National Forests in Indiana

Joseph Bruggenschmidt, born September 12, 1926, discusses his education at Purdue and his experiences with the Indiana Division of Forestry. He explains his duties as a service forester and consultant forester. Bruggenschmidt describes the timber logged in Indiana. He expresses concern for government-maintained wilderness areas and the attitude of the National Forest Service.

Claude Ferguson, born January 13, 1923, discusses his work in the National Forest Service, specifically in the Hoosier-Wayne National Forest. He explains how he became interested in forest service and his early career as a tower lookout. He discusses the continuing issues of insect control, soil erosion, land acquisition, and off road vehicle trails.

Donald S. Girton, born January 5, 1936, discusses his education at Purdue and Yale Universities. He explains his responsibilities as forest supervisor of Wayne-Hoosier National Forest. Girton describes silviculture, harvesting, land acquisition, and the multiple use concept. He also describes the position he accepted in the National Forest Services Legislative Affairs Section.

Paul McWilliams, born July 15, 1910, describes his experiences working for the National Forest Service and with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He explains the type of work the CCC did in Indiana. Installing telephone lines, road construction, and planing were a few of their responsibilities. His work for the National Forest Service included land appraisal, acquisition, and surveying.