Indiana conservation officers were investigating a single-vehicle off-road vehicle (ORV) accident in Blackford County, resulting in a woman being airlifted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne for treatment for critical injuries. Two other adult female passengers were also treated at Blackford County Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

At approximately 5:17 p.m. on June 16, officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of East State Road 18. According to the initial investigation, Cynthia Beeks, 62, of Montpelier, was operating a side-by-side UTV in a field. Beeks attempted to take a sharp turn at a high rate of speed, causing it to roll over, pinning her beneath.

Her two passengers, Tammy Garrett and Kristin Roberts, both 48 of Alexandria, suffered minor injuries. All three were transported by ambulance to Blackford County Hospital. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, Beeks was then flown by helicopter to the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

The women did not have permission to operate an ORV in the field where the accident occurred. None were wearing protective gear. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Other agencies responding to the scene include the Montpelier Police Department, Montpelier Fire Department, Montpelier EMS, and Hartford City Fire Department.

Also on June 16, conservation officers responded to a call about multiple individuals in the water clinging to a stranded off-road vehicle (ORV). The incident took place around 3 p.m. on County Road 100 North, near the State Sanatorium Bridge.

The group was riding a side-by-side ORV and attempted to cross a flooded portion of the roadway with a swift current. The ORV was swept off the roadway into Little Raccoon Creek and was lodged on a large rock.

Officers used an airboat to reach the victims and safely return them to shore. No injuries were reported during the incident. As a result of the emergency response efforts, Jeffrey Riddle, 61, Mari Riddle, 25, and three juveniles, all of Rockville, were safely rescued.

Officers discourage attempting to drive across any flooded roadways, regardless of whether a current is visible. Parke County Sheriff’s Department, Parke County EMS, and Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department assisted at this scene.

Help Indiana DNR count wild turkeys

Each summer, wildlife biologists and citizen scientists count the number of young wild turkeys (poults) with turkey hens in what are termed “brood surveys.” The surveys provide the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with information about turkey poult survival and help staff determine how to best manage Indiana’s wild turkey populations.

This summer, the goal is to collect 3,000 brood observation reports from citizens across the state. The survey runs from July 1-August 31. If you are interested in participating, register now at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/8641.htm

Help the DNR to keep track of our wild turkey populations by participating in the survey and spreading the word.

‘Fishing with Lures’ workshop

Monroe Lake is hosting a free Fishing with Lures Workshop at Moores Creek State Recreation Area on June 27 at 7 p.m. The two-hour workshop will be run by Dave Kittaka, a DNR fisheries biologist and experienced angler. Participants will learn tips and techniques to successfully fish with lures, including practice casting a spinning combo you put together.

Online registration has ended, but you may check with Kittaka’s office to see if any spaces are still available – call 812-287-8306 or email dkittaka@dnr.IN.gov

The workshop will include information on different types of lures and how to use them, fish biology and habitat, and fishing regulations. During the last part of the workshop, participants will be able to try out their new skills with some shoreline fishing. All equipment will be provided, but participants are also welcome to bring their own.

All participants age 18 and up must have a fishing license, which must be purchased in advance online (if you don’t already have one) at in.gov/dnr/fishwild/9339.htm

LARE grants to fight invasives

DNR grants totaling $632,880 will be used to fight aquatic invasive plants in Indiana’s lakes. They 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. For a list of 2019-20 grant awardees, visit wildlife.IN.gov/3304.htm

LARE grants are funded through the LARE fee paid by boat owners annually when they register their boats with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The 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 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

Urban catfish stockings

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife stocks catchable-size catfish in city parks as part of its Go FishIN in the City program. Each spring, select urban fisheries are stocked monthly from April-June. When the final stockings of the season were completed, approximately 1,000 fish were stocked in urban areas around the state.

The goal of the Go FishIN in the City program is to give families and novice anglers a convenient setting near home to hone their angling skills. The program also introduces kids and new anglers to outdoor recreation.

Locations are chosen with amenities such as easy parking, restrooms, and shore fishing locations. The locations and final stocking numbers for June include:

•Garvin Park Lake (Evansville), 100 catfish

•Diamond Valley Park Pond (Evansville), 113

•Dobbs Park Pond (Terre Haute), 100

•Krannert Park Lake (Indianapolis Parks), 112

•Washington Twp. Park Pond 2 (Avon), 50

•Riverside Park Pond (Indianapolis Parks), 100

•Meadowlark Pond (Carmel), 50

•Munger Park Pond (Lafayette), 75

•Robinson Lake (Hobart), 150

•Lakeside Park (Ft. Wayne), 150

More information about the Go FishIN in the City program can be found online at wildlife.IN.gov/7508.htm

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by email at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.