In its meeting on May 15, the Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) voted unanimously to withdraw a rule proposal authorizing a bobcat hunting and trapping season, and another proposal requiring nuisance wild animal control permit holders to euthanize raccoons, opossums and coyotes.

Proposed changes to other rules involving the possession or sale of bobcats were also withdrawn from the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) biennial wildlife rules package. A modification was given to some language (in 312 IAC 9-10-11) governing reporting requirements for nuisance wild animal control permit holders.

After making the amendments, the NRC granted final adoption to the rules package, which includes a number of amendments to 312 IAC 9 that govern rules relating to wildlife.

The actions took place at the NRC’s regularly scheduled meeting at Fort Harrison State Park. It granted preliminary adoption to the original biennial rules package in September 2017, starting the rule change process. The most significant of the wildlife rule amendments granted final adoption as part of the rules package include:

•Allowing the hides and carcasses of legally harvested furbearers taken during the season to be kept year-round by hunters and trappers without a special authorization or permit

•Adding several bats and the rufa red knot (a federally threatened bird) to the state’s endangered-species list

•Removing the osprey and several mussels from the state’s endangered species list

•Adding Elkhart, Kosciusko and Noble counties to the fall wild turkey firearms hunting season

The rule package presented to the NRC on May 15 is on the NRC’s website at www.nrc.IN.gov/files/Ex_H.pdf though it does not reflect the changes made at the aforementioned meeting.

Once the rule package has been signed in its final approved form, it is sent as a part of an assembled rule package to the office of the attorney general for review. The office has 45 days to conduct its review. Upon approval, it will forward the proposed rule amendment to Gov. Eric Holcomb.

The Governor then has 15 days, which may be extended by an additional 15, to approve or disapprove the rule package as it was forwarded to him. If Holcomb neither approves or disapproves the rule package, it is deemed approved by statute.

The package, if approved or deemed approved, is then filed with the publisher (the Legislative Services Agency). In most cases a rule becomes effective 30 days after it is accepted for filing by the publisher.

During the meeting, the NRC also approved Glacier’s End in Johnson County as a new nature preserve. The action increases to 285 the number of state-designated sites protected by the Nature Preserves Act.

Glacier’s End Nature Preserve covers 298 acres and lies approximately 3 miles south of Trafalgar, in the county’s southwest portion, within the Brown County Hills Section of the Highland Rim Natural Region. The land borders Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow and Bob’s Woods Conservation Easement.

The new designation extends the amount of contiguous forestland where the Wisconsinan Glaciation ran into the Brown County Hills to more than 550 acres. Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. owns and will manage Glacier’s End Nature Preserve. The Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust assisted with acquisition of the nature preserve.

In other actions, the NRC:

•Considered petitions to establish or increase slip rental rates for the 2019 boating season filed with the Commission by Fourwinds Resort and Marina operated on Monroe Lake, and Hoosier Hills Marina operated on Patoka Lake. The commission approved the findings and recommendation of the hearing officer.

Its findings and recommendations will be forwarded to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for final approval.

•Accepted the hearing officer’s report as the report of the commission on the Petition for Formation of Lake George Conservancy District. The district is being proposed for purposes of flood prevention and control and the operation, maintenance and improvement of a work of improvement for water-based recreational purposes.

The Commission’s report will be filed with the Steuben County Circuit Court for consideration in Case No. 76C01-1711-MI-000330.

The NRC is an autonomous board addressing topics pertaining to the DNR. More details on the actions are available at www.nrc.IN.gov/2354.htm under “May Agenda.”

Boaters should clean, drain and dry

In the past, nasty critters and vegetation have been unknowingly spread by recreational boaters and fishers. To help stem the tide of invasive species spread the Indiana Department of Natural Resource reminds all boaters to “Clean. Drain. Dry.”

Cleaning, draining and drying your boat helps prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS are non-native aquatic animals, plants, microorganisms and pathogens that can hurt native aquatic plants and wildlife, harm human health and the environment and add more expense for businesses.

The invasive species arrive in a variety of ways, including on trailers, boat hulls, motors and on fishing gear, and through the pet trade.

“The best way for boaters to help protect our waters is by following the ‘Clean-Drain-Dry’ message,” said Eric Fischer, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

•CLEAN: When leaving the water, clean all equipment touched the water. This includes watercraft hulls, trailers, shoes, waders, life vests, engines and other gear. Remove all visible plants, algae, animals and mud.

•DRAIN: Drain accumulated water from watercraft or gear, including live wells and transom wells, before leaving the ramp or public access point.

•DRY: Once home, let all gear dry for five days or more before using it in a different water body.

Some of the worst aquatic invasive species in other states have yet to be found in Indiana, according to Fischer – and the state wants to keep it that way.

Finally, remember dumping bait or unwanted aquarium or terrarium pets can introduce invasive species to local waterways. Dispose of all unused bait in a trash can instead of dumping it into the water or on the shore.

“Your diligence will help ensure that the next generation of Hoosiers can experience the same water activities that you enjoy,” Fischer noted.

If you suspect you have found an aquatic invasive plant, fish, mollusk or crustacean, report it to the Division of Fish & Wildlife online at www.dnr.IN.gov/6385.htm or download the Report IN app from www.eddmaps.org/indiana

You may also call the Invasive Species Hotline at 866-NO-EXOTIC (663-9684).