Indiana, Agencies Partner to Restore Wetlands

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has announced that more than 1,200 acres of floodplains will be restored to wetlands and wildlife habitat thanks to a partnership between the state and Vigo County.

“Our efforts since 2005 have resulted in twice as many protected acres of wildlife habitat than in the previous five years," Daniels said. "This joint effort will conserve another beautiful habitat as well as enhance the quality of life for Hoosiers."

Daniels visited West Vigo Elementary School to present the Vigo County Park and Recreation Department with a check for $295,000 on behalf of the Indiana Heritage Trust and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Fish and Wildlife. The funds will assist with the county’s purchase of the 1,250-acre Wabash River National Road Wetland Reservation located between Terre Haute and West Terre Haute to develop into a county park.

“Without the cooperation and assistance of Governor Daniels and the state, a project of this magnitude would never have been possible,” said Max Miller, chairman of the Wabash River Beautification and Development Commission Wetlands Committee. “This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when you have leaders who care deeply about conservation in our state.”

The area will be managed for migratory waterfowl and other native wildlife species that are found in the Wabash River corridor. Areas of shallow water marsh, moist soil wetlands, hardwood trees and native grasses that are essential to native wildlife will be restored. These improvements also will contribute to filtering storm water runoff and serve as a flood control structure. Hiking and biking trails, observation areas, a boat ramp and other recreational amenities will be incorporated into the park design. Environmental education and research opportunities also will exist for area students.

The state’s contribution consists of $220,000 from the Indiana Heritage Trust program accrued from the sales of the environmental license plate and $75,000 from the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is contributing almost $1.3 million to enroll 716 acres of the project into the USDA’s Wetland Reserve Program. The balance of the estimated $1.8 million project purchase includes $150,000 of Vigo County Economic Development Income Tax funds and $95,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation along with other private contributions.

Since 2005, the state has protected more than 20,000 acres of wildlife habitat through land acquisition and conservation easements including 8,000 acres in Greene County commonly known as Goose Pond and Bee Hunter Marsh and the Trine State Recreation Area addition to Pokagon State Park.

Source: Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels' Office