DNR recommends removal of feeders and bird baths statewide
After receiving reports of sick and dying birds, DNR recommends Indiana residents cease feeding all birds statewide. Bird feeders, bird baths, and other sources that encourage the congregation of wild birds should be taken down or discontinued. Feeders and baths should be cleaned with 10% bleach solution and stored until more information is available.
Residents who find birds with eye or head swelling, crusty discharge around the eyes, and/or neurological signs (e.g., tremors, stumbling, weakness, lethargy) should submit the sighting to DNR’s sick or dead wildlife reporting system. Biologists are actively tracking reports, and samples have been submitted to the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. No definitive cause of death has been identified at this time.
 Watch fireworks at several Indiana State Parks
Enjoy fireworks at Indiana State Park properties on Saturday, July 3.
New interactive map available for anglers
Anglers can find fish habitat structure locations and more on DNR’s new interactive reservoir habitat map.
Habitat structure, such as bundles of Christmas trees, rock piles and wooden platforms, improves aquatic habitat for fish by creating areas for cover, nesting, and more. The structure also attracts bait fish and provides other feeding opportunities.
The new interactive map includes project lakes, structure locations, structure types, and photos of structure types. As DNR completes habitat work in the future, information will be added to the interactive map.
 Black bear confirmed in Vanderburgh County
DNR biologists have confirmed a black bear sighting that occurred in northeast Vanderburgh County June 21. The closest town to the location is Elberfeld, in Warrick County.
Biologists confirmed the bear from photos taken by the landowner.
“This is Indiana’s fourth confirmed black bear,” said Brad Westrich, DNR mammalogist. “With expanding bear populations in neighboring states, this is expected."
“Human-bear conflicts can be avoided if you remove or secure potential food sources from your yard. Bears can smell food from more than a mile away.”
Black bears are rarely aggressive toward humans.
 Next Level Trails celebrates Burns Harbor and Portage projects
The DNR, the Town of Burns Harbor and the City of Portage announced the opening of a newly completed segment of the Marquette Greenway in Burns Harbor. An upcoming Portage project will extend the trail west through a portion of Indiana Dunes National Park.
To date, NLT has awarded nearly $55 million to 35 projects statewide to develop more than 100 miles of new trail. Including the Marquette Greenway in Burns Harbor, five projects are complete, with 9.2 miles of trail open to the public.
As part of Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, the NLT program makes critical trail connections within and between communities. Next Level Trails is administered by the DNR.
 Volunteers needed for State Fair Fishin’ Pond
The Division of Fish & Wildlife is looking for volunteers to help at the State Fair Fishin’ Pond. You can help families register onsite, teach kids how to fish with cane poles, or tie fishing knots and untangle lines.
The Fishin’ Pond is open on Opening Day of the fair (Friday, July 30), then every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the fair. The fair ends on Aug. 22.
Volunteer shifts last four hours. Volunteers will receive free parking, a free State Fair ticket, and a free T-shirt. With four volunteer stations, there’s an opportunity for everyone.
 ‘Operation Dry Water’ to target boating under the influence, July 2-4
Boaters preparing for the Independence Day holiday should be aware that Indiana Conservation Officers will be on high alert for violations of boating-under-the-influence laws as part of national Operation Dry Water.
Operation Dry Water, a year-round program, will be in heightened effect July 2-4.
 Students Discover the Outdoors at Prophetstown State Park
In May, third graders from Faith Christian School enjoyed a field trip to Prophetstown State Park thanks to the Discover the Outdoors grant. Experiences like these are what inspire children to become future conservationists, ecologists, biologists and researchers.
Enjoy the great outdoors at an upcoming outdoor event
Soak in the sunshine while making memories with friends or learning a new skill. DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife offers fun, educational experiences at Fish & Wildlife areas and through our Learn to Hunt/Trap/Shoot and Learn to Fish programs. Check out the upcoming events below and sign up today.
July 10 – Frog Gigging, Goose Pond FWA
July 24 – Kayak Outing, Goose Pond FWA
July 24 – Waterfowl 101, Kankakee FWA
July 25 – Veterans’ Range Day, J.E. Roush Lake FWA
Aug. 21 – Waterfowl 101, Atterbury FWA
 Report sightings of turkey hens with or without young
Over the course of a year, wild turkeys tend to repeatedly return to the same locations to drink, feed, and rest. Can you think of a spot where you usually see wild turkey broods (hens and poults) or hens alone in the summer? These observations help DNR biologists calculate the annual wild turkey Production Index (number of poults per adult hens). The Production Index helps estimate wild turkey populations in the state and provides guidance for future management.
DNR biologists can’t collect brood observations across the state alone. In order to reach the goal of 3,000 observations this year, we need your help. If you’re interested in sharing your turkey brood observations with DNR, record observations any time from July 1 to Aug. 31. Thanks to our new, easier reporting system, recording observations takes less than five minutes; no password required.
We greatly appreciate your help documenting turkey broods around the state.
Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species
DNR and several Indiana conservation organizations are coming together and taking part in the third annual Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, June 26 – July 4.
Aquatic invasive species can be plants or animals, and can damage the environment and other native species. If you plan to be out on the water this weekend, you may see DNR staff and local volunteers at boat launches or docks. These individuals will be helping boaters, anglers, and others check their watercraft and other equipment for aquatic invasive species and educating them on simple steps to prevent their spread.
Pictured: Zebra mussels attached to a deceased native mussel.
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Outdoor Indiana magazine features Great American Rail-Trail
Outdoor Indiana magazine’s July/August issue features a cover article on the Great American Rail-Trail.
The Great American, as the improved-surface trail is branded by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, will, when finished, stretch between Washington, D.C., and Washington state. The trail includes a route through Indiana. Both the overall trail and the Hoosier portion are more than halfway finished.
Subscribe for yourself at shopINstateparks.com or by calling 317-233-3046. To read article excerpts from this issue, go to OutdoorIndiana.org.
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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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