Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Better Way – Farmers Market Controversy

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conflict resolution
For the Record. This post includes a link to all my posts on the Farmer’s Market controversies. The city of Bloomington instituted new polices to manage any future protest of a vendor (s) for any reason.  Covid had its effect on the Market in 2020, and the targeted vendor chose not to  participate in the Market in 2021. They did choose to take legal action against the City. I do not know the status or disposition of the case.

May 29, 2019 thru July 2020.  Farmers Market Controversies: For the Record. Wanted: Tolerance, Understanding, Collaboration, Progress. Blog post maintained throughout the controversy including a timeline of key events and links to media coverage.  About 50 pages with links to several thousand more pages.

Jan 1, 2020 (Update). A Better Way to Deal with the Bloomington Farmers Market Controversy

    • The effects of the controversy involving the Bloomington Farmers Market (BFM) identify an opportunity to take a fresh look at the methods and strategies for how the community addresses challenging issues.The methods applied so far to address the BFM situation have resulted in a reduction in market attendance in July from 40,000 to 16,000. They have also resulted in unflattering local and national attention, which attracted the interest of what is perceived to be far-right and far-left groups. These groups’ involvement contributed to the perceived need to shut down the market for two weeks. This shutdown had an adverse economic impact on almost all the vendors.


Nov 3, 2019. Part 3:  Discord in the community – better strategies needed?   Saturday’s (Nov 2, 2019) “circus” at the Market sponsored by the “Purple Shirt Brigade” with support from No Space for Hate and witnessed by the city’s attorney was interesting.

    • The situation with the market does raise a question:  Are the policies and actions regarding protests creating and supporting the conditions that will lead to a  justification to permanently close the market?   The protestors are currently targeting a specific vendor – Schooner Creek Farm, and the city claims that given the constraints of the First Amendment, they are powerless to stop it.

Oct 8, 2019. Bloomington Herald-Times, Guest Column by Tim J. Clark. “Bloomington Farmers’ Market – What’s Next?  Submitted on Oct 8, 2019 (submission id 171) as a Guest Column for the Bloomington Herald-Times.  It was not accepted for publication. Despite a request, no explanation was provided.

Oct 4, 2019. Part 2:  Discord in the community – better strategies needed? This post introduces a method that can be adapted as needed, to address some of the issues associated with the controversies surrounding the Bloomington Farmers’ Market.

Sep 25, 2019. Update: Sep 24, 2019 Bloomington Farmers Market Discord.  Background. The controversy with the Bloomington Farmers Market started in Nashville. A summary of the issues provided in my post: Discord in the Community …

Sep 4, 2019. (Updated Sep 14, 2019). Part 1 – Discord in the community – better strategies needed ?

    • The controversy over personal beliefs and professional conduct involving the Farmers Markets in Nashville and Bloomington, Indiana escalated to the point that resulted in regional, state and national attention.  The issues are unlikely to be resolved any time soon by applying current methods that include demonizing the opposition until they admit the error of their ways.   An attacking (suboptimal) approach typically results in making a situation even worse.

Innkeepers Tax Revenue – Govt Oversight; Preventing Overtourism

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brown county indiana

Updated: Feb 16, 2022

2020 Indiana Code Title 6. Taxation, Article 9. Innkeeper’s Taxes; Other Local Taxes
Chapter 14. Brown County Innkeeper’s Tax.

Jan 6, 2022. Innkeepers tax hits $1 million: Checking in with visitors bureau, music center By Suzannah Couch

 Per IC 6-9-14-4, the County Council is responsible for reviewing and approving the budget for the innkeeper’s tax submitted by the Convention Visitors Commission (CVC).  This would include revisions and updates.
    •  IIC 6-9-14-4. Payment of expenses; budget; expenditures Sec. 4.  All expenses of the commission shall be paid from the fund required by section 7 of this chapter. The commission shall annually prepare a budget taking into consideration the recommendations made by a not-for-profit corporation qualifying under section 3 of this chapter and shall submit it to the county council for its review and approval. No expenditure shall be made unless it is pursuant to an appropriation made by the county council in the manner provided by law.
    • The not-for-profit-corp is the Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB).
    • “Sec. 7. The county treasurer shall establish a convention and visitors fund. He shall deposit in the fund the money he receives under section 6 of this chapter. Money in the fund may be expended only as provided in this chapter.”

The Brown County Council believes that they do not have to apply the same standard for a budget review and approval for the Conventions Visitors Commission (CVC) budget that they do for the other County Departments.  No documentation was provided that identifies the recommendation made (if any), by the CVB as required by statute.

The review and approval of Department budgets involve reviewing revenue and expense trends from prior years, reviewing the status of funds, and reviewing expenses by fund code.  Council members then discuss the need for adjustments.

In the case of the CVC budget, only summary amounts of the expected total income and expense were identified. This is what was reviewed and approved by the Council.

    • Per Dave Redding, Council President (email, Dec 22, 2021):  “The question was raised with Barnes and Thornburg during or after our mid-year budget review process  (2020) about whether Council had conducted proper reviews of all fund budget requests.   This was a phone conversation between myself and two of the attorneys from B&T and they confirmed that our Council budget reviews met/exceeded the requirements.”
    • Note:  I served a “tour” as a federal financial auditor. The review and approval process for the CVC budget would not have met requirements. I understand the State and County may have less stringent legal and professional standards. This is especially true in the area of obligating expenses without approval of a specific appropriation such as what happened with the $239k subsidy (see below).  The Federal Goverment also has a more robust internal control program required by the Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA). The purpose is to help assure the efficient and and effective use of tax dollars. My experiences reinforced the need for “systemic” improvements.
  • Revenue from the innkeepers’ tax serves as collateral for the $12.5 million dollar mortgage loan for the (BCMC).  Commissioners and Council were required to review and approve this commitment.

The priority for the revenue from the innkeepers’ tax is to pay the mortgage and any needed expenses for the BCMC.  The remainder of the revenue is provided to the CVB. A councilman and commissioner are members of the BCMC management group.  The Council did not review any financial statements associated with the BCMC as part of the annual budget review and approval process.

Lack of oversight of the revenue from the innkeepers’ tax contributed to the need for the County to provide a $239K subsidy (including “rent”) this year (2021) to the Brown County Music Center (BCMC).  Both the Council and Commissioners approved this subsidy “after” the terms were developed and a financial obligation incurred.  Details as to the specific services the County received were not identified. Nor, was there any indication that an anaysis of alternatives (AoA)  was conducted.  There were less expensive options.

Innkeeperss Tax – Purpose

The State government approved the in.nkeepers’ tax statute.  It’s a tax of 5% on overnight stays in hotels, tourist rentals, AirBnbs, etc. The County government enforces the statute, and the revenues are managed by the county auditor and county treasurer.  The  Convention Visitors Commission (CVC) administers the funds. The Council and Commissioners appoint members to the CVC. The Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a non-profit entity established to manage the funds with the purpose of promoting tourism.

The State is primarily funded by revenue from Sales tax and Income tax.  The justification for the innkeepers’ tax is to help generate sales tax revenue. The County is primarily funded by income and property tax.

Tourism and Overtourism

On Tourism, it can include almost any endeavor that results in visitors.  A variety of tourism categories is provided at Wikipedia.  The issues involving “overtourism” is defined below.

Typically, citizens not involved in the tourism industy have had little if any input on how the revenue from the innkeepers tax should be spent. The County Council has historically taken a hands off approach and not recognizing that this revenue is a “county” asset. Consequently relative to their approval of the Music Center, the Council as well as Commissioners did not hold any public meetings to obtain citizen input on this venue.  Background information on the topic:

Preventing overtourism that negatively impacts the County is the responsibility of the county elected officials that appoint members to the CVC.  The vision for tourism and the intent to avoid overtourism could be provided in the County Comprehensive Plan that is approved by the Commissioners.

    • “Overtourism is the perceived congestion or overcrowding from an excess of tourists, resulting in conflicts with locals. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines overtourism as “the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof, that excessively influences perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a negative way”.[1] This definition shows how overtourism can be observed both among locals, who view tourism as a disruptive factor that increasingly burdens daily life, as well as visitors, who may regard high numbers of tourists as a nuisance.”

2022/23 ARPA Funded Projects – For the Record

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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Updated Jan 20, 2022

Misc: ARPA-Funding –  Inspired Marketing?

    • Prosperity-thru-Equity-Final-Report-1020 – Rural America Thomas P. Miller and Associates. This group develoed the Brown County Economic Development Strategic Plan . The plan was approved for payment but not content. It met the minimum requirements for the state funded grant.
    • Results were determined from a non-statistically valid survey (page 2) – anecedotes and heresay.
    • Note also County Council Scott Rudd started his own company to support funding by the Feds for expanding broadband.

      • Local Scott Rudd is bringing his broadband knowledge back home to Brown County by starting his own consulting business. Rudd recently started his own business, Rudd Consulting LLC, and one of his first clients is Thomas P. Miller and Associates. Rudd will work with TPMA as a strategic advisor.  

    • Brown County 2019 – Econ Development Strategic Plan and Timeline

Dec 8, 2021. BCD. Objectives set for how first round of relief funding will be spent, commissioners to discuss requests this week by Suzannah Couch

    • Earlier this year it was announced that Brown County would receive nearly $3 million in relief funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help with the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

      The amount the county is getting through the ARP is almost six times more than the $494,248 the county received in CARES Act funding last year. The ARPA money will be split into two payments. The county received its first payment this summer, totalling around $1.4 million.

    • Before administering any of the ARPA money, the Brown County Commissioners planned to set up objectives for how to distribute the money.

      At the Nov. 17 meeting, Commissioner Diana Biddle announced the objectives for the first round of funding would be to provide funding for projects that “develop and advance essential infrastructure improvements.”

Rankings – Election Integrity – All States

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“Assessing the status of state election fairness and security.” 

Ranking of election laws each state

Indiana Ranks 14th with a score of 68 out of 100

“Election Integrity Scorecard,” compares the election laws and regulations of each state and the District of Columbia that affect the security and integrity of the process to the Foundation’s best-practices recommendations.

Heritage Unveils ‘Election Integrity Scorecard’ By Philip Wegmann – RCP Staff

    • Heritage assigned those grades out of a possible perfect score of 100 according to a dozen categories, each weighted differently, from implementation of voter ID requirements and maintenance of voter registration rolls to prohibition of private election funding to access for election observers.

      The colored cubes are just the front end of a year’s worth of research, and the think tank hopes users will click and expand to see where individual states excel and underachieve. Elected officials will no doubt soon hear about their scores from dedicated conservative activists. Election officials, however, should not be surprised by their grades.

Nashville Noise Ordinance – For the Record

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volume button

Updated: Dec 8, 2021.

Town of Nashville – Current Noise Ordinance Ordinance 2012-14

Ordinance 2021-07 (Link) Town of Nashville Ordinance Regulating Sound –draft #1

Brown County Matters – Facebook Post (of this post). Nashville NOISE Ordinance and Outdoor Music – Changes needed? The topic was discussed at the Town Council Meeting on Nov 18, 2021. This is a quality of life issue for residents. And, it’s understandable that a business catering to the tourist industry would want an entertainment option that increases sales of food and alcohol. What are the priorities?  What is Brown “County’s” Economic Engine? Spoiler Alert: It is NOT tourism.

The desire for outdoor music in Nashville has been expressed by business establishments catering to the tourist industry.  Hard Truth Hills built an outdoor music stage in 2019 that received numerous complaints from surrounding residents.  Modications to the stage were made in 2020 but have not resolved the complaints.   

A Noise Committee was established  in 2021 and being led by Town Council member Nancy Crocker.  However, no meetings have been scheduled and email is being used initially to share information on proposed changes. At the Nov 18, 2021 Town Council meeting, resident Deby Rogers expressed her oppostion to the “email” option and wanted actual committee meetings.

Ms. Crocker stated that making “no” changes to the exisitng ordinance is a possibility. The emails have included ideas (below) on possible significant changes to the ordinance:

    • IDEAS for Changes – Town Noise Ordinance  (distributed via email).”..It shall be unlawful under this ordinance to: “Intentionally create sound/noise louder than 90 decibels between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday or between 11:00 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday or Saturday.”

Nov 18, 2021. Town Council Meeting – Noise Ordinance – Audio

    • Comments from residents:  Deby Rogers 1:50:30 to – 2:03  and Brandon Harris: 2:07 – 2:21
    • Nashville has an existing noise ordinance that is not being enforced and difficult to enforce. Complaints after 4:00 pm are managed by the county sheriff – not the Nashville PD. The county does not maintain records on calls and disposition.
    • Issues of excessive noise caused by motorcyles was also discussed.  This was the issue that prompted development of the ordinance.
    • The application to build a stage was approved by Nashville but no application was approved allowing outdoor music, Nor was there an application for an RV Park.
      (Ref: Nov 18, 2021 Town Council Meeting)

Nov 4, 2021. Town council approves short-term noise ordinance committee. Abigail Youmans.

July 7, 2021. Does town still need a noise ordinance? Feedback wanted on changes. Sara Clifford. The Nashville Town Council is asking for feedback about changes proposed to its noise ordinance — or whether the town even needs a noise ordinance at all. 

June 3, 2021.  Hard Truth Hills requests changes to noise ordinance by Sara Clifford. 

    • It’s nighttime porch-sitting weather again and pandemic restrictions are waning.
    • The result: Live outdoor music is coming back in a big way in Brown County.
    • Three owners and a vice president of Hard Truth Hills approached the Nashville Town Council on May 20 to ask for modifications to to be made the town’s noise ordinance or a new ordinance to be written, taking into consideration the impact that live music has on Nashville’s and Brown County’s culture and visitor draw.

5 Year Plan – Parks and Recreation

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BC Parks and Recs

Jan 13, 2022. Looking forward: Parks and rec submits 5-year plan to DNR; public comments still welcome By  Abigail Youmans

 

Dec 14, 2021. LETTER: County parks and rec thanks volunteers by Mark Shields.  To the editor: Brown County Parks and Recreation would like to extend our sincere appreciation to a small group of dedicated volunteers. Collectively, these individuals have contributed nearly 400 hours this year of mowing and groundskeeping labor. With their help, the playing fields, walking trails and natural features at Deer Run Park have continued to accommodate both residents and visitors alike. Special thanks to Keith Baker, Ed Wrightsman, Travis Sommers, Dean Keefauver and Clark Greiner for all your efforts. We truly appreciate all you have done. With your help, we look forward to continuing to provide a well-maintained park for our community. – Mark Shields, director, Brown County Parks and Recreation

Dec 9, 2021. GUEST OPINION: Feedback needed on draft of parks and rec five-year master plan, by Kara Hammes.  According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website, there are many reasons to create a five-year parks and recreation master plan.

    • Time for public comment and questions will also be provided at the December 15th meeting of the Brown County Parks Board. The BCPR Board meeting will be held at 5:15pm on Wednesday, December 15th at the BCPRD Office at Deer Run Park:

Comments on the Plan – Including posts from Brown County Matters 2021_12_15 Parks and Rec Master Plan Comments

Link to the the 5-Year Plan – Overview and Full Document

Email Message – Kara Hammes Monday Dec 6, 2021.

I am sending this e-mail to share that the draft Brown County Parks and Rec 5-Year Master Plan is available for review and public comment.  Many of you were directly involved in the development of this plan, while others do work that’s critical to Parks and Rec’s ability to fulfill it’s purpose in the community – either way, thank you.

A lot of work has already gone into collecting data and feedback from the community, and developing the plan to this point, but our final plan is only good if it accurately represents the needs and desires of the Brown County community at large, which is why we’re sharing the plan and asking for anyone that is interested to take some time to review and provide their feedback.

An electronic copy of the plan can be downloaded at www.bcparksrec.com/5-year-plan/.  Paper copies are available for review at the Purdue Extension – Brown County Office (802 Memorial Dr) or the Brown County Parks & Rec Office (902 Deer Run Ln, Suite B) during regular business hours (M-F, 8am-4pm)

The first draft of our plan is due to Indiana DNR by January 15, 2022, and the Brown County Parks and Rec Board is accepting written comments and questions until 4pm on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021.   Time for public comment and questions will also be provided at the December 15th meeting of the Brown County Parks Board.  The BCPR Board meeting will be held at 5:15pm on Wednesday, December 15th at the BCPRD Office at Deer Run Park.  A virtual options for attendance at the meeting will also be provided.

I’ve included the write-up that was submitted to the Democrat below, because it has more details about why you should care about this plan, the priorities that were identified, and how to submit any comments or questions you may have.  Feel free to forward this e-mail to anyone else that may be interested.

Thanks in advance – I hope to hear from many of you, or see you at our Board meeting on the 15th!

Kara Hammes, MPH

Extension Educator, Health and Human Sciences & Ag and Natural Resources

Brown County Extension Director

Purdue Extension- Brown County

802 Memorial Drive, PO Box 7, Nashville, IN 47448

O: 812-988-5495

E: khammes@purdue.edu

Write-up submitted to the Brown County Democrat (version that is published will have some edits compared to what is shared below)

According to the Indiana DNR website, there are many reasons to create a 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, including but not limited to:

  • Formulating a written framework for future action that acts as a guide for sensible facility and service development
  • Providing community input opportunities
  • Ensuring that the public actually wants the facilities that are developed
  • Providing an opportunity to share information about your programs and facilities with the public
  • Giving a clear sense of direction for the park system
  • Improving funding opportunities

 

I have served as a member of the Brown County Parks and Recreation Board for the last 2.5 years (since being hired as the Purdue Extension HHS & ANR Educator in May 2019) and I can confidently say that I whole-heartedly agree with this list of reasons for why we need a 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan in Brown County.

 It’s for all these reasons and more that I’m excited to share that the Brown County Parks and Recreation Department (BCPRD) is in the final stages of preparing a draft Parks & Recreation 5-Year Master Plan to submit to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for approval, and we need your feedback before we do! 

 Our first draft is due to DNR by January 15, 2022, and our final report will be submitted prior to April 15, 2022, which will make the Brown County Parks and Recreation Department eligible for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants in 2022.

 A lot of work has already gone into collecting data and feedback from the community, and developing the plan to this point, but our final plan is only good if it accurately represents the needs and desires of the Brown County community at large.

 What is the Brown County Parks and Rec Department and why should the Master Plan matter to you?

The BCPRD owns and/or manages four properties and over 200 acres of land in Brown County.  The primary property is Deer Run Park (72 acres) and the other three are land on SR 135 N (140+ acres), the Salt Creek Trail, and the Sycamore Valley Community Center.  In addition to these physical amenities, the BCPRD offers youth and adult sports leagues and other special programming, along with community events like the annual Easter Egg hunt, Trick-or-Treat on the Trail, and more.

 Historically, BCPRD facilities and programs have served residents, neighboring communities, and tourists alike, and remains committed to making BCPRD facilities and services available and accessible to anyone, regardless of resident status, ability to pay, or physical/mental ability. However, as part of this planning process the Brown County Parks and Recreation Department and Board are reaffirming our focus and responsibility to specifically serving the citizens and community members of Brown County.

 How was the plan and its priorities developed?

Much of the data and input for this master plan was gathered during the “Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces: Creating Healthy Communities” (EVPS:CHC) process – a Purdue University Extension Signature Program which was undertaken in Brown County from late-2019 through mid-2021 and has been covered in more detail previously in the Brown County Democrat. 

 The EVPS:CHC process consisted of four in-person community “Open Houses” held in September, 2020 (24 attendees), a community survey that was available for response from September-December 2020 (336 responses), and four working groups that met virtually three times between November, 2020 and February, 2021 (22 community participants and 6 Purdue Extension facilitators).

 Issues identified based on public, Board, and staff input

Based on all the data, feedback, and suggestions gathered throughout this planning process, the following issues have been identified:

  • More programs needed for all ages, going beyond youth-based programs and sports leagues
  • More options needed for indoor and year-round community-focused spaces and programming
  • Lack of accessibility of facilities, programs and policies
  • Addressing long-term maintenance needs of existing amenities and facilities
  • Lack of certain desired “signature amenities” within the community (most popular requests include an indoor, multi-purpose sport and community facility; bicycle pump track; outdoor pickleball court(s); splashpad/water feature)
  • Limited availability of funding and manpower across the board
  • Lack of a safe, multi-use trail to access Deer Run Park via foot, bike, or other non-motorist transportation options
  • Lack of a detailed and comprehensive land use plan for Deer Run Park

 Proposed 5-Year Master Plan Priorities (2022-2027)

  • Finalize a detailed and comprehensive land use plan for Deer Run Park, which should address issues and future plans for (at minimum) the:
    • Four lower ball diamonds in the floodway
    • Old office building
    • Disc golf course
    • Additional shelter house(s)
    • Maintenance equipment and supply storage
    • Possible access points for future multi-use trail from Nashville
    • Potential for future “signature amenities”
  • Create new educational, experiential, and “life-long learning” programs for people of all ages
  • Identify ways to increase accessibility throughout existing facilities and programming.  Improvements may need to be phased in for cost reasons, but need to be a priority. 
  • Increase focus, planning, and fundraising for the development of a safe, multi-use trail to access Deer Run Park via foot, bike, or other non-motorist transportation options.
  • Overall greater and more targeted fundraising efforts

 How can you help?

All of the data and feedback that was used to identify these issues and priorities – and much more information that’s relevant to BCPRD facilities and programming in the future – is covered in the full Brown County 5-Year Park and Recreation Master Plan and we invite all interested parties to review the plan and provide their comments, suggestions, and other feedback for the BCPR Board’s consideration. 

 An electronic copy of the plan can be downloaded at www.bcparksrec.com/5-year-plan/ .  Paper copies are available for review at the Purdue Extension – Brown County Office (802 Memorial Dr) or the Brown County Parks & Rec Office (902 Deer Run Ln, Suite B) during regular business hours (M-F, 8am-4pm)

 Written comments or questions should be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 by either:

  • E-mailing: khammes@purdue.edu
  • Mailing to: Brown County Parks & Rec, PO Box 299, Nashville, IN 47448
  • Or dropping off in-person to the Brown County Parks & Rec Office, located at Deer Run Park

 Time for public comment and questions will also be provided at the December 15th meeting of the Brown County Parks Board.  The BCPR Board meeting will be held at 5:15pm on Wednesday, December 15th at the BCPRD Office at Deer Run Park:

902 Deer Run Ln, Suite B

Nashville, IN 47448

A virtual option for attending the meeting will also be provided.  Please contact Michelle Mosley at (812) 988-5522 or mosleymr@browncounty-in.us to request the details for the Zoom link.

 

Part 3: Future Use – Indian Hill Road

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What will be the status of Indian Hill Road?  Will it be open or closed to vehicular traffic?

Parking.  Given the needed access to the Tecumseh Trail, will some parking be available?  Will this require the county to offer to acquire some land?

    • Currently, to park your car in order to walk to the tracks and trail, it may better to park along the nearby road on the north side of SR-45. Alternatively, come in from the south and park just before you reach the ford.
    • DNR owns land north of the crossing.

Disposition of the Road – Ownership. It’s a county road that  allows for very limited lateral excursions. The road acquired it’s present status due to being in continuous use for a long time. Transfer of ownership was not granted to BC by either a property owner, or through recourse to eminent domain.

In this case, the road is open for public passage due to prescriptive use (see attached article titled “Identifying Rural Roads”, starting on pg. numbered 162). This is a valuable resource for rural road management.

Apparent Right-of-Way in Indiana. This article distinguishes between prescriptive and statutory use. In neither case does is there a transfer of ownership. The problems of width of a right-of-way are discussed at length.

Tecumseh and Knobstone Trails and Maps

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Hoosier Hiker Council

Updated: Mar 11, 2022

MAPS – Bottom of Page

Yellowwood State Forest Tecumseh Trail Temporary Closure 

Facebook Post – Brown County Matters

Brown County Parks and Recreation.  Update to a Master Plan (including location of all hiking trails available to the public?) under development 

Hoosier Hikers Council – Tecumseh Trail.  In terms of hills, the Tecumseh Trail is often considered a gentler version and training ground of the Knobstone Trail, a 52-mile one-way path that is further south in Indiana, near the city of Salem.  While the Tecumseh’s path does consist of many large hills, ascents are not typically as steep, long, or frequent as those of the Knobstone Trail.

Knobstone Hiking Trail Association.  The Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KHTA) was formed in 2013 to become the steward of this great trail. The KHTA is a non-profit organization dedicated to completion, preservation, and promotion of the KHT. We depend on Association members and volunteers for its very existence. Only a part of it is on public land maintained by government …

  • Jan 3, 2020.  Morton Marcus: Knobstone could be Indiana’s trail to tomorrow, IBJ. Outdoor recreation, the OR sector, is an important aspect of tourism. Many people happily travel great distances to visit picturesque and unique environs. They enjoy walking, hiking, bike riding, bird watching, bug collecting, climbing, picnicking, playing golf and tennis, and numerous other outdoor activities.

December 23, 2019.Eye on the pie, A trail to tomorrow  by Morton J. Marcus  

DINO Trail Run Series – Dinoseries – Home. The DINO Trail Run Series takes you to some of the most scenic and challenging trails in central Indiana. Most of these trails are hiking and/or mountain bike trails. On a typical course, you’ll face a variety of challenges; such as hills, dirt, rocks, roots, and occasionally mud and stream crossings.

  • Brown County Democrat, Oct 14, 2021. Facing a new challenge: Route changes due to railroad crossing closure, By Abigail Youmans . Brown and Morgan counties have hosted runners in a variety of distance events during the Tecumseh Trail Challenge every year since 2003.

    • The trail has been a destination for runners from dozens of states who participate in the DINO (Do INdiana off-road) race, with participation growing to more than 700 in 2010. But now the point-to-point race route has been turned into a loop due to the Indian Hill Road railroad crossing closure. As of Oct. 8, DINO and the Indiana Trail Running Association had no progress with creating a pedestrian railroad crossing, forcing them to make the Tecumseh Trail Challenge a looped route. DINO Director Brian Holzhausen said it was a “difficult decision.”

Independent Voters of Brown County IN – Posts Regarding Closing the Access to the Tecumseh Trail

MAPS– Railroad Crossing – Indian Hill Rd

85 Mile Northern Portion – Knobstone Trail including Indian Hill RR Crossing

Brown County GIS Map – Indian Hill Railroad Crossing in the Center of the Photo
Knobstone Pioneer Tecumseh Map
Knobstone Trail Map