State District 44 Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford, urges citizens who own forestland that is part of the Classified Forest and Wildlands Program to submit comments on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry Strategic Plan.

The plan includes a proposal for a $2 per acre, per year administrative fee.

“It is extremely important for all citizens who have their forestland in the Classified Forest and Wildlands Program to submit their input on the unexpected fee they face, which amounts to a tax,” Steele said. “The Department of Natural Resources is proposing this on top of taxes citizens already pay, which is unfair to those involved in the program who have already proven their dedication to sustaining the land and its natural resources.”

The Department of Natural Resources is accepting online comments from the public about the proposed fee through Saturday. A comment form is available at in.gov/dnr/forestry/2856.htm. Put “strategic plan” in the subject line.

The strategic plan is available under the Annual Reports and Forest Strategic Plans at in.gov/dnr/forestry/3605.htm.