Every DNR biologist and forester will tell you that loss of habitat is the reason we lost our grouse in Indiana. The early successional habitat needed by grouse and other woodland species was lost because Democratic governors starting with Evan Bayh restricted the amount of logging in state forests. Old growth forests exist AND are protected in the state parks, state preserves, and state fish & wildlife areas where little or no logging is allowed.
The protesting of logging began with Mitch Daniels and the process of allowing habitat management in the state forests. It continues with Mike Pence. And no they were not cutting enough in state forests for nearly 30 years. The biologists warned us all and we did nothing.
Excellent article on the loss of habitat and birds in Indiana forests.
http://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/UserFiles/File/OtherSilentSpring.pdf The Ruffed Grouse Society is currently in litigation with national forests in Ohio and Indiana with the USFS for not creating the young forests needed to provide habitat for grouse. This is in direct violation of their own forest plan.
http://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/USFS%20petition#.VtDVOfkrKM8 Jack
