20 TeHeE AU DUB ONS B Usb iil 
State Acquires Beall Woods 
Springfield, Ill., Sept. 17 — The State of 
Illinois this week assumed possession of 
Beall Woods, a 70-million-year-old stand 
of primeval forest in Wabash County, 
following two and one-half years of liti- 
gation, Gov. Otto Kerner announced to- 
day. Described as the largest stand of 
virgin timber in Illinois, Beall Woods 
is located five miles south of Mount 
Carmel along the Wabash River. Owner- 
ship passed to the state with payment 
of $287,500 by the Department of Con- 
servation to James Bower, Evansville, 
Ind., who acquired the 626-acre tract in 
1962 from the estate of the late Laura 
Beall. 
Following unsuccessful attempts to 
purchase the tract from Bower, the state 
used the right of eminent domain to ac- 
quire and maintain the forest as a public 
recreation and nature study area. Fol- 
Pre aera ae A Be tetra lowing a trial in Wabash County Circuit 
Photo’ bye Mpeae AISA steeeare Court last February giving the state 
the right to condemn the property, the 
$287,500 price was established by a Jefferson County Circuit Court jury on 
May 26. 
The area has been compared by biologists and forestry experts with the 
trop'cal rain forest in the Solomon Islands and the remnants of stands of 
hardwoods in the eastern United States. It includes more than 60 different 
species of trees, including sycamore, cottonwood, hickory and oak of many 
varieties, gum, ash and elm. Beall Woods has the largest shellbark hickory 
trees remaining in the nation, three feet in diameter and 150 feet high. 
In addition to the dense stand of plant life, the area is a haven for many 
types of birds. It also is considered an excellent area for the study of many 
bological sciences. Gov. Kerner, commenting on the state’s acquisition of 
Beall Woods, said: ‘The State of Illinois is proud that Beall Woods has been 
preserved in its natural state for use by our citizens. We pledge that this 
primeval forest will not be violated, but at the same time plan to make it 
accessible to all who enjoy the great outdoors.” 
William T. Lodge, director of the Illinois Department of Conservation, 
announced plans to improve land which adjoins the 290 acres of virgin forest. 
Hardwood trees will be planted in two areas this fall. Nature trails for hikers 
will be marked and trees in the forest area will be labeled. A general-purpose 
building and a museum will be constructed and picnic and camping areas will 
be developed. Director Lodge said: “The acquisition of Beall Woods provides 
additional acreage of recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast; 
the virgin timber tract will remain as a living museum.” 
