Discover nature and fun at the DNR Building during the Indiana State Fair (Through Aug. 23, closed Mondays). Make your way to one of the coolest spots at the fairgrounds. Located in the northwest corner, the DNR Building is a refreshing, air-conditioned escape packed with outdoor adventure and interactive exhibits.

While you are inside, pick up the latest Recreation Guide, Fishing Guide, and Hunting & Trapping Guide, enjoy the fascinating displays, chat with the knowledgeable staff, and observe the fish in the aquariums.

This year also marks a special milestone: The DNR State Fair Fishin’ Pond turns 20 years old. Since 2006, the Fishin’ Pond has offered kids ages 5–17 the chance to fish for free at the state fair. The pond is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4–7 p.m., and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–7 p.m.

Natural Resources Commission Input On Wildlife Rule Change 

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission has opened its second public comment period for proposed changes to the bobcat season rule. This is the last comment period before the NRC votes to adopt, reject, or modify the proposed changes. 

Proposed changes include adding hunting in addition to trapping and increasing the season quota to 400 bobcats.

Public comments may be submitted online through Aug. 27 by going to IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket and clicking on the link to submit comments under “Rule Name: Hunting of Bobcats and Increase in Statewide Season Quota.”

 Comments can also be mailed to: Natural Resources Commission, C/O Indiana DNR Legal Division, 402 W. Washington Street, Room W-261, Indianapolis, IN 46204

The deadline for public comments during this second public comment period is Aug. 27.

The second public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 27 from 2 - 4 p.m. ET in the Roosevelt Room at the Fort Harrison Inn, 5830 N. Post Road, Indianapolis. The public can attend in person or online anytime during the timeframe. The public hearing will also be webcast live at IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket and viewers will be able to comment during the webcast. Sign up for updates at on.IN.gov/dfw-rule-changes.

Bantam Sunfish Found During Community BioBlitz

On June 20, DNR biologists participated in the annual Indiana Academy of Science BioBlitz, which was held at Harmonie State Park. A bioblitz is an event where professionals and amateur enthusiasts search for and document as many different species as possible within a certain location.

 For DNR’s nongame aquatics team, the blitz yielded surprising results. The state endangered bantam sunfish was collected from two small Wabash River tributaries. Prior to the discovery, the bantam sunfish had only been reported at two other locations in the state, but the collections have never been confirmed by DNR staff.

Extreme southwest Indiana marks the northern extent of the bantam sunfish’s range. After the recent find, the DNR nongame aquatics team plans to expand their search in the area to hopefully find a larger source population.

Heavy rains turn rivers treacherous

For all you adventurous sorts eyeing your kayak, canoe or small john boat and thinking about making a run on the river, forget about it!

The torrential rains slamming Indiana have turned the calm, idyllic, peaceful rivers and streams into killing machines with inescapable and unrunnable Class VI rapids. 

There are other risks besides the rapids! High waters can pull boaters into a sweeper.  A sweeper is a downed and mainly submerged tree in the flowing current.  The pull of the river will flip a small boat, kayak or canoe and it will pin any individual in the limbs underwater making it impossible to escape being drowned.

Don’t be fooled by your put-in-point being calm and inviting as the stream or river can change in an instance on a trip downstream. Your trip can turn treacherous at the very next bend in the river.

With historic flooding, and some places receiving the equivalent of a thousand year flood, the rivers and streams in Central and Eastern Indiana won’t be navigable for several weeks.

Indiana has more strong storms coming our way and river and stream conditions will not be quickly returning to normal.

Stay home and stay alive!

Second Phase Of Parke Community Trail

On July 14th, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Parke Trails Alliance celebrated the opening of the second phase of the Parke Community Rail Trail in Jessup.

The segment, 2.5 miles of hard-surface trail, was constructed by the nonprofit with help from a $5 million dedicated grant administered by the DNR.

Phase 2 connected the communities of Jessup and Catlin, relocated a 175-year-old Whipple truss bridge to provide safe crossing across Little Raccoon Creek, and constructed a new trailhead in Jessup. 

When complete, the Parke Community Rail Trail will add more than eight miles of trail between the Rockville Depot and the Vigo County line, connecting multiple towns. The project uses portions of the former Vandalia Railroad and will include eight bridges and four trailheads.

“This project represents years of planning, partnership, and community support. Phase II demonstrates what can happen when volunteers, local governments, landowners, donors, and trail advocates work together toward a shared vision,” said Mark Davis, Parke Trails Alliance Project Manager. “We are excited to welcome the public to experience this incredible addition to the Parke Community Rail Trail.”

Trees For Your Town

The IDNR community and urban forestry grant applications are due in one month. The grants are available to fund community & urban forestry projects throughout Indiana, with a total of $474,793 available in funding. 

Administered by the Indiana DNR Community & Urban Forestry program, the funding is available through the USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program.

 Application deadline: September 11, 2026. Notification of award: October 12, 2026

All grant materials and information are available on our website at: https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/programs/community-and-urban-forestry/

‘till next time, 

Jack

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.