The Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has planned a series of open houses at many of its locations Feb. 26 and 27.

The open house for the Jackson-Washington State Forest/Starve Hollow State Recreation Area will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Starve Hollow Forest Education Center off of State Road 135, approximately 2 miles southeast of Vallonia. For information, call 812-358-3464.

During the events, personnel will detail how the division works to protect forests and take input and suggestions regarding the development of its next five-year strategic direction. This plan will focus on all aspects of Indiana’s forests, including urban forests, forests on private lands, forests on public lands and nursery production.

The current five-year strategic direction may be viewed at in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/fo-State_Forest_Strategic_Plan_2015_2019.pdf.

Division staff also will provide information about recreational activities, major projects, forest resource management and state forest planning, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and comment on ideas and issues that might be addressed in the 2020-2024 strategic plan. Attendees will be able to speak with DNR personnel and submit written comments.

Property staff members also are often available during normal business hours, which are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. For contact information, visit forestry.in.gov/3631.htm.