DNR sets up shop at Indy Boat, Sport and Travel Show, Feb. 14-23
The DNR will have a strong presence at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, Feb. 14-23, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
The DNR's main location is in Tackle Town, in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. The booth is a convenient one-stop shopping opportunity for licenses, state park passes, lake-use permits, Outdoor Indiana magazine, and a State Parks GO! (Get Outside) promotion.
For $79, the State Parks GO! (Get Outside!) bundle includes an Annual Entrance Permit, the choice of a $40 DNR camping gift card or State Park Inns gift card, and a drawstring backpack. Sold separately, the items have a $98 value. Hoosiers age 65 and older can purchase the same package for $59.
The Live Birds of Prey from Hardy Lake’s Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center will be presented Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A “Snakes Alive, Snake Buffet” from O’Bannon Woods State Park will be offered Feb. 22.
Members of the Indiana Conservation Officers K-9 team will be available Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon. The public will have an opportunity to interact with the officers and their K-9 partners. All times of the events listed are subject to change.
 Join us for Marsh Madness, Feb. 28-29
The annual Marsh Madness Sandhill Crane Festival starts at 5 p.m. on Feb. 28 with a kickoff banquet. This community-based bird festival celebrates the annual spring migration of sandhill cranes and waterfowl to Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area. The festival will feature a craft fair, live birds of prey, kids activities, and much more. This event is led by the Friends of Goose Pond through a partnership with the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife.
NRC approves new nature preserve
The Natural Resources Commission (NRC), approved the creation of a new nature preserve, Patoka Hills Nature Preserve, in Crawford County.
The new 26.79-acre nature preserve contains one of Indiana’s finest paleontological sites and consists of predominantly upland forest with smaller early successional areas and tree plantings. It features dramatic limestone outcrops and a small but highly significant cave.
 Prepare for spring turkey season
Spring turkey season starts in April, but hunters are already gearing up for the season. Apply to 2020 spring reserved turkey hunts by Feb. 19. The online method is the only way to apply.
Interested in turkey hunting, but don’t know how to do it? Join us for a free workshop.
March 7 – Turkey Hunting 101, Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area
March 14 – Turkey Hunting 101, Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area
March 14 – Turkey Hunting 101, Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area
Public comment sought on Statewide Forest Action Plan draft
The DNR Division of Forestry is working with conservation groups and forest stakeholders to update the 2010 Forest Action Plan, a 10-year strategic document that considers the conditions and trends of forest resources in the state and provides long-term strategies to address threats.
The plan encompasses Indiana’s approximately 5 million acres of forestland, 84% of which is privately owned and 16% of which is owned by public institutions including federal, state and local governments.
 2019 overall winner (unedited), Lynne Kurtz, Kokomo
Historic preservation photo contest kicks off with digital format
The annual contest, run by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, has been held since 2005 using a traditional print format to promote Indiana’s historic resources. While the purpose remains the same, this year the contest is accepting only digital submissions.
 Epic field trip, thanks to discover the outdoors grant
Experience a day in the life of third graders on a field trip to Indiana Dunes State Park. These classes were able to take an unforgettable trip to the dunes thanks to the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation’s Discover the Outdoors grant.
Indiana’s new outdoor recreation five-year plan is available
The latest in a long line of five-year plans to help determine the future public outdoor recreation needs of all Indiana residents and plan for that future is available from the Department of Natural Resources.
The new 140-page Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), covers 2016-2020 and includes the 2021-2025 Indiana Trails Plan.
You are always on ‘thin ice’
Indiana Conservation Officers advise citizens across the state of the potential hazards of being on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.
Recent temperatures have brought about thin sheets of ice.
Keep a watchful eye on neighborhood retention ponds, lakes and other waterways for those who may venture out and find themselves in trouble.
Outdoors in Your Mailbox
Subscribe online to Outdoor Indiana magazine to get the best of the Hoosier outdoors delivered to you, every other month. Read excerpts of the current issue.
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The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
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