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By Louie Stout

Brown TroutBrown Trout

If you like brown trout, you’re gonna love what the Indiana DNR is doing.

Instead of relying upon other states to provide brown trout when they are available, Indiana has embarked upon a program to become self-sufficient, raise its own fish and increase stocking numbers for inland waters.

About 2,500 browns obtained from Ohio were stocked in 2021, but about 400 were held over as brood stock for future egg collection.

About 7,200 Indiana-raised fish measuring 6 to 8 inches were stocked recently from eggs collected in 2022 and the state hopes to produce even more in the future. It’s currently sitting on about 10,000 and a large portion - providing they survive well in hatcheries over the winter - will go in next spring as about 13 inchers.

“It’s difficult to develop a fishery with inconsistent stocking,” said Matt Horsley, northern fisheries biologist. “With us having complete control, we can develop more trout fishing year round. That’s something that die-hard trout fishermen want.”

IDNR Report

All veterans and active-duty military personnel, and everyone in their vehicle, will be admitted free to DNR state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas, and off-road state recreation areas on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11.

This includes admission to Falls of the Ohio State Park’s Interpretive Center.

“We appreciate the sacrifices and service of our veterans and active-duty military and look forward to recognizing them with a day to explore some of the best outdoor places in our state,” said Terry Coleman, director of Indiana State Parks.

Veterans and military personnel should simply let the gate attendant at the property they visit know that they are either a veteran or serving and on active duty.

For general information about state parks, reservoirs, forest properties, and off-road state recreation areas, see on.IN.gov/recguide.

For information about interpretive programs at state parks and reservoirs, see interpretiveservices.IN.gov. `

IDNR Report

Invasive Spotted LanternflyInvasive Spotted Lanternfly
Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) has been confirmed in the northern Indiana counties of Elkhart, Porter, and St. Joseph next to railroad lines through Chesterton, Elkhart, and Mishawaka.

This is the third region of the state in which this invasive pest has been found, joining the 2021 find in Switzerland County (southeast) and the 2022 find in Huntington County (northeast). The DNR continues to survey to determine the extent of the currently infested areas.

A planthopper that originated in Asia, spotted lanternfly is of concern across most of the United States because of its adverse effect on fruit orchards, nurseries, and the logging and wine industries. It was first discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and is often unknowingly spread by humans. It’s now found in many Eastern states as well as along the rail lines in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo in Ohio, and in Chicago.

IDNR Report

Indiana Conservation Officers encourage Hoosiers to help the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) put an end to poaching by reporting potential violations to Turn In a Poacher, Inc. (TIP).

TIP is a nonprofit conservation organization that partners with DNR protects fish and wildlife resources by increasing public support and involvement in bringing violators to justice.

A poacher is a thief who illegally steals wildlife that belongs to all Hoosiers. DNR manages wildlife for everyone, and every person can help TIP support DNR efforts by reporting potential violations at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (800-847-4367) or tip.IN.gov. Doing so will help conserve wildlife for future generations.

Call TIP if you see, hear, or learn about poaching or another violation regarding fish and wildlife. If your “TIP” leads to an arrest, you may receive as much as a $500 reward, or you can remain anonymous if you choose. In 2022 TIP received nearly 600 tips and paid thousands of dollars in rewards for tips that have led to the arrest of a suspect.

“Concerned citizens are key in assisting Indiana TIP in the fight against poaching and bringing to justice those who violate fish and wildlife laws,” said Col. Steve Hunter, director of DNR Law Enforcement.

 

IDNR Report

Indiana Department of Natural Resources director Dan Bortner announced that organizations in 11 Indiana counties will receive $1,143,000 in grants to fund 17 lake and river or stream projects through the DNR Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program.

Of that, $244,110 will go to eradicate weeds in several northern Indiana lakes and streams. Click here to see those bodies of water that will receive vegetation treatments in 2023-24 and how much will be spent at each one.