Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced that he has selected Dan Bortner to serve as the director of the Department of Natural Resources.

The Department of Natural Resources has placed an idle speed restriction on watercraft on Lake Tippecanoe and James (Little Tippecanoe) Lake.

NORTH WEBSTER — Like many Hoosiers interested in their genetic ancestry, Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists and Purdue University researchers are looking into the genetic makeup of a species of fish in northern Indiana’s Lake Webster. The results could have a bearing on how muskies, a popular sport fish, might affect the future of …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Stream bank stabilization, habitat enhancement and watershed land treatment projects in Kosciusko County have received funds from the Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Lake and River Enhancement program. The local projects were among 25 statewide projects receiving a total of $1,183,200. Chapman Lakes Foundation is working on a stream …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — A recent rash of fish kills in several Kosciusko County lakes has residents and anglers looking for possible causes. In most cases, DNR biologists say the causes are unknown, but the fish kills will not affect the overall health of fish populations or the quality of fishing. Dead common carp were reported …read more.

WARSAW — Aerial treatments to slow the spread of invasive gypsy moths in Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, Porter, Tippecanoe and Whitley counties are planned to begin the week of May 7. If weather is favorable, treatments could begin on Sunday, May 7, for the Tippecanoe County site, with all others beginning May 8. The schedule could be …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — This year’s stocking of 400 rainbow trout in Wyland Lake at Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area will take place in mid-March, a month earlier than in previous years.

LAKE WAWASEE — This summer, the Center for Lakes & Streams, at Grace College, began a new project to monitor starry stonewort on Lake Wawasee. Starry stonewort is an invasive algae which can pose a threat to lakes as it can form dense, thick mats which inhibit boat traffic and limit the growth of native …read more.

NOBLE COUNTY — Jaxton Orr, a 13-year-old who lives in Fort Wayne, broke the Indiana size record for spotted gar Thursday night while fishing on Big Lake in Noble County. The size of Indiana state fish records are determined by weight. The record fish weighed 6.0 pounds. The old record for spotted gar was 5.1 …read more.

WARSAW — The “Breakfast with a Forester” series is returning to Warsaw for an encore.  Foresters from Arrow Head Country Resource Conservation and Development Area Forestry Committee will host informal breakfast meetings from 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 20, at the American Table Restaurant on U.S. 30, Warsaw. There is no …read more.

COLUMBIA CITY — If DNR plans move forward, Shriner Lake, north of Columbia City, could be stocked with 1,200 walleye fingerlings this fall.  The walleyes will measure six to eight inches long and will be skimmed from a stocking of 6,690 walleyes at Sylvan Lake in Noble County. If successful, the transfer could be permanent. …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS – DNR news concerning a new licensing system and hunting dates.

INDIANA — The Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers to help gather information on recreational use at large northern Indiana lakes to learn about the spread of aquatic species. Lakes involved in the project are Bass, Manitou, Maxinkuckee, Wawasee, Webster and Winona. Volunteers will monitor selected boat ramps during high-use times to record boats …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Responding to a decline in muskie fishing at Lake Webster, the Department of Natural Resources is modifying its muskie stocking program at the popular lake in northern Indiana. On May 19, biologists released 1,500 muskies into Lake Webster that were 12-14 inches long. Normally, the fish would have been part of a …read more.

NORTHERN INDIANA — Department of Natural Resources grants totaling more than $586,000 will be used to fight invasive aquatic vegetation in Indiana’s lakes. The grants were awarded by DNR Director Cameron Clark through the Lake and River Enhancement program in the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. The 42 projects involve lakes in 15 counties, …read more.

By PHIL BLOOM DNR Communications INDIANAPOLIS — The Department of Natural Resources has received numerous questions regarding recent legislation that legalizes certain rifles for deer hunting beginning later this year. Most questions have to do with calibers and cartridges allowed under the new law. House Enrolled Act 1231 that was passed earlier this year by …read more.

WARSAW — Projects by the city of Warsaw continue to move forward in various stages, following approval for pay applications this morning, March 4, by the Warsaw Board of Public Works. Due to one project, an agreement to relocate the Center Lake Boat Ramp was approved. Projects discussed include: Buffalo Street Redevelopment, Market Street Phase …read more.

INDIANA — Help celebrate Indiana’s bicentennial this year by participating in the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology’s annual photo contest to recognize Historic Preservation Month in May. The subject of the photo must be in Indiana and more than 50 years old. Images could include anything from a cemetery, to a main street …read more.

INDIANA — This fall and winter, the Indiana DNR will be testing hunter-harvested wild ducks for avian influenza as part of a national surveillance effort. Duck hunters at eight properties will be asked to help by returning to the check station after a successful hunt to allow their birds to be tested. Birds will be …read more.

By MIKE MOLNAR Manager, Lake Michigan Coastal Program, DNR Division of Nature Preserves INDIANA — Viewing a newly designed website provides a virtual looks at what only divers used to be able to access. The website, part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website, features the J.D. Marshall, the Muskegon, Car Ferry Number Two …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Natural Resources Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 15 gave final approval to rule changes that govern commercial fishing and sport fishing for catfish.

SYRACUSE — Indiana Conservation Officers announce the temporary speed restriction has been lifted immediately for motorboats on Lake Wawasee. Hazardous high water conditions no longer exist on this lake. DNR Director Cameron Clark has removed an emergency order that had restricted speed. Indiana Conservation Officers remind those on the water to wear a life jacket …read more.

(Photo created with beaconbeta.schneidercorp.com of the spill site) SYRACUSE — The demolition of a condemned home resulted in Turkey Creek Fire Department being notified of a  report of an oil spill on Bayshore Channel of Lake Wawasee, Sunday, July 12. (Related: Local Officials Respond To Hatchery Road Chemical Spill) Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, which is …read more.

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission on Tuesday authorized certain fee changes for some properties and gave final approval to a package of fish and wildlife rules after dropping three proposals in that rule package. The NRC is an autonomous board that addresses topics pertaining to the Indiana DNR. The proposals that were removed from the fish …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officer’s Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund (SBF) program was used by Indiana deer hunters to donate a record 1,756 deer to feed hungry Hoosiers this past deer season.

By SCOTT DAVIS DNR Communications The Department of Natural Resources has released a new version of its mobile application, Indiana DNR. The redesigned app is now available for both the Apple and Android platforms. “The new app builds on the success of our previous iPhone application and adds new features,” DNR director Cameron Clark said. …read more.

Vincennes University signed an articulation agreement with the Indiana DNR Law Enforcement Division on April 29 to award college credits to their Conservation Officers for completed training and years of experience. These credits will assist officers in furthering their education, through Vincennes University’s highly-regarded program in Conservation Law Enforcement; the only one of its kind …read more.

By DAWN R. SLACK DNR Fish and Wildlife Indiana hunters harvested 120,073 deer in the 2014 season, according to data released today by the Department of Natural Resources. While Harrison County was the top producer for the second straight season with 3,054 deer harvested, and the only county to top 3,000, Kosciusko County was among …read more.

By MICHELLE CAIN DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife Nuisance wild animals are a common problem in the spring. Hoosiers have several options for dealing with them. Calling a licensed wild animal control company is one. For the name of a licensed company, visit wildlife.IN.gov/2351.htm. Hoosier landowners or tenants also can trap and release or …read more.

A Purdue University faculty member has created Indiana 4-H’s first online curricula program involving environmental science topics including weather, climate, soil and water. “Soil and Water Science” and “Weather and Climate Science” will help students in grades 3-12 learn about topics of increasing interest among the public, according to Natalie Carroll, a Purdue Extension specialist …read more.

By NEIL LEDET DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife Anglers are wasting no time taking advantage of the early season walleye bite on several northern Indiana lakes. The best reports are coming from Lake Maxinkuckee and Lake of the Woods in Marshall County, Winona Lake in Kosciusko County, Sylvan Lake in Noble County and Crooked …read more.

Prompted by concerns that fishing may be declining at one of northeast Indiana’s most popular fishing spots, DNR biologists will study the fish and fishing activity this year at Lake Webster in Kosciusko County. Best known for its muskie fishing, the 774 acre lake draws anglers from throughout the Midwest and supports several guide businesses. Guides …read more.

By JEREMY PRICE Supervisor, Department of Natural Resources Northern Fisheries The coming of spring marks a surge in walleye fishing opportunities in river tailwaters below major dams throughout northern Indiana. River walleyes begin to migrate upstream by mid March in search of spawning habitat. Where blocked by dams, they congregate in large numbers. “Avid walleye …read more.

Owners of shallow ponds and lakes, especially in northern Indiana, should watch for fish kills this spring. Because ice cover measured 20 inches thick on some northern waters, Indiana fisheries biologists anticipate receiving fish kill reports once the bodies of water thaw. Shallow, weedy ponds are susceptible to winter kills. The most common cause of …read more.

(Photo from Indiana DNR Law District 1) Winona Lake contamination from Chemical Plant fire undetectable and lake users are encouraged to visit the lake. Indiana Conservation Officers have been working with city officials of Warsaw as well as the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) ever since the fire at Warsaw Chemical Company took place …read more.

By LT. KIP SHUTER Warsaw Police Department At approximately 10:55 a.m. this morning, a Warsaw patrol officer noticed smoke coming from a building behind Warsaw Chemical, located at 390 South Argonne Road, on the east side of Warsaw. Fire units arrived and found a working fire in a storage building where multiple containers of chemicals …read more.

By MARTY BENSON Communications, Department of Natural Resources Your guide to Indiana’s best values in outdoor recreation is available now at dnr.IN.gov/5280.htm. The Department of Natural Resources’ 2015 Indiana recreation guide is the source for information on state parks, lakes, state park inns, fish and wildlife areas, state forests and other DNR properties. Local retail …read more.

By LINNEA PETERCHEFF Department of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife The Natural Resources Commission has scheduled three hearings to accept public comment on a package of proposed rule changes governing deer hunting, wild animals found dead, nuisance wild animals, cottontail rabbits, wild pigs, quail and pheasant hunting on DNR-managed properties, ruffed grouse, wild turkey hunting, …read more.

Select Indiana state parks will close temporarily to allow for controlled deer reductions in the coming weeks. The dates for the temporary closings are Nov. 17 and 18, and Dec. 1 and 2. The state parks affected are Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, …read more.

By LT. WILLIAM BROWNE Indiana Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement As the weather cools, wearing an overcoat becomes a nearly automatic equipment choice for enjoying the outdoors. At the same time, many people recreating around water seem to forget about wearing another, more vital type of jacket — a life jacket. That’s a mistake …read more.

The Barbee Neighborhood Watch is having a meeting/luncheon from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, downstairs at The Barbee Hotel. The hotel offers a cheeseburger and fries special that day. The guest speaker will be an officer from the DNR, to answer questions and to give an update on what’s going on in …read more.

A new offer from Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs makes weeknight camping more affordable during September. Those who book a new campsite reservation for one or more weeknights (Sundays through Wednesdays) during the month will receive 20 percent off of their reserved weeknights at the time of booking. The offer applies to all State Parks …read more.

With summer in full swing and people traveling to summer destinations, citizens are reminded to take extra caution as it relates to small children and hot cars. Tragically each year, particularly during the summer months, there are reports of child deaths as a result of being left in hot cars. According to the National Highway …read more.

As Hoosiers gear up for trips to the pool, beach, rivers and lakes, the Indiana Department of Child Services and the Department of Natural Resources remind parents and guardians to make water safety a priority this summer. Families are encouraged to make sure that both adults and children have the knowledge, skills and equipment they …read more.

Joe Hoage, general counsel for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has emailed the Wawasee Property Owners Association, Steve Snyder, attorney and local media, responding to discussions regarding an agreed order. This letter has compounded confusion on what is the law. Snyder, attorney who originally questioned the statute, is looking at the process to clarify …read more.

A DNR survey to estimate the number and size of northern pike and walleyes in Winona Lake in Kosciusko County will start in early April. Fisheries biologists will set six traps daily at various near-shore locations at the 562-acre natural lake. Each captured pike and walleye will be measured, marked with a fin-clip, and then …read more.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Office of Water Quality (OWQ) is offering residential well owners the opportunity to have their water tested as part of the statewide Ground Water Monitoring Network. Testing for metals, nitrate-nitrite, VOCs, SOCs, alkalinity, pesticide degradates and general chemistry will be conducted free of charge for 400 qualified well …read more.

The Department of Natural Resources approved a permit application by Oakwood Resort LLC yesterday to dredge the channel immediately west of the Oakwood Inn. According to the permit, “an approximate 200 foot long, 80 to 100 foot wide channel located immediately west of the Oakwood Inn and Conference Center (Channel 1) will undergo maintenance dredging. …read more.

Buying a hunting license early is generally a wise idea, but it’s essential for those who have yet to buy a license and want to hunt upland game species such as pheasant, quail and rabbit this weekend. The portion of the DNR website dnr.IN.gov through which licenses are purchased will be down for emergency repair from …read more.

Volunteers from all around the Webster Lake area have contributed toward the building and locating of five additional fish cribs or habitats, according to organizer Gary Dant. “People have come to help us build, given money and local businesses have really contributed their services to make this possible. It is a community project that has …read more.