Stop the widening of pumpkin ridge road in brown county

Recent signers:
ShyAnn Farris and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The peaceful and scenic Mountain Tea State Forest in Brown County has always been a special place for me, and many others in our community, accessible via the charming gravel road known as Pumpkin Ridge Road. This road not only serves as a vital access route but also preserves the tranquility and natural beauty of our forest. Recently, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), has proposed a plan to widen this road significantly. They aim to expand it to 18 feet, plus 2 foot shoulders, making it even wider than neighboring Hoover Road and State Road 135 South.

During a recent personal inspection, I found that the construction limits, marked with orange stakes, were shockingly expansive. In one particular area, I measured the width and found it exceeding 105 feet. Such a drastic change threatens not only the aesthetic charm of Pumpkin Ridge Road but also poses a risk to the surrounding environment, requiring the removal of mature trees and potentially disrupting local wildlife habitats. It is essential to question the necessity of such a development when there are alternative solutions to improving safety without compromising the integrity of our natural surroundings.

Expanding the road may seem like a measure of progress or safety, but it could actually lead to increased traffic, higher speeds, and more accidents, as seen in other widened roads across the county. Additionally, the economic impact on our community could be unfavorable, deterring eco-tourists and those who come to Brown County to enjoy its natural landscapes and peaceful atmosphere.

Instead of widening the road, we propose enhancing existing safety measures such as better signage, speed controls, and designated passing areas. We believe that these measures can effectively improve safety while maintaining the road's historical and environmental significance. Our beloved Mountain Tea State Forest deserves protection from unnecessary and potentially harmful alterations.

I urge all residents of Brown County and those who cherish our natural heritage to stand against this proposal. Let’s preserve the unique character of Pumpkin Ridge Road and keep the Mountain Tea State Forest the serene escape it has always been. Please sign this petition to show your support for protecting our community's invaluable natural resources and heritage.

avatar of the starter
Jason DickmeyerPetition Starter
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330

Recent signers:
ShyAnn Farris and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The peaceful and scenic Mountain Tea State Forest in Brown County has always been a special place for me, and many others in our community, accessible via the charming gravel road known as Pumpkin Ridge Road. This road not only serves as a vital access route but also preserves the tranquility and natural beauty of our forest. Recently, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), has proposed a plan to widen this road significantly. They aim to expand it to 18 feet, plus 2 foot shoulders, making it even wider than neighboring Hoover Road and State Road 135 South.

During a recent personal inspection, I found that the construction limits, marked with orange stakes, were shockingly expansive. In one particular area, I measured the width and found it exceeding 105 feet. Such a drastic change threatens not only the aesthetic charm of Pumpkin Ridge Road but also poses a risk to the surrounding environment, requiring the removal of mature trees and potentially disrupting local wildlife habitats. It is essential to question the necessity of such a development when there are alternative solutions to improving safety without compromising the integrity of our natural surroundings.

Expanding the road may seem like a measure of progress or safety, but it could actually lead to increased traffic, higher speeds, and more accidents, as seen in other widened roads across the county. Additionally, the economic impact on our community could be unfavorable, deterring eco-tourists and those who come to Brown County to enjoy its natural landscapes and peaceful atmosphere.

Instead of widening the road, we propose enhancing existing safety measures such as better signage, speed controls, and designated passing areas. We believe that these measures can effectively improve safety while maintaining the road's historical and environmental significance. Our beloved Mountain Tea State Forest deserves protection from unnecessary and potentially harmful alterations.

I urge all residents of Brown County and those who cherish our natural heritage to stand against this proposal. Let’s preserve the unique character of Pumpkin Ridge Road and keep the Mountain Tea State Forest the serene escape it has always been. Please sign this petition to show your support for protecting our community's invaluable natural resources and heritage.

avatar of the starter
Jason DickmeyerPetition Starter
Media inquiries
Support now

330

The Decision Makers

Brown County Commission
3 Members
1 Responded
Ronald Sanders
Ronald Sanders
Brown County Commission - District 2
“Thank you to everyone who has spoken up about the proposed widening of Pumpkin Ridge Road. I want residents to know that I understand how strongly people who live along that road feel. I’ve heard from many neighbors who are opposed to this project, and I have not personally spoken with anyone who supports it. This decision rests with the Brown County Board of Commissioners. If two of the three commissioners vote to approve the project, it would grant INDOT the authority to use eminent domain, including the seizure of private property. That is not something I take lightly. The proposal has been described as necessary to improve access for the Department of Natural Resources, but DNR is not landlocked. They already own property extending to Salt Creek in another district, and there are alternative ways to address access without widening this road. The project would reportedly cost around $8 million, yet key questions remain unanswered. This area is considered a primitive site — it does not have city water or electricity — and while it was logged years ago, the larger concern is not just trees. To my knowledge, there has been no quarrying or sampling done to determine whether there are historical or cultural artifacts in the area. Proceeding without that information is troubling. Over time, the scope of DNR’s plans has shifted. What was initially discussed as potential trails or camping has since been scaled back, and there is no clear, detailed plan in place. DNR also owns other properties where ATVs and UTVs are allowed, and while they’ve said that’s not the intent here, the lack of a concrete plan makes it difficult to evaluate long-term impacts. I’ve tried to remain objective throughout this process, but I am not comfortable supporting a project when there is no clear plan and so many unresolved issues. As commissioners, we have a responsibility first and foremost to the citizens of Brown County. I’ve been here a long time, and in most cases, I side with the people who live in and care for these communities. We’ve seen what can happen when policies move forward without being fully thought through. Last year, the county allowed UTVs on certain roads, and although I’m personally a motor enthusiast, I voted against it because the implementation wasn’t clear and quickly led to unintended consequences. I remain committed to listening, asking hard questions, and making sure that any decision we make is informed, transparent, and in the best interest of Brown County residents. — Ron Sanders Vice President, Brown County Board of Commissioners”
Tim Clark
Tim Clark
Brown County Commission - District 3
Kevin Patrick
Kevin Patrick
Brown County Commission - District 1

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Petition created on January 11, 2026