Posted on July 29, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Anyone interested in applying for funds in the second round of the Next Level Trails grant program is encouraged to attend one of the application workshops being held during the month of August.
Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Cameron Clark recently shared details about the second round of funding, including the dates and times for three workshops.
On Friday, August 9th a workshop will be held at Fort Harrison State Park Inn in Indianapolis. This opportunity will also be offered via webinar.
A workshop will also be held on Tuesday, August 13th at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell. The final workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton.
All of the workshops will begin at 3 p.m. local time. Click the following link for registration information.
Next Level Trails, which will dedicate $90 million of State funds over the life of the program, is the largest infusion of trail funding in state history.
In the first round, seventeen communities and non-profit organizations were awarded a total of $24.9 million for 42 miles of trail development.
Locally, the Prairie Trails Club was awarded a grant totaling $390,750 to extend the Erie Trail by a little over 2 miles.
According to information provided about this round of funding, $25 million will be awarded to regional projects and up to $5 million will go into local projects.
Each component requires a 20 percent project match. While the match can include monetary contributions, it can also include land value and in-kind donations of materials and labor. Projects funded through the program must be open to the public.
The application period for the second round begins October 1st and ends November 1st at 5 p.m. ET. First-round applicants that did not receive funding may re-apply this round. A third-round is anticipated in 2020.
Applicants should review the updated Next Level Trails Application Handbook, as some minor changes have been added for round two.
Showing posts with label Indiana Dept of Natural Resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indiana Dept of Natural Resources. Show all posts
Monday, July 29, 2019
Friday, June 14, 2019
River Access Improvements, Koontz Lake Dam Area Mowing Discussed by Starke County Park Board
Posted on June 14, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
While a Stellar Community designation could bring upgrades to the Bass Lake Beach area, there might also be major improvements to recreational facilities throughout Starke County.
That’s what Rik Ritzler told the rest of the Starke County Park Board Tuesday. “Kayaks, trail connections, a lot of other things that the park board could be involved in,” he said.
“I don’t think any of those look too hard,” added County Attorney Marty Lucas.
Lucas suggested looking into upgrades at the point where the Kankakee and Yellow rivers meet, as part of larger efforts to encourage kayaking. “I mean, right now, it’s just kind of a road that goes to a muddy area,” he said, “but yet, it’s a fabulous location for kayaking, right? I mean, all those rivers you can get to.” Board Member Chris Lawrence agreed to start researching potential next steps with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Meanwhile, Board Member Rosemary Rose said she’d like to see some improvements at Koontz Lake. Ritzler, who also serves as Starke County’s highway superintendent, said he’s been talking to the Indiana Department of Transportation about mowing around Koontz Lake’s dam area. “There’s debate whether or not they feel they’re responsible to do that,” he explained. “One of the property owners at Koontz Lake did mow some of it, and we’re sending out some weed-whacking crews either tomorrow or the day after, to finish that up a little bit. And I’m meeting with INDOT on many different things, and that’s one of the topics of conversation, is who’s going to be responsible for doing that. I don’t mind the county, in conjunction with Koontz Lake [Association] doing that because I don’t think the state would do it very often.”
Ritzler added that if individuals would be willing to help mow the area, the state might be more willing to make some sort of agreement.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
While a Stellar Community designation could bring upgrades to the Bass Lake Beach area, there might also be major improvements to recreational facilities throughout Starke County.
That’s what Rik Ritzler told the rest of the Starke County Park Board Tuesday. “Kayaks, trail connections, a lot of other things that the park board could be involved in,” he said.
“I don’t think any of those look too hard,” added County Attorney Marty Lucas.
Lucas suggested looking into upgrades at the point where the Kankakee and Yellow rivers meet, as part of larger efforts to encourage kayaking. “I mean, right now, it’s just kind of a road that goes to a muddy area,” he said, “but yet, it’s a fabulous location for kayaking, right? I mean, all those rivers you can get to.” Board Member Chris Lawrence agreed to start researching potential next steps with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Meanwhile, Board Member Rosemary Rose said she’d like to see some improvements at Koontz Lake. Ritzler, who also serves as Starke County’s highway superintendent, said he’s been talking to the Indiana Department of Transportation about mowing around Koontz Lake’s dam area. “There’s debate whether or not they feel they’re responsible to do that,” he explained. “One of the property owners at Koontz Lake did mow some of it, and we’re sending out some weed-whacking crews either tomorrow or the day after, to finish that up a little bit. And I’m meeting with INDOT on many different things, and that’s one of the topics of conversation, is who’s going to be responsible for doing that. I don’t mind the county, in conjunction with Koontz Lake [Association] doing that because I don’t think the state would do it very often.”
Ritzler added that if individuals would be willing to help mow the area, the state might be more willing to make some sort of agreement.
Friday, May 31, 2019
IDNR Issues Warning About Plant Shipments Contaminated with Sudden Oak Death
Posted on May 31, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is alerting residents that a number of plant shipments in the state that were contaminated with a fungal pathogen that kills oak trees.
This is the first time this infection has been spotted in about 10 years.
The IDNR confirmed that more than 70 Wal-Marts and 18 Rural King stores in Indiana received rhododendron plants infected with the fungal pathogen referred to as Sudden Oak Death (SOD). Contaminated shipments were also sent to 9 other states.
Workers from the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology have been visiting stores across Indiana to destroy any infested stock and to quarantine stock that’s symptomatic.
The division has made this its top priority. Any quarantined material not infected will be released following testing at Purdue University.
SOD travels in more than a hundred species of host plant material. It causes some browning of the leaves in the host but does not kill it.
As of Wednesday, the DNR had destroyed approximately 1,500 infested rhododendron plants and pulled another 1,500 from stores. Officials also ordered stores to stop selling rhododendron for the time being.
SOD has not been established in the Midwest, to date, but it has killed large tracts of oaks on the West Coast. The fungal pathogen can kill a standing oak, which could happen if SOD-positive rhododendron is planted within about 6 feet of the tree.
If you have purchased rhododendron from Wal-Mart or Rural King within the last four week, destroy them. You can also call 1-866-No-Exotic (663-9684) or your local county extension office at 1-888-EXT-INFO(398-4636) for further instructions.
This is an ongoing investigation, and guidance could change as more information is gathered. For more information, follow the links provided above.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is alerting residents that a number of plant shipments in the state that were contaminated with a fungal pathogen that kills oak trees.
This is the first time this infection has been spotted in about 10 years.
The IDNR confirmed that more than 70 Wal-Marts and 18 Rural King stores in Indiana received rhododendron plants infected with the fungal pathogen referred to as Sudden Oak Death (SOD). Contaminated shipments were also sent to 9 other states.
Workers from the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology have been visiting stores across Indiana to destroy any infested stock and to quarantine stock that’s symptomatic.
The division has made this its top priority. Any quarantined material not infected will be released following testing at Purdue University.
SOD travels in more than a hundred species of host plant material. It causes some browning of the leaves in the host but does not kill it.
As of Wednesday, the DNR had destroyed approximately 1,500 infested rhododendron plants and pulled another 1,500 from stores. Officials also ordered stores to stop selling rhododendron for the time being.
SOD has not been established in the Midwest, to date, but it has killed large tracts of oaks on the West Coast. The fungal pathogen can kill a standing oak, which could happen if SOD-positive rhododendron is planted within about 6 feet of the tree.
If you have purchased rhododendron from Wal-Mart or Rural King within the last four week, destroy them. You can also call 1-866-No-Exotic (663-9684) or your local county extension office at 1-888-EXT-INFO(398-4636) for further instructions.
This is an ongoing investigation, and guidance could change as more information is gathered. For more information, follow the links provided above.
Local Lakes Receive Grant Funding to Control Invasive Vegetation
Posted on May 31, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has announced this year’s round of Lake and River Enhancement grants. Almost $633,000 has been awarded to fight invasive aquatic plants in 62 lakes and one river.
In Marshall County, the Four Lakes area made up of Mill Pond, Kreighbaum, Cook, and Holem lakes received $33,200 this year. Lake of the Woods got $19,600.
In Starke County, Koontz Lake received $6,500, while Bass Lake was awarded $3,900. Bruce Lake in Fulton and Pulaski counties got $4,200.
According to a DNR press release, the grants will help control aggressive non-native plants that can clog lakes, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, curly leaf pondweed, and starry stonewort. Director of DNR Fish & Wildlife Mark Reiter says that makes it easier for native vegetation to thrive, which in turn, can help improve recreational opportunities for anglers and boaters.
LARE grants are funded by boat registration fees. Project sponsors must provide a 20-percent local match.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has announced this year’s round of Lake and River Enhancement grants. Almost $633,000 has been awarded to fight invasive aquatic plants in 62 lakes and one river.
In Marshall County, the Four Lakes area made up of Mill Pond, Kreighbaum, Cook, and Holem lakes received $33,200 this year. Lake of the Woods got $19,600.
In Starke County, Koontz Lake received $6,500, while Bass Lake was awarded $3,900. Bruce Lake in Fulton and Pulaski counties got $4,200.
According to a DNR press release, the grants will help control aggressive non-native plants that can clog lakes, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, curly leaf pondweed, and starry stonewort. Director of DNR Fish & Wildlife Mark Reiter says that makes it easier for native vegetation to thrive, which in turn, can help improve recreational opportunities for anglers and boaters.
LARE grants are funded by boat registration fees. Project sponsors must provide a 20-percent local match.
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