INDIANA – Become a Paddlecraft Wildlife Index volunteer and help the Department of Natural Resources by documenting the wildlife you observe while on the water from June 1 to July 31.
After signing up online, you will be mailed a packet with details on how to participate.
Paddling is a great way to enjoy Indiana’s natural beauty, observe wildlife, and connect with nature. Indiana paddlers have a unique opportunity to observe wildlife while enjoying Indiana’s countless water resources.
Indiana DNR would like more information about the wildlife that spend time around Indiana’s waterways. The Indiana Paddlecraft Wildlife Index compiles wildlife observations from people who use canoes, kayaks, or other non-motorized paddlecraft on Indiana’s waterways.
Volunteer paddlers can help by completing a paddling trip postcard documenting the wildlife they observed while floating from June 1 to July 31.
The DNR has selected some key species that are either challenging to study or are lacking Indiana-specific information. The species selected are also those paddlers may be able to easily identify.
These include:
- Bald Eagle
- Blanding’s Turtle
- Beaver
- Great Blue Heron
- Great Egret
- Kingfisher
- Mink
- Muskrat
- Osprey
- Painted Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- River Otter
The Paddlecraft Wildlife Index documents the number of wildlife seen per hours floated and per miles floated. After several years, these numbers will allow wildlife managers to estimate changes in key wildlife populations over time. With paddlers’ help, Indiana DNR may also gain insight into new locations where these wildlife are living.
Click here to sign up as a volunteer.
