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Last updated on Thursday, April 14, 2016
(UNDATED) - Seven Indiana counties will fix sediment and logjam problems in lakes and rivers thanks to $554,000 in grant funding this spring from the DNR.
The grants are part of the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program in DNR's Division of Fish & Wildlife.
Nine projects were selected in seven counties for spring 2016. They involve 10 lakes and three rivers. The projects were selected in a competitive process from among applications submitted by local sponsors. The grantees must share at least 20 percent of the cost.
Sediment removal will increase public access to lakes through selective dredging of lake inlets and areas used by boaters.
Logjam removals should reduce erosion caused by streams diverted by the obstructions. Also, the clearing will improve access for boats, kayaks and canoes.
LARE grants are funded through the Lake and River Enhancement fee paid by boat owners annually when they register their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This "user-funded" program benefits boaters all over the state. The grants allow for the completion of projects that would be difficult for local organizations to fund on their own.
"These projects will enhance public accessibility to selected Indiana waterways and lakes, thus increasing recreation potentials for boaters, anglers, paddlers, and others who enjoy Indiana's lakes and rivers," said Mark Reiter, director of DNR Fish & Wildlife.
The list of projects by water body, county, project type and grant award:
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