MIAMI COUNTY, Ind. – Former State Senator and Pierceton resident Gary Dillon recently decided others should have a chance to experience what will allow future generations to enjoy a unique and well-preserved piece of Indiana forest. For over two decades Dillon planted more than 100,000 trees on the land he purchased in the 1990’s about 4.5 miles northeast of downtown Peru. In December, he closed a deal with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which purchased all 424 acres. Dillon sold the property for $670,000. Just over $500,000 was provided by the Indiana Heritage Trust and Bicentennial Nature Trust. Although the IDNR now owns the property, the land has been placed under a life estate, which gives Dillon most of the management rights to the property until his death. Dan Ernst, assistant state forester for the IDNR’s Division of Forestry, said the land acquisition is one of the larger purchases made in recent years by the DNR in northern Indiana. Under the life estate, public access to the site is currently limited to educational visits by school, scouting and other small groups, which all require Dillon’s approval. But, Ernst said, once the IDNR has full rights to the property, the area will be open to the public and likely be home to walking trails and other low-impact recreational opportunities. The area will eventually be managed as a unit of Salamonie River and Frances Slocum State Forest, with the goal of promoting sustainable timber production, watershed management and wildlife habitat. Dillon said in the end, it’s good to know his conservation efforts in Miami County will continue on through the IDNR for decades, or even centuries.