(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana's state parks system will grow by more than 1,400 acres beginning July 1.
Governor Mike Braun announced Tuesday that Salamonie River State Forest and Frances Slocum State Forest will be incorporated into the Indiana State Parks system.
Under the change, Salamonie River State Forest will be managed through Salamonie Lake, while Frances Slocum State Forest will be managed through Mississinewa Lake.
State officials say recreational activities at both properties will continue, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and horseback riding. Existing staffing at both locations will also remain in place.
Primitive and horseman's campsites at Salamonie River State Forest will become available through the Indiana State Parks reservation system beginning in August for stays starting September 1.
The addition of the two forests expands the reach of Indiana's state parks system, which currently includes 24 state parks, seven satellite locations, eight reservoir properties, two state forest recreation areas and two off-road riding areas.