Prior to European settlement, primary cover types on the White River Fishery Area included Oak Woodlands, Oak Openings on the upland sites. The lowlands were likely forested and composed mainly of Swamp Conifers and Lowland Hardwoods. Since the DNR took ownership of these parcels in the 1950s and 60s, the primary management actions have been designed to improve opportunities for public fishing. The Interim Forest Management Plan for this area (available below), is now starting to address forest management needs on the properties, with the overall goal of maintaining healthy forests.  Some specific objectives in the management plan include: 

• Promote native tree species, such as black oak, northern pin oak, bur oak, white oak, aspen, jack pine, and white pine.
• Maintain oak as a dominant cover type across the management area with evenly distributed age classes from young forest to “old growth”. Maintain oak in a variety of ages classes with 15% in 0-20 years, 40% in 21- 80 years, 25% in 81-100 years and 20% in 101 years plus.
• Maintain the extent and quality of swamp hardwood and bottomland hardwood stands
• Protect water quality, air quality, and undeveloped lake and river frontage