Department of Natural Resource grants totaling $1,090,800 will be used to improve Indiana’s water bodies.
The grants were awarded by DNR director Dan Bortner through the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program in the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.
The grants will fund projects on three lakes and 19 rivers and streams in 18 counties. Projects will be completed within a two-year timeframe.
In Marshall County the Yellow River received $32,000 for a stream design build. The grant received was for 80% of the total cost up to $32,000. This project will be a streambank stabilization project in Bremen with the addition of a Kayak launch at the site. The Kankakee River Basin Commission (KRBC) has shown interested in being a part of this project. The 20% cash match may be paid by the KRBC or the Town of Bremen or a combination of both.
Streambank stabilization projects often include the use of woody debris and native plantings that improve water quality, reduce erosion, and provide fish and wildlife habitat.
“The LARE program continues to invest boater-generated revenue into conservation efforts to protect and enhance Indiana’s lakes and streams” said Amanda Wuestefeld, director of DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. “We also can’t forget the local sponsors who will also invest in these projects to make our waters healthier, which will benefit fish and wildlife species.”
Local sponsors apply for LARE assistance and commit to sharing a portion of the total project cost. LARE grants are funded through the LARE fee paid by boat owners annually when they register their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
