Nature’s Value in Indiana’s Forest Wilderness
In early 2026, legislators, conservationists, and advocates are reintroducing a bill to Congress that aims to expand Indiana’s only wilderness area, the Charles Deam Wilderness (founded by Congress in 1982), and establish the new Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area.
These forests stretch more than 20 miles from east to west and 12 miles from north to south within the Hoosier National Forest.
As the largest concentration of unbroken national forest in the lower Midwest—and the only National Forest in Indiana—this region provides immense environmental, economic, and recreational value for residents and visitors.
Earth Economics partnered with the Indiana Forest Alliance to evaluate the public benefits of these proposed expansions. We found that protecting the 55,000 acres of natural ecosystems in an expanded Charles Deam Wilderness and a new Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area would safeguard at least $235 million in public benefits every year—amounting to $5.4 billion over 30 years.
These natural areas provide valuable public benefits, including clean water, carbon storage, outdoor recreation, and biodiversity. This study highlights the value of Indiana forests, and supports greater protections of these unique ecosystems.
This work for Indiana Forest Alliance was made possible by funding from The Conservation Alliance.
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