Indiana Conservation Officers encourage Hoosiers to help the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) put an end to poaching by reporting potential violations to Turn In a Poacher, Inc.  TIP is a nonprofit conservation organization partnering with Indiana’s DNR to protect fish and wildlife resources by increasing public support and involvement in bringing violators to justice.

A poacher is a thief who illegally steals wildlife belonging to all Hoosiers. DNR manages wildlife for everyone, and every person can help TIP support DNR efforts by reporting potential violations at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (800-847-4367) or tip.IN.gov. Doing so will help conserve wildlife for future generations.

Call TIP if you see, hear, or learn about poaching or another violation regarding fish and wildlife. If your “TIP” leads to an arrest, you may receive as much as a $500 reward, or you may remain anonymous if you choose. In 2023, TIP received nearly 900 tips and paid thousands of dollars in rewards for tips leading to the arrest of a suspect.

“Concerned and vigilant citizens are the key reason why the Indiana TIP program has been successful in fighting against poaching and bringing those who violate fish and wildlife laws to justice,” said Col. Steve Hunter, director of DNR Law Enforcement. “Poaching affects us all.”

MyPath Riverfront Trail opens

The Indiana DNR and the Owen County Community Foundation opened the recently completed MyPath Riverfront Trail, which was funded with support by Next Level Trails (NLT). The 0.88-mile asphalt multi-use trail was constructed by the foundation with help from a $639,483 NLT grant.

“Trails are important for both the wellbeing of Hoosiers and our communities,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. “Next Level Trails has taken that philosophy literally to the next level, making connections with more than 100 new trail miles throughout the state. It’s exciting to see this new trail section open for all to enjoy in Owen County.”

The project improves 0.88 miles of the previously natural-surface trail along the White River, connecting Pottersville Road to River Road south of Spencer. It links users to a lowlands reforestation project and pollinator garden, and establishes a new trailhead on the river’s west fork featuring an 80-foot ADA-accessible bridge over Elliston Creek.

“The community is excited to enjoy the first multi-use trail in the county. We are happy for the partnerships that have built this new, beautiful trail along the White River,” said Janet Rummel, the foundation’s president and CEO.

The $180 million program is administered by the DNR and facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities.

Including the MyPath Riverfront Trail, 36 of the 89 NLT projects are complete, totaling more than 102 miles of trail built since the program’s inception. Several projects are under construction, with many more slated to break ground during the next year.

More information about the NLT can be found at on.IN.gov/NextLevelTrails.

Markland Dam restricted areas

Indiana Conservation Officers want to remind the public to take safety precautions and follow all posted directions while boating or being near dams along the Ohio River, including the Markland Dam near Vevay, Ind,

The Markland Dam is a popular recreational spot offering many opportunities for anglers and boaters to enjoy the area’s natural resources. However, boaters must be aware of the inherent dangers of the dam and comply with all directions on buoys and signs located upstream and downstream of the structure.

Among the warnings are the “keep out” buoys, placed upstream of the dam to indicate areas where boats are prohibited from entering.

The buoys and signs warn of the unpredictable water conditions creating a boil line similar to a low-head dam. These conditions can significantly hinder a boat’s maneuverability and could cause it to capsize. The dam could also be opened at any time, adding additional hazards to the area.

Conservation Officers are patrolling the area to ensure laws are being followed and people are taking all precautions to enjoy the area safely.

Dredging disrupts boating on Hudson Lake

Public access to Hudson Lake in LaPorte County may be disrupted from mid-to late October through the end of the year due to a dredging project aimed at improving boating access. The work is funded by the Indiana DNR’s Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE) and the Hudson Lake Conservation Association.

During the project, sediment will be hydraulically pumped from the access channel and a navigation channel between the lake’s east and west basins to an upland area on the northwest end of the lake. This may result in temporary blockage or restrictions near the sites because of dredging equipment or piping being on the lake.

More information on the LARE program and the current projects is at lare.dnr.IN.gov. More information on public access sites is at on.IN.gov/adopt-a-ramp.

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com 

Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.