In accordance with Gov. Mitch Daniels’ INShape Indiana and the state’s trails initiative, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recommended the federal government divide $1,263,810 in available federal grant money for Indiana among eight outdoor recreation projects.

“We’re following the Governor’s directive to offer healthful trail access within a 15-minute drive of each state resident,” said Rob Carter, DNR director. “We hope the people of Indiana will take advantage of the trail opportunities and new facilities made possible with these grants.”

The grants come from the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Each year, a portion of federal taxes from gas purchased by off-highway vehicle (OHV) users is apportioned to the RTP through the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). Indiana’s distribution, the figure listed above, is based on OHV usage and fuel sales in the state.

The state’s DNR director recommends to the FHA which projects should be funded and at what level, through RTP. The funding levels listed below will not become official until they are federally approved.

The federal tax dollars are divided among the states, which use the money for acquiring and developing multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and OHVs. Program rules dictate 30 percent of the funds be spent on motorized trails; 30 percent on trails for non-motorized sports; and 40 percent on diverse-use trails or education. To be eligible for the federal funding, states must have a trails advisory board composed of different trails-interest groups.

Projects DNR recommended to receive money are listed at www.in.gov/dnr/press/pr070307TrailsGrants.pdf

The Panhandle Pathway is part of the state’s backbone/priority visionary trail system identified in the Trails, Greenways and Bikeways Plan. Greenfield Trails and the Turkey Creek Corridor connect to the system.

Since 1994, DNR has administered 67 RTP grants totaling $9,190,441 for Indiana projects. For more information about the RTP program and how to apply, visit www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/grants/rtp.html

Applications are due by May 1 of each year. Groups seeking funding for future years should call the Division of Outdoor Recreation at 317-232-4070 for information.

Day camps set at Mounds State Park for July 25-27

If your kids love the outdoors, Mounds State Park has a day camp that could be a highlight of their summer. The Wilderness Day Camp, for ages 11-13, will be July 25-27.

The days will be filled with activities, including educational games, exploration hikes, nature crafts and a version of “The Amazing Race” Each youth will make something to take home to reinforce what he or she learns. The programs will help children better understand the environment and professions in the field.

The Wilderness Day Camp is $35 per child. Each camp’s time schedule is the same: Wednesday and Thursday hours are 9 a.m.-noon. Friday hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

Each morning will feature a variety of fun learning sessions. The last day will end with a campfire cookout and award ceremony, which parents are encouraged to attend.

Children will meet at the Visitors Center each day at 9 a.m. and must be picked up at noon on Wednesday and Thursday and at 2 p.m. on Friday at the same location. Parents will be asked to fill out health/participation forms before their child participates in activities on the first day. To register your young naturalist or to ask any questions about the program, call 765-649-8128.

Bird Appreciation Day at Brown County State Park

Bird lovers should plan to flock to Brown County State Park on July 21 for Bird Appreciation Day.

The day starts at 10 a.m. with bird crafts under the tent. At 11 a.m., Jim Eagleman will present a program in the Nature Center’s auditorium on bird migration. Back under the tent, the crafts portion of the day will be wrapping up at 11:45 a.m., followed by a game of Bird Bingo featuring several prizes.

At 1 p.m. in the auditorium, Brittany Davis will present a program on avian acoustics. Davis presented the program at this year’s Eagle Watch in February at the park. Return to the Wild, a local bird-of-prey rehabilitation organization, will present some of its hawks and owls during the afternoon.

The regular weekend gate fee of $5 per in-state vehicle, $7 per out-of-state vehicle will be charged. There is no charge for any of the programs; however, donations are never turned away.

Restoration funding available to forest landowners

Forestry landowners around the state should note that applications to receive funds from Indiana’s Woodland Restoration Program (IWRP) will be accepted from July 1 through July 31.

The summer program is aimed to provide incentive funds for enhancing or establishing woodland conservation practices, such as tree planting for reforestation, follow-up weed control on established tree plantings, timber stand improvement, pre-harvest grapevine control, tree pruning, establishment of riparian buffers and invasive plant species control.

Those interested should contact their district forester, or the DNR Division of Forestry at 317-232-4105. For additional information and a map of the nearest District Forester location, visit www.in.gov/dnr/forestry then click on “Private Landowner Assistance.”