- Details
IDNR Report
Indiana DNR Launches ‘Where to Paddle’ Interactive Map
DNR’s Division of Outdoor Recreation has launched a new interactive “Where to Paddle” map that is designed to highlight Indiana’s water trails. It can be found at on.IN.gov/wheretopaddle.
“Previous river guides that were available for Indiana were outdated,” said Dale Brier, director of of Outdoor Recreation. “This new map provides Hoosier paddlers with critical and updated information about our water trails in one convenient resource.”
- Details
IDNR Report
Beginning July 6, hunters can apply for reserved hunts online by visiting on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
The online method is the only way to apply. No late entries will be accepted. Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they are applying.
Hunters will be selected through a random computerized drawing. Applicants will be able to view drawing results online within two weeks after application deadlines. An email will be sent to all applicants when the drawing is completed.
Applications for the following hunting opportunities open July 6 and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 17:
- Details
IDNR Report
Boaters preparing for the Independence Day holiday should be aware that Indiana Conservation Officers will be on high alert for violations of boating-under-the-influence laws as part of national Operation Dry Water.
Operation Dry Water (operationdrywater.org), a year-round program, will be in heightened effect July 3-5.
Indiana Conservation Officers, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard, will focus on educating boaters about safe boating practices, including keeping alcohol off the boat, for both operators and passengers.
- Details
IDNR Report
The Natural Resources Commission’s (NRC) Division of Hearings has scheduled two hearings to accept public comments on proposed rule changes.
Proposed rule changes include adding ruffed grouse and cisco to the state’s endangered species list, establishing new size and bag limits for saugeye taken on the Ohio River, and allowing air guns during the deer firearms hunting season. For a complete list of proposed amendments with additional information about each proposal, see wildlife.IN.gov/2362.htm.
The hearings are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, July 29, 6 p.m. ET, Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Road, Anderson, IN 46017. Fisheries Rules Hearing in the Nature Center, multi-purpose room. Wildlife Rules Hearing in the Pavilion.
- Thursday, July 30, 6 p.m. ET, McCormick’s Creek State Park, 451 McCormick Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN 47460. Fisheries Rules Hearing in the Sycamore Room. Wildlife Rules Hearing in the Oak Room.
Public comments can be submitted online at nrc.IN.gov/2377.htm. Locate the “comment on this rule” link in the Rulemaking Docket for the FW Biennial Fisheries Amendments or the FW Biennial Wildlife Amendments, whichever rule package the comment applies to.
Comments can also be mailed to:
Natural Resources Commission Indiana Government Center North 100 North Senate Ave., Room N103 Indianapolis, IN 46204
The deadline for public comments is July 30, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The NRC will review the public comments before voting on final adoption of the changes later in 2020. Rule changes that are given final adoption must still be approved by the Attorney General’s office and Governor’s office, and filed with the Indiana Register before taking effect.
- Details
Idnr Report
Steve Backs, Wildlife Research BiologistSouth Bend native Steve Backs, wildlife research biologist with the Division of Fish & Wildlife, was recently announced as recipient of the 2020 Chase S. Osborn Award in Wildlife Conservation.
The award, which Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) has presented 34 times in its 67-year existence, goes “to an individual who, by writing, research, teaching or other personal accomplishments has made significant contributions to wildlife conservation in the state of Indiana.”
Backs graduated from South Bend St. Joseph High School in 1971.
Backs graduated a member of Purdue’s wildlife science class of ’76 and began full-time work for the DNR in 1979 after completing his graduate work at the University of Vermont. He was nominated for the award by two retired interpretive naturalists from the Division of State Parks, Jim Eagleman and Dick Davis.