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Mt. Tea State Forest / Access via Pumpkin Ridge Road.  Notes from the Aug 20, 2025 Public Meeting

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Mt. Tea State Forest / Access via Pumpkin Ridge Road. 

Timeline of the Project, Supporting Documentation

Notes from the Aug 20, 2025 Public Meeting

Executive Summary

The Mt. Tea State Forest access project has raised concerns about cost, environmental impact, safety, and communication with residents. While initial plans proposed a $7 million INDOT road upgrade, public feedback has pushed for more modest alternatives. Key issues include protecting the rural character of Brown County, ensuring fair decision-making with stakeholder input, and improving transparency in communications. Road options range from full INDOT upgrades to minimalist or county-led improvements, with “do nothing” also being considered. No final decision has been made, and commissioners have committed to ongoing updates and public involvement before moving forward.

History

Concerns

  • No evidence of public meetings between 2022–2024 to gauge community support or define the scope of the problem.
  • Commissioner Sanders (term began in 2022) was also unaware of such meetings.
  • At the August 20, 2025 commissioner meeting, citizens voiced strong opposition — highlighting the risks of pursuing solutions without clear agreement on the problem.

Decision-Making Process

Role of Elected Officials

  • Expected to identify the best solution for the county.
  • Must listen to all stakeholders and apply a transparent process.

Why the Process Matters

  • In controversial issues, groups typically fall into:
    • A vocal minority strongly for or against a change.
    • Many are indifferent or uninformed.
    • A persuadable middle who can support change if engaged.
  • Public input and open meetings reduce conflict and improve outcomes.

Citizenship and Decision-making

The decision-making process can also parallel a citizen’s responsibility when serving as a jurist, which includes: 

  • Listen to the information and scenarios presented from all sides of the argument.
  • Assess the facts and evidence, consider the closing arguments, and agree on a decision.
  • Deciding after hearing only the opening argument without a more complete understanding of the situation would not yield the best outcomes.

Stakeholders

  • Property owners (potential land sales).
  • Residents who use Pumpkin Ridge Road.
  • Residents in surrounding areas.
  • Countywide residents and taxpayers.
  • Visitors to Mt. Tea.
  • DNR, INDOT, and the Governor.

Elements of Good Decision-Making

  • Establish facts and assumptions.
  • Identify constraints and risks.
  • Define decision criteria.
  • Compare positives and negatives of each option.
  • Select a solution and implement it with a clear project plan.

Reference

Concerns with the Road Design

Issues Raised by Citizens

  • Environmental impacts
    • Threats to endangered species.
    • Water quality risks in ponds and streams.
    • Disruption of possible historical sites.
  • Road and construction concerns
    • Safety risks at a hazardous intersection.
    • Ability to navigate during construction.
    • Long-term effects on rural character.
  • Community and cultural concerns
    • Protecting Brown County’s natural beauty.
    • Preserving quality of life for nearby residents.

Economic Context

  • Brown County’s culture is rooted in its rural environment.
  • A large part of the economy depends on residents who live locally but earn income outside the county.
  • About 77% of wages earned by county taxpayers come from outside Brown County.

Project Cost Concerns

  • Original INDOT estimate: $7 million.
  • Many viewed the cost as excessive, leading to speculation about the project’s intent and scope.

Current Status

  • INDOT is preparing more modest alternatives.
  • Goal: reduce financial burden while addressing key safety and environmental concerns.

Road Options Comparison

Option

Description

Pros

Cons

1. INDOT 30 MPH Road Standard

Full upgrade to meet 30 MPH speed limit

Meets state standards, designed for higher traffic

Costly ($7M), strong community opposition, seen as impractical

2. Minimalist INDOT Option

Scaled-back version, possibly unpaved, lower speed (≈20 MPH)

Lower cost, preserves rural feel, similar to park roads

Less durable, details still in development

3. County-Led Upgrade

Local project to maintain Pumpkin Ridge as a county road

More local control, potentially lower cost

County bears responsibility, funding uncertain

4. Do Nothing

Leave road as-is

No cost, no disruption, preserves status quo

Does not address safety issues, may limit access

Top of Form

Funding & Safety Note

  • The 2022 INDOT plan was drafted to support a state funding request.
  • A 2025 survey conducted in Mar/Apr may allow for lower-cost alternatives.
  • Savings could be redirected to improve the hazardous Pumpkin Ridge–Hoover Road intersection.

DNR – Property Management

Citizen Concerns

  • Increased visitors due to improved access.
  • Mt. Tea is remote, with no water supply or privies.
    • Risks include fire response challenges.
  • Potential road damage from logging trucks if logging occurs.
  • Worries about future expansion to include:
    • Horse amenities.
    • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use.

DNR Response

  • Current plans do not include horses or ATVs.
  • Facility development remains limited (primitive camping, campfires only).

Communications

Ongoing Challenges

  • Limited citizen awareness due to:
    • Declining newspaper readership.
    • Inconsistent social media updates.
    • Low sign-up rates for meeting agenda notifications.
    • Reliance on neighbor-to-neighbor communication.

Effects on Engagement

  • Many residents miss notices of pending projects.
  • Lack of information leads to skepticism and opposition.

Emerging Solutions

  • Establishment of neighbor networks to ensure project updates reach more households.

Miscommunications

Public Misunderstandings

  • Many believed commissioners would vote on August 20, 2025.
  • In fact, no vote was scheduled.

Timeline of Key Events

Date

Event

Notes

2022

INDOT develops road upgrade concept

Supported by previous commissioners

2023

Funding requested from Governor

Backed by Commissioners + DNR

2022–2024

No public meetings identified

Raised concerns about lack of citizen input

May 22, 2025

Commissioners vote against approving INDOT agreement

Clark & Sanders oppose

June 2025

Executive session with INDOT, DNR, project engineer

Sought deeper understanding

July 16, 2025

INDOT presents video and answers questions

Commissioners postpone decision, seek more citizen input

August 20, 2025

Public meeting with strong citizen opposition

Highlighted environmental, financial, and cultural concerns

Key Takeaway

  • Miscommunication about the vote created frustration.
  • Clearer messaging on meeting purposes and timelines is essential.

The Way Ahead

  • The INDOT agreement will not be signed until:
    • A mutually acceptable solution is identified.
    • A project plan aligns with the terms of the agreement.
  • Key considerations moving forward:
    • How construction changes could alter project scope.
    • How modifications will be approved.
    • Risks and mitigation strategies.
    • Eminent domain authority will not be delegated by commissioners.

Next Steps

  • Progress updates will be shared at every commissioner meeting.
  • Special public meetings may be scheduled to allow deeper discussion of key issues.

Additional Information

Key Issues at a Glance

Environmental & Cultural Concerns

  • Potential impact on endangered species and historical sites
  • Water quality risks to nearby ponds and streams
  • Preservation of Brown County’s rural character and natural beauty

Financial Concerns

  • Original $7 million INDOT plan considered excessive
  • More modest alternatives under review
  • Possibility of redirecting savings to hazardous intersection improvements

Safety Concerns

  • Hazardous intersection at Pumpkin Ridge & Hoover Road
  • Road usability during construction
  • Fire risk from primitive camping without water access

Community & Communication Concerns

  • Lack of early public meetings (2022–2024) raised trust issues
  • Misperception that a decision would be made on Aug 20, 2025
  • Ongoing need for better communication between commissioners, residents, and agencies

Brown County Democrat – Articles on the topic