Lake News
DNR News
Indiana Department of Natural Resources 402 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204-2748 For immediate release: July 10, 2012
Low water requires increased diligence at boat ramps
As a result of the drought, more public boat ramps are becoming unsafe for launching trailered boats, especially on rivers. Shallow water has increased the risk that boat operators will drive their trailers over the ends of boat ramps, especially in muddy rivers where ramps can be difficult to see underwater. The trailers could become stuck or damaged, according to Jamie Smyth, fisheries staff specialist with the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. "Use common sense," Smyth said. "Don't push it too far. If you decide to launch a trailered boat, go nice and slow." DNR boat ramps are administered through the DNR divisions of Fish & Wildlife and State Parks & Reservoirs. The Division of Fish & Wildlife maintains hundreds of boat ramps across Indiana through its public access program and does not monitor water levels at each one. DFW does not plan on closing any ramps and is instead urging people to use their own discretion. Some ramps are currently only suitable for launching canoes, kayaks and small, hand-carried boats, Smyth said. "Once you safely launch your boat, use extra caution to avoid shallow water, rocks and other obstacles," Smyth said. The DNR Division of State Parks & Reservoirs has closed the Portland Mills boat ramp at Raccoon Lake, although the main boat ramp remains open. At Mississinewa Lake, the Pearson Mill boat ramp is open for small boats only and the Frances Slocum boat ramp is open for bass-type boats, but not large speed boats. The Red Bridge and Miami boat ramps at Mississinewa remain open with no restrictions. Water levels are abnormally low at all DNR reservoirs, and boaters are urged to use caution. Media contact: Jamie Smyth, DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, (317) 234-7629.
Volunteer Monitoring Data is Available Online
Since 1989, volunteer monitors have collected over 12,000 measurements from lakes all across the state of Indiana. You can now access all of that data online from the CLP website. You can search for a specific lake or view yearly summary reports. Just click on "Volunteer Data" under the "Volunteer Monitoring" section along the left margin. Or click here.
The Indiana Clean Lakes Program is now on Facebook!
The Indiana Clean Lakes Program Facebook page provides citizens and volunteers with a place to interact, share ideas and pictures with the Program. To find us, just search for the Indiana Clean Lakes Program on Facebook, or use the link below.
Toxin-Producing Alga is Widespread in Indiana
A study recently completed by the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) found that a toxin-producing blue-green algae called Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii was distributed throughout Indiana. While only 19 of 183 lakes and reservoirs sampled during the three-year study contained this invasive algae when sampled, the lakes with detectable levels were spread throughout the state. Overall, more reservoirs (14) than natural lakes (4) were found affected, along with 1 quarry. Lakes and reservoirs containing Cylindrospermopsis tended to be shallow, warm, and eutrophic.
You can read more about the study here: Study Summary
The Indiana Lake Management Society (ILMS) has re-built their web page. The new page contains many features that should be popular and helpful with the Indiana lake community. Included are: a question and answer section; aquatic plant identification; new rules affecting lakes; a lake-to-lake discussion section; and links to other sites. The address is: www.indianalakes.org