Posted on October 4, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County officials hope that recent upgrades to the County Forest will help attract new visitors. County Park Board members and Community Foundation representatives joined Forester Bruce Wakeland, Commissioner Kathy Norem, and several others Wednesday afternoon, to cut the ribbon on the forest’s upgraded access road.
This summer, the Starke County Highway Department upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road. It features a cul-de-sac for parking, with a native plant garden being developed in the middle.
County Attorney Marty Lucas explained that the bulk of the cost was covered by a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. “The grant was $15,200, and the funds were also supplemented with additional money from the trust fund for the forest here that Bruce maintains by timber sale, so the property also supported some of it,” Lucas said. “And then I think the commissioners also provided some additional funds for the road installation.”
Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins credited Lucas for helping the park board get the grant. “Marty did 90 percent of the work on this on his own, and I’m proud of what he did and proud of what we’ve got here,” Chaffins said. “And it’s going to improve the park use, I hope, for everybody, so everybody knows where it’s at now.”
The forest entrance is located in the area of 10655 East Division Road, although the property extends a mile south to State Road 8. Forester Bruce Wakeland said that having the entrance on the smaller county road has a couple of advantages: the safety when it comes to getting in and out of the property and the proximity of the entrance to the forest’s major features, like the marsh and observation tower. He said the upgrade was a great feature that was really needed, noting that he was surprised at how quickly the original parking lot became overwhelmed.
Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albright echoed that sentiment. “This is so welcoming, compared to the way the drive and stuff went through before,” he said. Albright also encouraged anyone who hasn’t hiked through the County Forest to put that on their to-do list.
Showing posts with label Starke County Forest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke County Forest. Show all posts
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Starke County Commissioners Confirm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Starke County Forest
Posted on September 22, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners this week confirmed the date and time for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Starke County Forest.
County officials and residents will be celebrating the recent upgrades at the Starke County Forest. The highway department recently upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot with funding from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. A native plant garden was also planted in the middle of the lot with money from the Forest Fund.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Starke County Forest at 10655 East Division Road. All are invited to attend.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners this week confirmed the date and time for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Starke County Forest.
County officials and residents will be celebrating the recent upgrades at the Starke County Forest. The highway department recently upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot with funding from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. A native plant garden was also planted in the middle of the lot with money from the Forest Fund.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Starke County Forest at 10655 East Division Road. All are invited to attend.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Starke County Forest May Host Cross Country Meets
Posted on August 20, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest could soon host high school cross country meets. Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins brought up the idea during last week’s meeting, on behalf of board member Chris Lawrence, who was not in attendance. “He mentioned that we’d see if we’d be open to that,” Chaffins explained, “and if it would work, I don’t see why the schools couldn’t do something like that.”
Forester Bruce Wakeland said as long as the forest meets the requirements for a cross county course, he didn’t see a problem with it. Wakeland added that hosting meets would introduce the property to a lot of new people.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest could soon host high school cross country meets. Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins brought up the idea during last week’s meeting, on behalf of board member Chris Lawrence, who was not in attendance. “He mentioned that we’d see if we’d be open to that,” Chaffins explained, “and if it would work, I don’t see why the schools couldn’t do something like that.”
Forester Bruce Wakeland said as long as the forest meets the requirements for a cross county course, he didn’t see a problem with it. Wakeland added that hosting meets would introduce the property to a lot of new people.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Native Plant Garden to be Added to Starke County Forest Parking Area
Posted on August 18, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will soon get a native plant garden. The recently-upgraded access road now ends at a circular parking loop, with an open space in the middle.
The Starke County Park Board agreed Tuesday to let Naturally Native Nursery of South Bend fill the space with a colorful arrangement of flowers and grasses. Rough Blazing Star, Smooth Aster, Black-eyed Susan, and Prairie Flox are among the types of flowers that will be included.
Forester Bruce Wakeland presented the proposal. He said he would help maintain the new garden for the first couple years, but it shouldn’t require much work after that, since most of the plants are perennial.
The plants and installation are expected to cost $1,050. That will come out of the Forest Fund, which is funded by the forest’s timber sale revenues.
A cost estimate was also presented for a linear planting along the west side of the road, but Wakeland and the park board said they’d rather keep the space open for overflow parking.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will soon get a native plant garden. The recently-upgraded access road now ends at a circular parking loop, with an open space in the middle.
The Starke County Park Board agreed Tuesday to let Naturally Native Nursery of South Bend fill the space with a colorful arrangement of flowers and grasses. Rough Blazing Star, Smooth Aster, Black-eyed Susan, and Prairie Flox are among the types of flowers that will be included.
Forester Bruce Wakeland presented the proposal. He said he would help maintain the new garden for the first couple years, but it shouldn’t require much work after that, since most of the plants are perennial.
The plants and installation are expected to cost $1,050. That will come out of the Forest Fund, which is funded by the forest’s timber sale revenues.
A cost estimate was also presented for a linear planting along the west side of the road, but Wakeland and the park board said they’d rather keep the space open for overflow parking.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Starke County Forest Access Road Upgrades Complete
Posted on August 16, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest’s new access road is now complete. The County Highway Department recently upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot. The work was funded by a $15,000 grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that the cost of materials only ended up being a little over $7,000. He asked board members which of the project’s optional items they’d like to complete with the leftover money.
However, Board President Roger Chaffins said $7,000 will go to Bob Aloi with Territorial Engineering. Ritzler took issue with that amount. “He didn’t do the plans,” Ritzler said. “We told him. We outlined where it was supposed to be. We don’t him the depth of the thing. The only thing he was was the draftsman. If he charged $7,000 for that, that was a little too much.”
But Ritzler admitted that Aloi did handle the survey marks, and County Attorney Marty Lucas pointed out that the project had to go through the county’s zoning board. “That ended up being kind of time-consuming, I have to say. It took more of my time than I thought it was going to take, too,” Lucas said.
In spite of the engineering fee, the park board was able to include a few of the optional items. Board members agreed to add a $531 bike rack, as recommended by member Debbie Mix. “Because someone who’s going to walk the forest certainly would also be the same type of person that would be riding a bicycle there,” Mix said.
Other additional work will include more than $700 worth of signage in and around the forest, and a new gate to block access to the back of the forest, for just under $600. Since not all of that can be covered by the grant, the park board authorized up to $1,500 to be spent out of the dedicated forest fund. That money comes from the forest’s timber sales.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest’s new access road is now complete. The County Highway Department recently upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot. The work was funded by a $15,000 grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund.
Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that the cost of materials only ended up being a little over $7,000. He asked board members which of the project’s optional items they’d like to complete with the leftover money.
However, Board President Roger Chaffins said $7,000 will go to Bob Aloi with Territorial Engineering. Ritzler took issue with that amount. “He didn’t do the plans,” Ritzler said. “We told him. We outlined where it was supposed to be. We don’t him the depth of the thing. The only thing he was was the draftsman. If he charged $7,000 for that, that was a little too much.”
But Ritzler admitted that Aloi did handle the survey marks, and County Attorney Marty Lucas pointed out that the project had to go through the county’s zoning board. “That ended up being kind of time-consuming, I have to say. It took more of my time than I thought it was going to take, too,” Lucas said.
In spite of the engineering fee, the park board was able to include a few of the optional items. Board members agreed to add a $531 bike rack, as recommended by member Debbie Mix. “Because someone who’s going to walk the forest certainly would also be the same type of person that would be riding a bicycle there,” Mix said.
Other additional work will include more than $700 worth of signage in and around the forest, and a new gate to block access to the back of the forest, for just under $600. Since not all of that can be covered by the grant, the park board authorized up to $1,500 to be spent out of the dedicated forest fund. That money comes from the forest’s timber sales.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Starke County Park Board to Get Updates on Bass Lake Beach and Campground, County Forest
Posted on August 14, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The conditions of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground will be discussed by the Starke County Park Board tonight. During last month’s meeting, it was reported that glacial stone had been installed around the beach, and Assistant Manager Larry Clarich was getting ready to replenish the beach with new sand. He was also working on repairs to the beach house patio.
Also during tonight’s meeting, board members will get an update on the Starke County Forest. The County Highway Department has been upgrading the existing access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
Tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting starts at 6:00 in Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The conditions of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground will be discussed by the Starke County Park Board tonight. During last month’s meeting, it was reported that glacial stone had been installed around the beach, and Assistant Manager Larry Clarich was getting ready to replenish the beach with new sand. He was also working on repairs to the beach house patio.
Also during tonight’s meeting, board members will get an update on the Starke County Forest. The County Highway Department has been upgrading the existing access trail into a gravel road with a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
Tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting starts at 6:00 in Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Starke County Forest Access Road Plan Needs Another Level of Approval
Posted on June 18, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Plans for the Starke County Forest’s new access road still have another hurdle to clear before construction may begin. The Starke County Park Board recently got $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund to turn the forest’s existing access trail into a gravel road and add a parking lot.
During last week’s park board meeting, it was reported that Bob Aloi with Territorial Engineering has drawn up the plans. Now, they have to be approved by the county’s zoning board, according to County Attorney Marty Lucas. “The road’s narrower than the standard road for Starke County,” he explained, “and that’s okay because there’s no houses on it or anything, anyway. But because of that, it does require the zoning board to approve that change from what the normal minimum standard road is.”
That’s expected to occur when the Starke County Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meet on Wednesday. In the meantime, the park board has decided to approve the plan on a preliminary basis, to allow construction to start as soon as the proper zoning permission is granted. The Starke County Commissioners have already agreed to let the County Highway Department do the construction work.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Plans for the Starke County Forest’s new access road still have another hurdle to clear before construction may begin. The Starke County Park Board recently got $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund to turn the forest’s existing access trail into a gravel road and add a parking lot.
During last week’s park board meeting, it was reported that Bob Aloi with Territorial Engineering has drawn up the plans. Now, they have to be approved by the county’s zoning board, according to County Attorney Marty Lucas. “The road’s narrower than the standard road for Starke County,” he explained, “and that’s okay because there’s no houses on it or anything, anyway. But because of that, it does require the zoning board to approve that change from what the normal minimum standard road is.”
That’s expected to occur when the Starke County Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meet on Wednesday. In the meantime, the park board has decided to approve the plan on a preliminary basis, to allow construction to start as soon as the proper zoning permission is granted. The Starke County Commissioners have already agreed to let the County Highway Department do the construction work.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
DNR Finds No Flood Control Violations Near Starke County Forest
Posted on May 24, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest appears to have been absolved from blame for flooding concerns in the local area. A letter from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was presented to the Starke County Park Board last week. In it, an engineer in the department’s compliance and enforcement section addressed concerns apparently raised by a neighboring property owner.
The letter said that DNR staff inspected the area along Anderson Ditch last June. They didn’t observe any activity that violated the Flood Control Act, according to the letter, and the case is now closed.
Forester Bruce Wakeland told the park board it was nice to see a written letter showing that there was no violation.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest appears to have been absolved from blame for flooding concerns in the local area. A letter from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was presented to the Starke County Park Board last week. In it, an engineer in the department’s compliance and enforcement section addressed concerns apparently raised by a neighboring property owner.
The letter said that DNR staff inspected the area along Anderson Ditch last June. They didn’t observe any activity that violated the Flood Control Act, according to the letter, and the case is now closed.
Forester Bruce Wakeland told the park board it was nice to see a written letter showing that there was no violation.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Starke County Forester Voices Concerns with Proposed Name for County Forest Access Road
Posted on May 18, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest’s access trail will soon be upgraded to a gravel road, but what it should be called is up for debate. The Starke County Park Board recently got $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund to build the road, along with a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
The work will be done by the Starke County Highway Department, and the new road will be added into the county’s road inventory. Since it will need a name, county officials have suggested calling it Hardesty Lane, rather than using the county’s road numbering system.
But during Tuesday’s park board meeting, Bruce Wakeland, who donated the forest to the county and continues to manage it, voiced his opposition to that idea. For one thing, he was afraid that potential visitors might be confused if they’re directed to Hardesty Lane, rather than the forest’s Division Road address. Wakeland added that he wasn’t thrilled with someone else’s name being placed on the property, when his isn’t.
County Attorney Marty Lucas told board members that the naming process is on hold, until a solution is reached. “I think one of us needs to meet with that fund to see what their thinking on it is, and I will say, it wasn’t their idea in the first place, so I think we can solve that,” he said. “[Highway Superintendent] Rik Ritzler says the number system, nobody understands it anyway. I do, so I know somebody does, I guess, that the numbering system is logical. He didn’t think that’s a big issue because he figures people don’t know how to read it, anyway.”
As for the actual project, Lucas said construction still hadn’t begun as of Tuesday, but crews have been taking measurements.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest’s access trail will soon be upgraded to a gravel road, but what it should be called is up for debate. The Starke County Park Board recently got $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund to build the road, along with a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
The work will be done by the Starke County Highway Department, and the new road will be added into the county’s road inventory. Since it will need a name, county officials have suggested calling it Hardesty Lane, rather than using the county’s road numbering system.
But during Tuesday’s park board meeting, Bruce Wakeland, who donated the forest to the county and continues to manage it, voiced his opposition to that idea. For one thing, he was afraid that potential visitors might be confused if they’re directed to Hardesty Lane, rather than the forest’s Division Road address. Wakeland added that he wasn’t thrilled with someone else’s name being placed on the property, when his isn’t.
County Attorney Marty Lucas told board members that the naming process is on hold, until a solution is reached. “I think one of us needs to meet with that fund to see what their thinking on it is, and I will say, it wasn’t their idea in the first place, so I think we can solve that,” he said. “[Highway Superintendent] Rik Ritzler says the number system, nobody understands it anyway. I do, so I know somebody does, I guess, that the numbering system is logical. He didn’t think that’s a big issue because he figures people don’t know how to read it, anyway.”
As for the actual project, Lucas said construction still hadn’t begun as of Tuesday, but crews have been taking measurements.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Starke County Forest Access Improvement Work to Begin Soon
Posted on April 14, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Work is expected to start soon on a new road and parking lot at the Starke County Forest. County Attorney Marty Lucas says an update on the project was given to the Starke County Park Board this week. “The project was delayed a little bit due to the flooding has kept Highway Superintendent [Rik] Ritzler very busy,” Lucas says, “and we hope to get that moving in the next few days.”
The park board was recently awarded $15,000 in grant funding from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. That will be used to upgrade the existing access trail into a gravel road, which will be called Hardesty Lane. It will lead to a new 10-to-12-car parking lot.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Work is expected to start soon on a new road and parking lot at the Starke County Forest. County Attorney Marty Lucas says an update on the project was given to the Starke County Park Board this week. “The project was delayed a little bit due to the flooding has kept Highway Superintendent [Rik] Ritzler very busy,” Lucas says, “and we hope to get that moving in the next few days.”
The park board was recently awarded $15,000 in grant funding from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. That will be used to upgrade the existing access trail into a gravel road, which will be called Hardesty Lane. It will lead to a new 10-to-12-car parking lot.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Funds Created for Starke County Park Board Grant Funds
Posted on March 22, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
With the acquisition of thousands of dollars worth of grants for projects at the Starke County Forest and the Bass Lake Beach, Starke County Auditor Kay Chaffins suggested the creation of two line items within the budget for those funds.
The park board was recently awarded $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund and $5,000 in a Community Support Grant.
For transparency and tracking, two separate accounts will be set up to collect those funds.
Another fund, the Starke County Park and Recreation Fund, will be established to accept tax-deductible donations from the public. Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that any donation received will go toward projects specifically within the Starke County Park Board’s plans. That money will not be used for municipal park projects.
For more information, contact the Starke County Auditor’s Office at 574-772-9101.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
With the acquisition of thousands of dollars worth of grants for projects at the Starke County Forest and the Bass Lake Beach, Starke County Auditor Kay Chaffins suggested the creation of two line items within the budget for those funds.
The park board was recently awarded $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund and $5,000 in a Community Support Grant.
For transparency and tracking, two separate accounts will be set up to collect those funds.
Another fund, the Starke County Park and Recreation Fund, will be established to accept tax-deductible donations from the public. Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that any donation received will go toward projects specifically within the Starke County Park Board’s plans. That money will not be used for municipal park projects.
For more information, contact the Starke County Auditor’s Office at 574-772-9101.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Starke County Community Foundation Presents $20,000 in Grants to Starke County Park Board
Posted on March 14, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will get $15,000 worth of improvements this spring, thanks to a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. The funding was formally presented to the Starke County Park Board Tuesday by Starke County Community Foundation Director of Development Sarah Origer and Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albright.
The goal of the project is to improve access and signage at the forest. That will include upgrading the existing access trail into a gravel road, ending at a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said the Starke County Highway Department is still working on the specific plans. “Actually, I was kind of hoping we’d be a little further along, but I think they’ve been pretty busy with all the flooding,” he said. “The time-frame that was being discussed was kind of dependent on weather, which has not been good so far, but assuming that we don’t have any more giant floods, the time-frame was to have it done by June at the latest but hopefully earlier than that.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, the community foundation representatives also presented the park board with a $5,000 grant for improvements to the Bass Lake Beach. The Community Support Grant will help with efforts to prevent and repair sand erosion.
Origer told board members that grants like these are a result of years of donations at the Starke County Community Foundation. “The community foundation is a true endowment,” she said. “The dollars that are donated are invested, and it’s a portion of the earnings that have come back year after year after year, that are making these two grants possible.”
Since $5,000 won’t cover the whole cost of the Bass Lake Beach project, the Starke County Park Board is also exploring other grant opportunities. Board President Roger Chaffins said the county is still waiting for the results of its application for $2,500 from Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program. But the park board’s request for $5,000 from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development has been denied.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will get $15,000 worth of improvements this spring, thanks to a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. The funding was formally presented to the Starke County Park Board Tuesday by Starke County Community Foundation Director of Development Sarah Origer and Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albright.
The goal of the project is to improve access and signage at the forest. That will include upgrading the existing access trail into a gravel road, ending at a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said the Starke County Highway Department is still working on the specific plans. “Actually, I was kind of hoping we’d be a little further along, but I think they’ve been pretty busy with all the flooding,” he said. “The time-frame that was being discussed was kind of dependent on weather, which has not been good so far, but assuming that we don’t have any more giant floods, the time-frame was to have it done by June at the latest but hopefully earlier than that.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, the community foundation representatives also presented the park board with a $5,000 grant for improvements to the Bass Lake Beach. The Community Support Grant will help with efforts to prevent and repair sand erosion.
Origer told board members that grants like these are a result of years of donations at the Starke County Community Foundation. “The community foundation is a true endowment,” she said. “The dollars that are donated are invested, and it’s a portion of the earnings that have come back year after year after year, that are making these two grants possible.”
Since $5,000 won’t cover the whole cost of the Bass Lake Beach project, the Starke County Park Board is also exploring other grant opportunities. Board President Roger Chaffins said the county is still waiting for the results of its application for $2,500 from Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program. But the park board’s request for $5,000 from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development has been denied.
Friday, March 2, 2018
Starke County Park Board Seeking Grant Funding for Forest Access Project
Posted on March 2, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest may soon get some parking upgrades. The county park board is applying for a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Foundation Fund at the Starke County Community Foundation to help improve access to the forest.
County Attorney Marty Lucas put the grant application together, based on some priorities identified by the park board back in January, “To improve the road, improve parking, signage,” he explained. “And we made an application for $15,000 or some alternatives that would be a little bit less than that.”
The project would upgrade the existing access trail into a 20-foot gravel road, ending at a 10-to-12-car parking lot. “If we get this, that road will be dedicated as a county road, and so the County Highway Department would be able to maintain it henceforth, plow it – it’ll be a low-priority plow, but they’ll keep it plowed out when they can – and of course, they’ll build it actually up to specifications on things like base and all that,” he said. “So you shouldn’t have problems with the roots poking through anymore. That would be like a cul-de-sac at the end there, and it’ll double as a parking lot is the plan.”
Forester Bruce Wakeland told the park board Tuesday that he’s excited about the board’s efforts. He also asked to be involved in the design process, to avoid cutting down some valuable walnut trees.
Lucas said he should know if the county’s been selected for the grant by the park board’s March 13 meeting.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest may soon get some parking upgrades. The county park board is applying for a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Foundation Fund at the Starke County Community Foundation to help improve access to the forest.
County Attorney Marty Lucas put the grant application together, based on some priorities identified by the park board back in January, “To improve the road, improve parking, signage,” he explained. “And we made an application for $15,000 or some alternatives that would be a little bit less than that.”
The project would upgrade the existing access trail into a 20-foot gravel road, ending at a 10-to-12-car parking lot. “If we get this, that road will be dedicated as a county road, and so the County Highway Department would be able to maintain it henceforth, plow it – it’ll be a low-priority plow, but they’ll keep it plowed out when they can – and of course, they’ll build it actually up to specifications on things like base and all that,” he said. “So you shouldn’t have problems with the roots poking through anymore. That would be like a cul-de-sac at the end there, and it’ll double as a parking lot is the plan.”
Forester Bruce Wakeland told the park board Tuesday that he’s excited about the board’s efforts. He also asked to be involved in the design process, to avoid cutting down some valuable walnut trees.
Lucas said he should know if the county’s been selected for the grant by the park board’s March 13 meeting.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Starke County Forest Hunting Rules Questioned by County Park Board Member
Posted on January 30, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Who’s allowed to hunt in the Starke County Forest and who gets to make that decision were topics of discussion during last week’s County Park Board meeting. Forester Bruce Wakeland previously told board members that he typically rents the forest to a group of hunters each year over the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s to help control the deer population, but also to raise a few hundred dollars for the forest.
While Wakeland manages the forest, it’s owned by Starke County as one of its park facilities. Park board member Roger Chaffins believes that leaves it up to Wakeland to make those decisions. “It’s his determination to do that,” Chaffins said last week. “The county actually can’t say, ‘You can’t do that,’ because he’s the manager of it, and it was kind of written in the agreement when he gave it to the county, I think.”
Board member Debbie Mix added that Wakeland picks hunters based on his experience of who’s been responsible in the past.
But board member Chris Lawrence criticized the arrangement as a “good old boy system.” He suggested switching to an “unbiased” system, similar to the one used by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The issue was raised last week by board member Rosemary Rose. She said she heard from a few people who went to the forest, only to find it closed for hunting.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Who’s allowed to hunt in the Starke County Forest and who gets to make that decision were topics of discussion during last week’s County Park Board meeting. Forester Bruce Wakeland previously told board members that he typically rents the forest to a group of hunters each year over the Thanksgiving weekend. It’s to help control the deer population, but also to raise a few hundred dollars for the forest.
While Wakeland manages the forest, it’s owned by Starke County as one of its park facilities. Park board member Roger Chaffins believes that leaves it up to Wakeland to make those decisions. “It’s his determination to do that,” Chaffins said last week. “The county actually can’t say, ‘You can’t do that,’ because he’s the manager of it, and it was kind of written in the agreement when he gave it to the county, I think.”
Board member Debbie Mix added that Wakeland picks hunters based on his experience of who’s been responsible in the past.
But board member Chris Lawrence criticized the arrangement as a “good old boy system.” He suggested switching to an “unbiased” system, similar to the one used by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The issue was raised last week by board member Rosemary Rose. She said she heard from a few people who went to the forest, only to find it closed for hunting.
Friday, January 26, 2018
Starke County Park Board Considers Grant Opportunities
Posted on January 26, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Bass Lake Beach and Starke County Forest would stand to benefit from some grant opportunities being explored by the Starke County Park Board. A few funding sources were discussed during Tuesday’s meeting.
Up to $5,000 is available through Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development, but board members only have a few days to turn in an application. Board member Roger Chaffins thought improvements to the Bass Lake Beach would have a good chance of getting the grant. “I don’t know what the cost is to fix the concrete in the front plus bring the stone in plus bring the sand in for the beach,” he said. “That, to me, would be more of a jibing thing of what they would look at better, I would think, if we could try that right away.”
Those repairs and upgrades have been discussed for several months, but so far the county government and beach operator Callahan Development, LLC haven’t finalized arrangements for the work. Since the park board doesn’t have its own budget, county employees’ labor could possibly be used as a local match, while the grant itself would pay for materials.
Meanwhile, County Attorney Marty Lucas said he was approached by representatives of a charitable fund who are interested in supporting the Starke County Forest. “This isn’t a formal application,” he explained. “This is just talk. And I don’t know, they may say they’re not interested. But I just want to have ideas that you all think are a good idea that are very practical.”
Board members’ top priority for the forest was doubling the size of the parking area, to fit at least 12 vehicles. Their second choice was to reinforce a dike in the park. Other ideas included the installation of signage, trash bins, or benches.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, park board member Debbie Mix suggested revisiting a plan to add an ADA-accessible kayak launch to the Yellow River. The county has been unsuccessful at getting a grant for the project in the past, but Mix pointed out that all the necessary information has already been gathered. “That was already put together,” he said, “and there’s already $500 sitting there for us at the Community Foundation because that was a part of the grant application last year.”
Mix also suggested several other projects to consider for future grant applications, such as upgrades to the Bass Lake Beach House, extending the North Judson Erie Trail to the Monterey area, and installing signage for various county attractions along area highways.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Bass Lake Beach and Starke County Forest would stand to benefit from some grant opportunities being explored by the Starke County Park Board. A few funding sources were discussed during Tuesday’s meeting.
Up to $5,000 is available through Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development, but board members only have a few days to turn in an application. Board member Roger Chaffins thought improvements to the Bass Lake Beach would have a good chance of getting the grant. “I don’t know what the cost is to fix the concrete in the front plus bring the stone in plus bring the sand in for the beach,” he said. “That, to me, would be more of a jibing thing of what they would look at better, I would think, if we could try that right away.”
Those repairs and upgrades have been discussed for several months, but so far the county government and beach operator Callahan Development, LLC haven’t finalized arrangements for the work. Since the park board doesn’t have its own budget, county employees’ labor could possibly be used as a local match, while the grant itself would pay for materials.
Meanwhile, County Attorney Marty Lucas said he was approached by representatives of a charitable fund who are interested in supporting the Starke County Forest. “This isn’t a formal application,” he explained. “This is just talk. And I don’t know, they may say they’re not interested. But I just want to have ideas that you all think are a good idea that are very practical.”
Board members’ top priority for the forest was doubling the size of the parking area, to fit at least 12 vehicles. Their second choice was to reinforce a dike in the park. Other ideas included the installation of signage, trash bins, or benches.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, park board member Debbie Mix suggested revisiting a plan to add an ADA-accessible kayak launch to the Yellow River. The county has been unsuccessful at getting a grant for the project in the past, but Mix pointed out that all the necessary information has already been gathered. “That was already put together,” he said, “and there’s already $500 sitting there for us at the Community Foundation because that was a part of the grant application last year.”
Mix also suggested several other projects to consider for future grant applications, such as upgrades to the Bass Lake Beach House, extending the North Judson Erie Trail to the Monterey area, and installing signage for various county attractions along area highways.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Park Board Gets Update on Starke County Forest
Posted on December 16, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest is starting to build up some savings. It’s designed to be a self-sufficient park facility, with timber sales being the main funding source. Forester Bruce Wakeland told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that the forest will soon have enough money on hand to start looking at some improvement projects.
The forest recently got $8,500 by selling timber to Northern Wood Products. Wakeland reported that logging is complete, and he found no issues during a final inspection.
Wakeland also told the park board that he rented out the forest to hunters over the Thanksgiving weekend. He said he does this every year to help control the deer population, but also to raise some extra money for the forest, typically around $300.
Wakeland also told board members that he continues making improvements to the facility. He said he’s upgraded a bridge, to make it easier for people to get across the spillway, and he also recently graded the walking trails
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest is starting to build up some savings. It’s designed to be a self-sufficient park facility, with timber sales being the main funding source. Forester Bruce Wakeland told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that the forest will soon have enough money on hand to start looking at some improvement projects.
The forest recently got $8,500 by selling timber to Northern Wood Products. Wakeland reported that logging is complete, and he found no issues during a final inspection.
Wakeland also told the park board that he rented out the forest to hunters over the Thanksgiving weekend. He said he does this every year to help control the deer population, but also to raise some extra money for the forest, typically around $300.
Wakeland also told board members that he continues making improvements to the facility. He said he’s upgraded a bridge, to make it easier for people to get across the spillway, and he also recently graded the walking trails
Monday, October 16, 2017
Northern Wood Products Offers $8,500 for Starke County Forest Timber
Posted on October 14, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will make $8,500 with its timber sale. Northern Wood Products of Walkerton submitted the only bid. It was formally accepted Tuesday by the Starke County Park Board, at the recommendation of Forester Bruce Wakeland.
The Starke County Forest is designed to be a self-sufficient park facility, with timber sales being the main funding source.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will make $8,500 with its timber sale. Northern Wood Products of Walkerton submitted the only bid. It was formally accepted Tuesday by the Starke County Park Board, at the recommendation of Forester Bruce Wakeland.
The Starke County Forest is designed to be a self-sufficient park facility, with timber sales being the main funding source.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Starke County Park Board to Discuss Bass Lake Beach Maintenance, Open Timber Bids
Posted on October 10, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Upgrades to the Bass Lake Beach seawall will continue to be discussed during tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting. Board members are calling on facility operator Callahan Development, LLC to stabilize the seawall surrounding the beach house patio. Representatives from the county discussed the issue with Callahan’s attorney last month, and the entire board is expected to get an update tonight.
Board members may also consider forming a work group with several local stakeholders, to set goals for the future of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground. The idea was proposed last month by Park Board President Debbie Mix. But the park board decided to hold off on seeking volunteers, after board member Rosemary Rose expressed concerns about how productive such a group would be.
In other business tonight, the park board will formally open bids from timber companies interested in harvesting wood from the Starke County Forest. Forester Bruce Wakeland expects the timber sale will generate at least $5,000 for the forest.
Tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. in Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Upgrades to the Bass Lake Beach seawall will continue to be discussed during tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting. Board members are calling on facility operator Callahan Development, LLC to stabilize the seawall surrounding the beach house patio. Representatives from the county discussed the issue with Callahan’s attorney last month, and the entire board is expected to get an update tonight.
Board members may also consider forming a work group with several local stakeholders, to set goals for the future of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground. The idea was proposed last month by Park Board President Debbie Mix. But the park board decided to hold off on seeking volunteers, after board member Rosemary Rose expressed concerns about how productive such a group would be.
In other business tonight, the park board will formally open bids from timber companies interested in harvesting wood from the Starke County Forest. Forester Bruce Wakeland expects the timber sale will generate at least $5,000 for the forest.
Tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. in Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Starke County Forest to Proceed with Timber Sale
Posted on August 10, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board is moving ahead with a timber sale at the County Forest. On Tuesday, board members voted to let Forester Bruce Wakeland start soliciting bids from timber buyers.
He said he’s marked trees in two sections of the forest, totaling 20 acres. Wakeland said that while the timber in the Starke County Forest is not of the best quality, the fact that it can be harvested at any time to the year will help boost demand.
Potential buyers will be given about a month to look at the timber before bids are due. The park board plans to open the bids at its October 10 meeting.
Wakeland expects the timber sale to bring in $5,000 to $10,000. Some of that money may be used to help fix the forest’s access lane.
Wakeland said he discussed the issue with Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler. Ritzler recommended that glacial stone be installed to help prevent the roadway from washing out, which may cost up to $20,000. Park board member Roger Chaffins suggested exploring the possibility of using donated railroad ballast instead, to lower the cost.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board is moving ahead with a timber sale at the County Forest. On Tuesday, board members voted to let Forester Bruce Wakeland start soliciting bids from timber buyers.
He said he’s marked trees in two sections of the forest, totaling 20 acres. Wakeland said that while the timber in the Starke County Forest is not of the best quality, the fact that it can be harvested at any time to the year will help boost demand.
Potential buyers will be given about a month to look at the timber before bids are due. The park board plans to open the bids at its October 10 meeting.
Wakeland expects the timber sale to bring in $5,000 to $10,000. Some of that money may be used to help fix the forest’s access lane.
Wakeland said he discussed the issue with Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler. Ritzler recommended that glacial stone be installed to help prevent the roadway from washing out, which may cost up to $20,000. Park board member Roger Chaffins suggested exploring the possibility of using donated railroad ballast instead, to lower the cost.
Friday, May 12, 2017
Improvements Planned to Starke County Forest Access Lanes
Posted on May 12, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As the Starke County Forest’s drainage issues are being resolved, Forester Bruce Wakeland is turning his attention to improving access throughout the property. He told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that he’s been taking with Surveyor Bill Crase about building up the access lane to prevent it from washing out. Wakeland said Crase has sand available, but funding is needed to transport it to the forest.
Wakeland added that a water crossing in the lane should no longer be needed, now that several beavers have been removed and dams are less of an issue. He said a beaver control device is also starting to help, after he reported various problems with it in the past. Wakeland told the park board that he’s still cleaning out dams, but he believes the dam-building activity is now limited to the efforts of one “amateur” beaver.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Wakeland agreed to explore the possibility of re-configuring the trails in the back of the forest, to open up a larger portion of the property to the public. He explained that the trails currently lead to his personal residence, and the back of the forest is closed off to visitors due to privacy concerns.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
As the Starke County Forest’s drainage issues are being resolved, Forester Bruce Wakeland is turning his attention to improving access throughout the property. He told the Starke County Park Board Tuesday that he’s been taking with Surveyor Bill Crase about building up the access lane to prevent it from washing out. Wakeland said Crase has sand available, but funding is needed to transport it to the forest.
Wakeland added that a water crossing in the lane should no longer be needed, now that several beavers have been removed and dams are less of an issue. He said a beaver control device is also starting to help, after he reported various problems with it in the past. Wakeland told the park board that he’s still cleaning out dams, but he believes the dam-building activity is now limited to the efforts of one “amateur” beaver.
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Wakeland agreed to explore the possibility of re-configuring the trails in the back of the forest, to open up a larger portion of the property to the public. He explained that the trails currently lead to his personal residence, and the back of the forest is closed off to visitors due to privacy concerns.
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