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IDNR Report
DNR grants totaling $632,880 will be used to fight aquatic invasive plants in Indiana's lakes.
The grants were awarded by DNR director Cameron F. Clark through the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program in the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.
The 42 projects involve 62 lakes and one river in 15 counties. The applications were submitted by local sponsors who share at least 20 percent of the total cost.
Click here to see attached listing of those waters and groups receiving grants.
LARE grants are funded through the LARE fee paid by boat owners annually when they register their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This user-funded program benefits boaters all over the state. The grants allow for the completion of projects that would be difficult for many local organizations to fund on their own.
"Using LARE grants to control aquatic invasive plants in lakes is just one aspect of our ongoing efforts to restore or improve aquatic habitat for fish," said Mark Reiter, director of DNR Fish & Wildlife. "Controlling invasive species gives native vegetation a better chance to propagate which can improve recreational opportunities for anglers and boaters on many popular public lakes."
The grants will help control or manage aggressive non-native species, including Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and starry stonewort, that can take over and clog lakes. The grants can also provide economic benefits to lake communities by improving and increasing public access opportunities for those who fish or pleasure boat.
Learn more about LARE at wildlife.IN.gov/2364.htm
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IDNR Report
The emergency order restricting the operation of motorized watercraft has been rescinded for the Indian Lakes (Dallas) Chain in LaGrange County, and normal boating operations may resume. The Indian Lakes Chain consists of Dallas, Witmer, Hackenberg, Westler and Messick lakes.
The emergency order for the West Lakes Chain (Dukeís Bridge), which consists of Waldron, Steinbarger, Tamarack and Jones lakes in Noble County, will continue, due to continued concern regarding high-water levels. The order limits the operation of motorized watercraft to idle speed on the lakes in that chain.
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Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty, Ind. will host a pair of fishing programs for women in the coming weeks.
A “Women’s Learn to Fish with Lures” class will be held June 15 with a registration deadline of June 12 and a “Women’s Learn to Kayak Fish” will be June 27, with a registration deadline of June 24.
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IDNR Report
The DNR has placed an idle speed restriction on the Indian chain of lakes in LaGrange County and the West Lakes chain of lakes in Noble County.
The Indian chain of lakes includes the Dallas, Hackenberg, Messick, Westler, and Witmer lakes.
The West Lakes chain of lakes includes Jones, Steinbarger, Tamarack, and Waldron lakes.
An idle speed restriction is put into effect when surface water conditions are likely to enter dwelling structures as a result of wake.
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By Louie Stout
Michigan and Indiana have some free fishing days in the coming weeks. That means you won’t need a fishing license and but all other regulations apply.
Indiana will offer one May 18 and June 1-2. Unfortunately, Indiana’s free fishing days are limited to residents.
Michigan’s free fishing days, June 8-9, are open to residents and non-residents. In addition, the recreation passport isn’t required, so there won’t be charges to use state-owned public boating access sites.