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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.
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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.
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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.
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IDNR Report
The emergency orders restricting motorized watercraft to idle speed on the West Lakes chain, Knapp Lake and the Barbee and Indian lakes chain have been rescinded. Normal boating operations may resume.
The West Lakes chain, located in Noble County, consists of Jones, Steinberger, Tamarack and Waldron lakes.
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IDNR Report
Indiana residents can fish without a license both days this weekend.
The weekend kicks off National Fishing and Boating Week, which is June 6-14. The week is a national celebration that highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing.
Non-residents, however, are required to have a license.
Fishing and boating are excellent opportunities to get outside and connect with family and friends while practicing social distancing. June is an especially good time to fish for largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish and Skamania steelhead.