About Friends of White's Woods

• White's Woods Nature Center (WWNC) was purchased with Project 70 funds for the purpose of recreation, conservation and historical preservation, which is inconsistent with selective timbering or the creation of a working forest.

• Every attempt to survey the residents about commercial and/or selective timbering has resulted in overwhelming public opposition.

• DCNR is clear that public input is an essential part of land management; excluding the users of WWNC from the planning process is a violation of the public trust.

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Issues related to the Township’s approach to WWNC are as follows: 

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• Legal: Using lands purchased with Project 70 funds for other purposes requires approval of the General Assembly.

• Conservation: It is prudent to have a management plan for WWNC. FWW endorses a evidence-based management plan that keeps the WWNC in its natural state and respects the process of natural succession.

• Environmental/Residential Impact: Disrupting WWNC would result in significant water run-off from resulting in property damage, decreased air and water quality in the Indiana area, and decreased property values of homes within walking distance of the park.

• Recreation Issues: WWNC provides natural space less than a 10-minute walk away for thousands of residents.  It is perfect for a multitude of passive recreational activities for people of all ages and physical abilities.

• Future Plans: FWW is committed to preserving WWNC as a Project 70 land, dedicated to conservation, recreation, and historical preservation.  It is a precious 250-acre community forest that should, as originally designated, remain "largely in its natural state."  

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See our detailed position statement. ​