creating control areas for forest comparison studies.

Requires the department to produce and maintain on file maps and legal descriptions of all designated old forest areas beginning January 1, 2019.

Preserves hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational uses (hiking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking), access road maintenance, existing property access rights, invasive species control methods other than timber harvesting, emergency services, search and rescue, and fire control in old forest areas.