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

Restrictions on boating have now been lifted for Tippecanoe Lake and others. 

WARSAW — The DNR has placed idle speed restrictions on watercraft on Oswego Lake in Kosciusko County and Knapp Lake in Noble County.

Floodwaters on several lakes are high enough that officials are banning motorized watercraft from above idle speed.

Campgrounds, State Park Inns, restaurants, family cabins, and camper cabins are closed, and tentatively scheduled to open Sunday, May 24.

INDIANAPOLIS – The DNR has closed its offices to the public until March 24.

ARGOS — The thefts of animal parts and hides by a former local taxidermist that occurred as early as 2011 recently resulted in the arrest of a suspect. Cody Leed, 45, of Plymouth, was arrested Feb. 28 on warrants through Marshall County for eight misdemeanor charges of theft, one felony theft charge and one felony …read more.

WARSAW — DNR will be at the Pike Lake dam at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, to remove boards in order to lower the water level about one foot for the winter. The City of Warsaw will provide a boom truck to assist with the heavy lifting.  

SYRACUSE — For the second year in a row, the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and the Department of Natural Resources teamed up to provide a family fishing event between the lakes on Wednesday morning, July 3.

WINONA LAKE — The Watershed Foundation and Indiana Department of Natural Resources are offering an informational session about healthy shorelines from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at the Winona Lake Senior Center. The event is free and open to the public. The accepted norm on many lakes is to have a mowed lawn …read more.

Video courtesy Crouse Body Shop and 24-Hour Towing, Warsaw SYRACUSE — Many are questioning what happened that resulted in a Jeep Cherokee ending up in Lake Wawasee when there are no boat ramps in the area. The county 911 Communications Center received a call at 6:45 a.m. Sunday, June 24, of a vehicle in the …read more.

SYRACUSE —A lone fisherman, who was rescued from the waters at Shock Lake, in the Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area, off CR 850N, has been transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital. His condition is unknown. At approximately 12:58 p.m. today, Thursday, April 26, Turkey Creek Fire Territory received a call of a fisherman who had fallen …read more.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the 10th in a series continuing to look at proposed sewers around Tippecanoe Lakes.) LEESBURG — The possibility of two entities attempting to have sewers installed around Tippecanoe Lakes may be known Tuesday morning following the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting. The commissioners tabled a tabled decision last Tuesday, Dec. 12, on …read more.

WARSAW — Most of the regular monthly meeting of the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission Wednesday afternoon Dec. 6, in Warsaw, was spent discussing a new floodplain level improvement permit the county will likely eventually begin to issue. Matt Sandy, assistant planning director for the county, said he designed the permit in order for the …read more.

SYRACUSE — The public access ramp on Medusa Street, Syracuse, will be closed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Oct. 2-20. The state will be upgrading the ramps. According to Paul Stork, Northern Access DNR, the work will include removing the existing cement ramps and pier that separate the two ramps. These ramps, which …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.

NORTH WEBSTER — Like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” there’s no place like home for muskies in Lake Webster. DNR biologists say muskies, a large predatory fish, show some affinity to general areas at the 774-acre lake. Their assessment is based on recapture locations of tagged muskies caught each spring during egg-taking operations. “We’ve …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — Aerial treatments to disrupt the mating process of gypsy moth are scheduled for sites in Fulton, Kosciusko, Porter and Wabash counties this week. Planes will treat sites in Indiana after treatments in Ohio are completed. The treatment date depends on the weather and completion of treatments in Ohio. Current scheduling indicates treatment may …read more.

TIPPECANOE LAKE — Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association has been working with the DNR to have idle speed only on the lakes due to the current flood level. At this point the DNR has not issued a formal order for idle speed but is monitoring the situation daily. Unfortunately, they are currently awaiting actual home …read more.

SYRACUSE — It’s time for the first Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Lake Talk & Eats event of the 2017 season at the WACF Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes and Wetlands Educational Center, 11586 N. SR 13, just south of Syracuse. A special double-header is planned for Saturday, June 3, with a native plant sale and a Department of …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Parks & Recreation Department is hosting Touch-A-Truck from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 6, at the Syracuse Community Center, North Long Drive. This hands-on event will provide kids with the opportunity to see, touch and explore their favorite big trucks, heavy equipment and emergency vehicles as well as interact with community support leaders who operate them.

KOSCIUSKO — Eight Indiana counties will be able to address sediment problems in lakes and rivers, thanks to $617,500 in grant funding from the DNR’s Lake and River Enhancement program. Silver Lake in Kosciusko County will receive $145,000 for sediment removal. LARE grants are administered through DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. Division director Mark …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Department of Natural Resources grants, totaling more than $585,000, will be used to fight invasive aquatic plants in Indiana’s lakes. Some of those funds will be utilized in area lakes.

NORTH WEBSTER — A decline in the number of adult muskies at Lake Webster in Kosciusko County has DNR biologists worried about a potential shortage of eggs to use in the state’s muskie stocking program. Traditionally, Lake Webster is where biologists have caught adult female muskies to harvest eggs for Fawn River State Fish Hatchery …read more.

ROCHESTER — Indiana Conservation Officers and Fulton County Sheriff’s Department are seeking information regarding a wild deer that was found alive, on fire, near the intersection of SR 25 and CR 400N. In the early morning hours of Feb. 16 a deer was struck and injured by a car. The deer was still alive when an accelerant …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Public meetings regarding gypsy moth treatments proposed by the Department of Natural Resources to take place in areas of Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, Miami, Porter, Tippecanoe, Wabash and Whitley counties this spring will be held from Jan. 24 through Feb. 2 at various locations. The presence of the invasive gypsy moth, problems associated …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — A public warning was released by Indiana DNR at approximately 8:18 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 with the following information: Kosciusko County Police informed Indiana Conservation Officers of a suicidal male subject in the area of Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area. Michael D. Miller, 20, Twinsburg, Ohio, was believed to be on foot …read more.

INDIANA — Unusually warm temperatures have delayed the fall color display in Indiana this year, according to DNR community and urban forester Carrie Tauscher. The best fall color formation happens when there are bright, warm days, cool nights and moist soils. While all of Indiana has experienced bright, warm days, the occurrence of cool nights …read more.

WARSAW — The project addressing areas of excess fallen trees in the Tippecanoe River was completed this fall, reducing flooding and increasing recreation opportunities. More than 280 logjams were removed from the 30-mile stretch of river from Oswego Lake to SR 19 as a strategy to allow for water to flow more freely and provide easier canoe …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.

NORTH WEBSTER — Indiana Conservation Officers are actively searching Webster Lake for a male subject that was last seen approximately 200 yard from shore. A witness stated that they observed a man bobbing up and down in distress as they drove by. He then disappeared beneath the water without surfacing. No one has been reported …read more.

INDIANA — The Indiana Heritage Trust that has successfully funded conservation protections on nearly 62,000 acres over the past two decades is getting a name change. Effective July 1, IHT will be renamed the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust Fund under a law passed earlier this year by the General Assembly. “It’s a fitting tribute …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.

NORTHERN INDIANA — Aerial treatments to disrupt the mating process of gypsy moths are scheduled for sites in Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and Starke counties this week. The plan brings treatment planes to Indiana after they complete treatments in Ohio. The treatment date depends on weather and completion in Ohio. Current scheduling indicates treatment may occur …read more.

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

INDIANA — The Indiana Trails Advisory Board has won an award for 2016 Outstanding State Recreational Trails Advisory Committee. The award is a part of the Coalition for Recreational Trails Annual Achievement Awards. The winner is chosen by the awards committee of the National Association for State Parks Directors. The TAB is composed of 15 …read more.

This weekend is the last chance in 2016 for adults to fish for free in Indiana. June 4 and 5 are the final two days of four Free Fishing Days this year. On these special days, Indiana residents who are age 18 and older can fish public waters without needing a fishing license or a trout stamp. …read more.

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.

WARSAW — An additional step forward in the Buffalo Street redevelopment project was taken by the Warsaw Board of Public Works Friday morning, May 20, with the approval of a modified parking lease agreement for the relocation of the public boat ramp at Center Lake.

To change the world, sometimes all that’s needed is a small step. For the newly formed Paddlers for Conservation Paddle Club, that small step was getting fed up with the trash they were finding on their paddle trips.

Weather has prevented today’s scheduled aerial treatment to slow the spread of gypsy moths in Kosciusko, LaPorte, St. Joseph and Whitley counties. The treatment may occur Friday, May 13, if weather conditions, low wind speeds and no chance of rain are forecast and occur. If weather does not allow treatment on Friday, treatment will be …read more.

Catching nearly 5,000 black crappies in one day at Shipshewana Lake might be an angler’s dream, but for Steve Donabauer the catch was nearly a nightmare. Donabauer, a DNR fisheries biologist, caught them in late April in two trap nets as part of a region-wide study of crappie numbers and sizes. Most were small. Where …read more.

The DNR will extend trout fishing opportunities at five northern Indiana streams with additional trout stockings. The streams are Pigeon River in Steuben and LaGrange counties, Turkey Creek in LaGrange County, Little Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Little Kankakee River in LaPorte County and Potato Creek in St. Joseph County.  Pigeon River, Turkey Creek and …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana celebrates Arbor Day on April 29 this year, and the holiday is a chance to encourage responsible tree planting and recognize the Hoosier communities that excel at urban forestry. This year’s Arbor Day coincides with the 40th anniversary of the National Tree City USA program. Tree City USA is a program through …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.

STEVENSVILLE, MICH. — What’s a bear to do after a long winter’s slumber?

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Conservation Officers have partnered with Vincennes University to offer a Citizen’s Academy to college students and citizens who register.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Public meetings regarding gypsy moth treatments proposed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources have taken place in areas of St. Joseph, Kosciusko, Fulton, Marshall, Starke, Whitley and LaPorte counties.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Public meetings regarding gypsy moth treatments proposed by the Department of Natural Resources, will take place Tuesday, Feb.2, through Thursday, Feb.11. The treatments are set to take place in areas of St. Joseph, Kosciusko, Fulton, Marshall and Starke counties this spring. Topics will include the presence of the invasive gypsy moth, problems …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.

INDIANAPOLIS — As the holiday season comes to an end consider recycling or re-purposing your Christmas tree. According to Carrie Tauscher, DNR Division of Forestry’s Community and Urban Forest program director, options include taking the tree to a designated Christmas tree recycling site and tossing it in the backyard to provide shelter for wintering birds …read more.

INDIANA — The Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday used a three-stop tour to kick off a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Indiana state parks system.

INDIANA — With firearms deer season approaching in Indiana, hunters must understand the risks of hunting from an elevated platform and how to protect themselves from a fall. Falls from elevated platforms are the leading cause of deer hunting accidents in Indiana, accounting for more than half of all accidents. In an average deer season, …read more.

[weaver_youtube IkGaXrn0yHw rel=0]   By EILEEN OAKS Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The 2,300 muskellunge fingerlings released into Backwater and Webster Lake last week seemed to have little in common with their reputation as one of the fiercest and most evasive challenges for anglers in the Midwest. In five years …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.

PIKE COUNTY — Corporal Eric Doane with Indiana DNR Law District 7 responded to an injured bald eagle Monday afternoon in Pike County, Indiana.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kosciusko County has been invaded and the culprit can be difficult to get rid of. Phragmites, also known as the common reed or giant reed, has been in the U.S. since at least the 1800s, but more recently has made its way to northern Indiana — and Koscuisko County. Phragmites is an …read more.

WARSAW — When Kosciusko County Lake Patrol Officer, Ken Troutman, saw boaters in trouble, he was right there to assist. This afternoon, Wednesday, Oct. 7, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators recognized Troutman for taking action in rescuing seven boaters when their boat sank. Troutman had signaled to the motorboat, which was traveling in an idle …read more.

SYRACUSE — Indiana Conservation Officers Jonathon Boyd and Dustin Whitehead, along with Kosciusko Lake Patrol Officer Ken Troutman, received national recognition from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for their courageous rescue of seven boaters on Lake Wawasee this summer.

SYRACUSE — Indiana Conservation Officers are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) in a hit and run boat accident which occurred on Lake Wawasee at 1 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. Witnesses heard a loud crash at Pier 52 off of Ogden Point Road at 1 a.m. and heard two men’s voices. The suspect boat …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Division of Forestry within the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has released a proposed new strategic plan for our state forests, “IDNR Division of Forestry Strategic Direction 2015-2019” that will continue logging an average of 14 million board feet of trees every year from our state forests, at least four times more board feet per year than was logged from the state forests prior to 2005.

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.

NORTH LIBERTY — Get lost in the beauty of a tallgrass prairie at Potato Creek State Park’s Prairie Maze, open now at 25601 SR 4, North Liberty.

NEW CARLISLE — DNR says a black bear that can’t seem to make up its mind on a new home, may have wandered back to Indiana. The report came early in the week that the bear, who has gone back and forth between Indiana and Michigan all summer, might have damaged a bird feeder and left droppings behind in a subdivision on the southwest side of New Carlisle.

INDIANAPOLIS – The regular-season waterfowl dates, as proposed to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) by the Indiana DNR are highlighted through the north, central and south zones.

INDIANAPOLIS – The fee for put-and-take pheasant hunts at DNR Fish & Wildlife Areas will increase from $25 to $28 for the 2015-16 season.

INDIANAPOLIS – The date range to set up and leave portable tree stands and ground blinds on state and federal lands is now noon on Sept. 15 through Jan. 10 the next year. Another change this year is that hunters now can mark their stands and blinds with their DNR- issued customer identification number or their name and address.

INDIANAPOLIS — The state fair this year will include programs from the Department of Natural Resources, which will be available every day, from now until Aug. 23.

INDIANAPOLIS —New grants for the care of Indiana’s water bodies totaling $1,290,880 have been awarded through the Lake and River Enhancement program in the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. The grants help fund 33 projects in 26 counties. Local sponsors submit applications for LARE assistance and commit to sharing a portion of the total cost. DNR’s share comes from a fee paid annually by boat owners when registering their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

WARSAW — State and federal mandated revisions to Kosciusko County’s flood control ordinance are a step closer to final adoption. During its regular monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 5, in Warsaw, the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission recommended approval of the revisions.

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory responded to a boat on fire Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, on Syracuse Lake. At 5:57 p.m., firefighters received the call and were able to extinguish the fire in about five minutes.

WARSAW — The Pike Lake public boat ramp will be closing on Aug. 17, but only for approximately two weeks. Indiana Department of Natural Resources will be constructing a new handicap accessible pier and public boat ramp on Pike Lake. The existing ramp will be closed during this time due to construction. The new ramp …read more.

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.

KOSCIUSKO — Boaters rejoice, the temporary speed restriction on Tippecanoe and Barbee Lakes has been rescinded. Recently, Indiana Conservation Officers announced the temporary restriction for motorboats to idle speed on Lake Tippecanoe chain of lakes, Lake Wawasee and Barbee Lakes. Though restrictions have been lifted for Tippecanoe and Barbee lakes, Lake Wawasee is still under …read more.

SYRACUSE — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating what caused a boat to sink on a Lake Wawasee this evening. Around quarter after seven this evening, Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a boat sinking with multiple people in the water. The lake patrol witnessed a boat speeding across Lake Wawasee, which is under an idle speed …read more.

By SAM WHITELEATHER Division of Fish and Wildlife Due to increasing campground operating costs, the Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish & Wildlife is raising its campground fees. The fee increase will allow the division to continue maintaining and operating campgrounds at Willow Slough, J.E. Roush Lake and Glendale Fish & Wildlife Areas. The …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Anyone familiar with Lake Tippecanoe in North Webster is also familiar with the joys of the lake. The beautiful sunsets, family fun, delicious cuisine, relaxing atmosphere and great boating are some of the best around. What locals did find a surprise was the lake’s recent stint on MSN’s best lakes in 50 states.

MILFORD — The Indiana DNR is dropping plans to reintroduce ciscoes at Waubee Lake in Kosciusko County. The fish species was once common in the lake. Biologists say not enough oxygen is available in the deep, cold-water layer of the 187-acre lake for ciscoes to survive. Had conditions been adequate, the DNR and lake residents …read more.

Turkey Creek Fire Department responded to a chemical spill on Hatchery Road, Syracuse, at 6:06 p.m. Sunday evening, July 12.
According to fire officials, a property was being demolished by a private company after being condemned.

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

Kosciusko County is in the process of revising its flood control ordinance, the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission heard during its regular monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon, July 1, in Warsaw. Matt Sandy, assistant planning director for the county, said the revision is mandated because FEMA is updating its flood plain maps and also some of …read more.

Hunters may apply for a reserved hunt online by visiting hunting.IN.gov and clicking on the “Reserved Hunt Information” link, beginning July 1. The online method is the only way to apply. All applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the species they’d like to hunt. All applications must be completed by the application deadline to …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers will be joining thousands of law enforcement officers across the United States who will be on heightened alert for those violating boating under the influence laws during the annual Operation Dry Waterweekend, June 26-28. Operation Dry Water is a nationally coordinated heightened awareness and enforcement campaign, focused on deterring boaters from boating …read more.

The Department of Natural Resources seeks 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 entering or leaving …read more.

Wildlife biologists with the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife say the Michigan black bear that walked into Indiana last week has turned west based on evidence collected over the weekend and reported sightings today near Michigan City.

The DNR stocked 12,750 walleye fingerlings in Pike Lake on June 9 to maintain walleye fishing opportunities in the 228-acre natural lake in Kosciusko County.

Experimental early-season aquatic herbicide treatments at Stone and Atwood lakes in LaGrange County appear to be reducing the population of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or “Duck Stamp,” will increase in price for the first time in 24 years. The cost will go from $15 to $25. The increase adjusts for inflation over the last 24 years. Several conservation organizations, including Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, support the increase. The …read more.

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.

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 MICHELLE CAIN Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife This spring, the Indiana DNR will stock more than 55,000 trout throughout the state in time for stream trout season, which starts Saturday, April 25. The state’s 2015 trout stocking plan and list of stocking locations is at wildlife.IN.gov/3622.htm. Traditionally, the state has …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers and Indiana Hunter Education volunteer instructors will be conducting a hunter education class from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday March 28, 2015 at the Bass and Bucks Archery Shop located just southwest of Wabash. This course is required for anyone born after 1986 who wishes to purchase a hunting license in Indiana. …read more.

By JOSH GRIFFIN DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife Beat cabin fever and help wildlife by tackling habitat improvement projects this winter. Late winter is the best time to pursue many wildlife habitat projects. The ground is often dry or frozen, the timing prevents conflicts with nesting wildlife in spring, and managing wooded and shrubby …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 AMY BORLAND Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology The DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology is sponsoring its 11th 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 …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.

By MIKE MYCROFT Chief of Natural Resources, DNR Division of State Parks Volunteer hunters took 1,004 deer during controlled hunts at 18 state parks and one state natural area in November and December of 2014, according to Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for the DNR Division of State Parks. A full report is available …read more.

Let Indiana State Parks and Inns be your cupid this Valentine’s Day with gift ideas and lodging specials. InnsGifts.com offers gift cards for camping at Indiana State Parks and for lodging at State Park Inns, annual park entrance passes, and more. Or, buy one of two GO! Pack specials that include an entrance permit, one-year …read more.

By PHIL BLOOM Communications, Indiana Department of Natural Resources There are many ways to recycle Christmas trees, but tossing them on a frozen lake to create fish habitat may not be the best idea and may require a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. “Fish attractors tend to bring fish and fishermen together,” said …read more.

By GINGER MURPHY Deputy Director for Stewardship, Indiana State Parks When you start thinking about your new year’s recreation, make sure you plan for every month so you don’t miss out. Use the DNR’s special events calendar, StateParks.IN.gov/3282.htm, which shows what’s planned for 2015 at state parks and reservoirs throughout Indiana as your guide. You’ll …read more.