With a new budget for 2015, Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee met Monday night to wrap up some business and prepare for 2015. For the first time since the committee’s inception, executive director Megan McClellan submitted a budget. McClellan discussed the budget with committee members. The budget is for known expenses, she told the board. The budget …read more.

By SHAWN ROSSLER Biologist, Department of Natural Resources EDITORS NOTE: The following article is an abridged version of a report DNR furbearer biologist Shawn Rossler wrote for the 2015 DRN Hunting & Trapping Regulations booklet. Personal experiences shape our attitudes toward most wildlife. This is especially true for coyotes. Thoughts range from worthless varmint that …read more.

By CARRIE TAUSCHER Director, Community and Urban Forest Program, DNR Division of Forestry Indiana communities in the Great Lakes watershed can apply to receive portions of $100,000 in federal grant money to use for tree-planting projects to improve water quality. Planting trees will help mitigate the communities’ loss of trees affected by the emerald ash …read more.

By CHAD STEWART DNR Deer Management Biologist Indiana deer hunters should expect another productive season in 2014, although they may see fewer deer than in previous years when the firearms season begins Nov. 15. “There are several factors contributing to reduced deer numbers in certain areas of the state,” Department of Natural Resources deer management …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.

Indiana Conservation Officers responded to calls for help in the area of 1200 North 400 East around 6:30 tonight in Pierceton. Richard Dixon, 67, Warsaw, just finished his hunt. As he climbed down from his tree stand, the stand collapsed and he fell. Dixon was able to use his cell phone to call for help. …read more.

When thinking of spending time outdoors in Kosciusko County, Indiana, many may think of the abundant lakes and fish, the deer and forest animals scurrying across the roads or maybe even the occasional coyote. Very few would likely question whether a formidable mountain lion was skulking around in the darkness on their properties. For an …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.

Each fall the annual crop harvest coupled with the beginning of hunting season and the deer mating season makes deer movement more prominent and the number of car/deer crashes increase. Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when driving in rural areas of Indiana. Deer are generally more active in the early morning and pre-dawn …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.

SYRACUSE – Steve Roth made an impact. The longtime property manager of Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area finally called it a career last week after 36 years of being a public servant for the state of Indiana and its wildlife enthusiasts. Roth, a native of Edwardsburg, Michigan and graduate of the University of Michigan, started …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana DNR has formally announced its hunting and trapping dates for the 2014-15 season. A complete list of the official dates can be found at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-hunting_trapping_seasons.pdf Of note for the different categories are furbearer hunting and trapping hours are hunting/running at noon of first day to noon of last day, trapping from …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS – A new DNR social media contest encourages Hoosiers to stay connected with the online world even as they unwind in the great outdoors. The contest asks people to share their outdoor experiences on the Instagram photo-sharing service (www.instagram.com) and follow DNR at indianadnr. To participate, post a photo and use the hashtag #getINoutdoors. …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana mourning dove season will expand by 18 days for the 2014-15 hunting season. To accommodate these additional days, the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife has added a third period for dove hunting, in December and January. Additionally, the DNR extended the first period, and modified the second period to avoid …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers of operational District 1, which serves north central Indiana, are holding a recruiting event to be held at Mississinewa Reservoir. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. The group will be meeting at the Miami State Recreation Area campground pavilion. The Miami State Recreation Area is …read more.

A total of 23 Indiana Lake and River Enhancement projects, including some in Kosciusko, Whitley and other neighboring counties, are receiving a portion of $994,300 in grants to care for Indiana’s water bodies. The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife operates the LARE program which includes water quality monitoring, bank erosion control, and watershed land treatments to …read more.

Two DNR favorites — “Snakes Alive” and the Kids Fishin’ Pond — kick off day one of the Indiana State Fair and will be offered daily, Aug. 1 through 17. Another annual favorite, the Taste of the Wild cookout, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m. All three events will be adjacent …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.

Indiana Conservation Officers from across the state will be participating in Operation Dry Water, conducting heightened boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement patrols and reaching out to recreational boaters to raise awareness about the dangers of BUI. “Indiana waterways are meant to be a safe environment for all citizens and visitors to enjoy,” says Lt. …read more.

Autopsy results of the body discovered in the Yellow River in Marshall County near Plymouth have returned to police, however, the identity of the man has yet to be released. According to the Plymouth Police Department, at 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, police were notified of a body floating in the Yellow River. According …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.

An enormous nest located on top of a cell phone tower off of Lake Street in Warsaw has caught the eye of several passing by. StaceyPageOnline.com took a moment to stop by and try to capture a picture of the creatures living in the mammoth nest, which are believed to be osprey, a large bird of …read more.

Key words: 150 feet and 176 feet. Those key words are being overlooked by many people who are reading the Department of Natural Resources press release to clarify a recent “buoy” agreement reached between Anchor Holdings LLC, Randall L. Tobias and Sargent HP LLC and the DNR. Shortly after an article appeared reporting on the …read more.

The Department of Natural Resources wishes to clear up any confusion regarding a recent agreed order the agency entered into with owners of two Lake Wawasee properties regarding the placement of buoys. In November 2013, the property owners – Anchor LLC, and Randall J. Tobias and Sargent H P LLC – applied for a permit …read more.

As part of National Safe Boating week — May 17-23 — Indiana Conservation Officers are offering Indiana boaters useful tips for an enjoyable and safe summer on the water. Conservation Officers, who will be patrolling Indiana waterways this summer, are encouraging boaters to become familiar with state boating laws and to follow these safety tips: …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.

(UPDATE: This morning, Indiana Conservation Officers say the victim has been identified as Stephen M. Rodick, 57, of South Bend. Rodick remains hospitalized in critical condition and the investigation is ongoing.) Indiana Conservation Officers are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who was rescued by the South Bend Fire Department from the St. …read more.

[weaver_youtube 2WL4r1wd2-4 rel=0] Divers of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Warsaw Police Department and the Warsaw Fire Department were on Sechrist Lake in the Barbee Chain of Lakes today attempting to raise two sunken vessels. Unfortunately, the operation was not a success. Cpl. John Engle of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was …read more.

SYRACUSE – Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area will host a youth rabbit hunt on Saturday, Oct. 19. The hunt is from 8 a.m. to noon. Children will be partnered with an experienced hunter, and various beagle dog handlers will guide the youth hunters as they trail rabbits through fields and woods. If your child is …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers participated in a national boating while intoxicated awareness campaign from June 28-30 titled, “Operation Dry Water.” Last year’s ODW results tabulated 10 Boating While Intoxicated arrests throughout the state during the 3 day campaign. A total of 92 Indiana Conservation Officers participated in the 2013 campaign and logged 836.5 hours of boat …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are currently seeking those responsible for a fish kill in a small creek and private pond in Sidney. According to the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Conservation Officer Keith Dinn and IDEM representative Greg Carter responded to a call from a private land owner near SR …read more.

A 16-year-old New Paris teen is hospitalized in serious condition after a mechanical failure caused a boat she was in to crash through a seawall on Lake Wawasee. According to Indiana Conservation Officers, the accident Sunday evening caused serious injuries to Riley Wagner, 16. The accident occurred at approximately 5:40 p.m. when a 2005 Nautique, …read more.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Information provided by The DNR Sunday noting the incident occurred on Lake Wawasee was incorrect. Indiana Conservation Officer media spokesperson Jerry Hoerdt today announced, “I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused any reporting agencies.”) Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a swimming accident that happened Saturday night on Chapman Lake and ultimately …read more.

Growth of Eurasian watermilfoil, a non-native, invasive aquatic plant, poses a threat to recreation at Waubee Lake in Kosciusko County. But DNR officials say more watermilfoil is not necessarily bad given the scarcity of other, native plants in the 187-acre lake. Based on sampling by DNR fisheries biologists, coverage of Eurasian watermilfoil in Waubee Lake …read more.

On May 7, DNR Director Rob Carter determined that lake levels in northern Indiana have returned to acceptable levels for normal boat operation. Effective immediately, the previous motorboat speed restriction order has been lifted and normal boat operations may resume on the following local lakes: the Barbee Lake Chain including Kuhn, Big Barbee, Little Barbee, …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers and the DNR Division of Forestry are providing useful tips to landowners that can assist in protecting their valuable timber resources. Indiana hardwoods, such as black walnut, red and white oak, and other valuable species are sought by the timber industry. Landowners should follow some simple steps before signing a contract with …read more.

Tournament anglers who fish for largemouth bass in northern Indiana natural lakes have had no long-term negative effects on bass populations, according to a study by DNR fisheries biologists. Biologists examined the numbers and sizes of bass caught at 22 organized events in 2011 and 2012, and compared the results to 23 events in 2001 …read more.

The Tippecanoe Lake Chain, Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake were among 17 projects receiving grant money for a sediment removal plan and funds awarded to remove a logjam in the Tippecanoe River. The local grants totaled $63,000. The Department of Natural Resources grants totaling more than $850,000 will fund removal of sediment and logjams from …read more.

Chuck Parr, president of the Barbee Lakes Property Owners Association, read a prepared statement to about 40 people who attended a meeting early this morning concerning the March 30 killing of mute swans that sparked public outrage: “The BLPOA is dedicated to maintaining the quality of our lakes and wetlands. We have and will continue …read more.

Officers of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are investigating the death of a South Whitley woman, whose body was found in a pond Sunday morning. At approximately 10:50 a.m. Sunday, the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch received a report that the body of Bonnie Knetter, 74, was located in a pond near her home …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are encouraging hunters to be safe this spring when taking to the woods. Indiana Hunter Education is a good place to begin and is required in order to purchase a license for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986. A person unable to complete Hunter Education may purchase up to three Apprentice Licenses …read more.

Department of Natural Resources grants totaling more than $693,000 will be used to fund the battle against invasive aquatic vegetation in Indiana’s lakes. Of the $693,000 allotted, a total of $127,020 will be used for lakes within Kosciusko County. Lakes to receive aide against invasive aquatic vegetation include Kuhn, Big Barbee, Little Barbee, Irish, Sawmill, …read more.

Despite the eyewitness accounts of what seemed to be the brutal beating death of a mute swan on Sechrist Lake last Saturday, Indiana Conservation officers investigating the incident have found no violations with the kill method. Jack and Rhonda Doyle said they watched helplessly from their pier as three men in a pontoon – which …read more.

A Columbia City man was killed early this morning in a snowmobile accident in Whitley County. Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers and emergency personnel were called at approximately 1:45 a.m. to the 2000 block of West CR 200 North. Whitley County Sheriff’s Department deputies said two men, including the victim, Justin Hinen, 21, …read more.

Hunter Education Classes taught by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are scheduled for two days in February. Participants are now being asked to register. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on two consecutive Saturdays, Feb. 2 and Feb. 9, at the Purdue Extension Office in Fort Wayne. Those interested in …read more.

Give the outdoor lovers on your list the gift of Indiana’s state parks, reservoirs, state park inns and Outdoor Indiana magazine, all in one bargain package, without ever leaving your home. You may even want to get yourself one, too, considering the savings. The $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack includes a 2013 resident Annual …read more.

In summer 2013, about 5,000 catfish will earn release from federal prison in Terre Haute. That’s right, catfish. In a partnership between the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, inmates at Terre Haute’s Federal Correctional Complex will raise channel catfish for DNR’s new urban fishing program and walleyes for selected …read more.

This is peak season for deer-related vehicle accidents and motorists should remember to drive defensively. “Nearly 50 percent of all vehicle accidents involving white-tailed deer occur between October and December, with November by far the worst month,” said Chad Stewart, deer research biologist for the DNR. The main reason for deer collisions is the seasonal …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officer Cpl. Erick Bolt is investigating a firearm incident that happened in Cromwell and resulted in an injury to a North Webster man. At approximately 1:30 p.m. Friday, Stephen R. White, 70, was sighting in his 12 gauge shotgun using sabot slugs in a field located near 1910 South SR 5. White was preparing …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers have extended their Central Dispatch Center to a 24-hour operation in order to maintain radio contact with Conservation Officers across the state. Until now the Central Dispatch Center operated daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. The 24-hour operation began at midnight Oct. 29. Central Dispatch is located at Paynetown State Recreation Area …read more.

Every hunter dreams of harvesting the perfect trophy deer, but few ever find one as unique as the one Brian Hamman of Culver brought down last year. About four years ago, Hamman was hunting when he spied what he thought was a whitetail buck. Though it caught his attention, he decided not to shoot it …read more.

Any club wishing to hold a fishing tournament on Lake Wawasee or Sylvan Lake are encouraged to have a representative attend a DNR meeting on Nov. 3 at the District One Law Enforcement Office located on the southeast side of Lake Wawasee. The meeting starts at 10:00 a.m. and all those attending must make a …read more.

Any club or organization interested in conducting fishing tournaments on Lake Wawasee or Sylvan Lake are encouraged to have a representative attend a meeting that will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. The meeting will be at the Indiana Conservation Officer’s District 1 Headquarters located at 9822 N. Turkey Creek Rd., along the …read more.

It’s a historical moment for the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation as this long journey to purchase critical property on Lake Wawasee has closed a chapter. But it also opens up possibility of new chapters. Those were the thoughts of WACF Acquisition Chairman Tom Yoder on the purchase late Friday afternoon of the “buildable lot” adjacent to the foundation’s educational center. The …read more.

The Kosciusko County Dive Team was called to Whitley County Saturday evening to help locate the body of a teenager believed to have drowned in Troy Cedar Lake. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is investigating the case. Officers were first called to Troy Cedar Lake in Whitley County at about 6:50 p.m. Saturday. A 15-year-old …read more.

Monument City, a former town at Salamonie Lake that is visible this summer due to drought conditions affecting water levels in the reservoir, has been temporarily closed to all public access. The site drew attention over the weekend with statewide media reports that it is now visible after being submerged for decades at the flood …read more.

The Department of Natural Resources and the state Department of Homeland Security have issued a Water Shortage Warning for all counties in Indiana due to drought conditions. Under the state’s Water Shortage Plan, notification letters are being sent to owners and operators of significant water withdrawal facilities calling on them to implement voluntary measures that …read more.

The Indiana Tree Project announced today it will be pairing with Groupon Grassroots to support and expand Indiana’s state forests. Groupon Grassroots is the philanthropic arm of the company that uses the collective action model to raise money for different causes. The project aims to plant one million trees and create 1,000 acres of new …read more.

Residents of Syracuse, Wawasee and Tippecanoe lakes vowed to “take the lake(s) back” and even accused the law enforcement division of the Department of Natural Resources of violating the laws themselves. During the 40-minute annual meeting of the Syracuse Lake Association this morning, the DNR came under fire by those upset with recent beefed up …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — State officials are warning boaters that Indiana’s lingering drought is making some public boat ramps unsafe, particularly along rivers. The state Department of Natural Resources says shallow waters have raised the risk that boaters could damage their boat trailers or get them stuck in mud while trying to get their vessels down …read more.

State officials with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will be on hand at the annual Syracuse Lake Association’s breakfast meeting Saturday morning. The event will take place at Syracuse Community Center. Breakfast, catered by the Brown Bag Deli, will be served from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. immediately followed by the association’s annual meeting. Becky Fox, SLA president, …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a boat accident that injured 11-year-old Morgan Rodman of New Paris. The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. this afternoon on Dewart Lake in Kosciusko County. CO Joseph Tenbarge and officers from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call regarding a juvenile being struck by a PWC. According …read more.

C.O. Mollenhour conservation camp is still accepting registrations for boys and girls ages 9 years to 14 years old. The camp for the boys runs from July 8-13 and girls camp begins July 15 and runs through July 20. At conservation camps, campers learn about all aspects of Indiana’s natural resources through Indiana Conservation Officers and other Department …read more.

Word has been received today that the Oakwood property in Syracuse has been sold. Lauren Zeugner of The Mail-Journal reports that the property has been sold to Dr. Rex Parent, a Fort Wayne opthamologist who owns a home on the east end of Lake Wawasee. Parents two sons, JR and Jason, are said to have …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal accident that killed Chelsea Ann Lovett, 20, of Granger, Ind., a horse rider in Brown County State Park. The victim was employed as a trail guide by the Brown County Guided Trail Ride concessionaire at the Saddle Barn in the park. The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. Sunday as …read more.

Two local teenagers are being charged with theft after being caught red-handed joy-riding in the boat they are accused of stealing. Indiana Conservation Officer Jerry Hoerdt observed a speeding boat on Lake Wawasee at about 8 p.m. Friday. Hoerdt said the boat was traveling at about 30 mph when he activated his emergency lights and …read more.

Indiana Conversation Officers put a stop to an underage drinking party near Lake Wawasee early Saturday morning. According to Indiana Conservation Officers, a disturbance at a Lake Wawasee home was reported at approximately 2 a.m. June 9. The result was the arrest of 11 minors. Officer Jerry Hoerdt and Cpl. Ashlee Jackson were on boat …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers in operational District One cracked down on Memorial Day weekend on would be violators.  District One comprises the counties of Wabash, Miami, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, St. Joseph and Elkhart. In all, 16 officers logged 461 hours of patrol, which included patrols at state properties within the district such as Mississinewa and Salamonie …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a property damage accident that occurred on Winona Lake at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Conservation Officer Mark Hines was called to the scene and examined two boats which had collided 150 yards south of the north lake shore in the area of the fairgrounds.  A 2000 Riviera Cruiser pontoon boat operated …read more.