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INDIANAPOLIS - Representatives of the state's Natural Resources Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday at the Oakwood Inn and Conference Center in Syracuse to hear opinions about limited use zones proposed to protect environmentally sensitive areas of Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake.
The areas or ecological zones to be protected are mostly wetlands bordering the lakes that serve as natural filters to protect water quality, fish, wildlife and aquatic plants from contaminants. Damage to the sensitive areas may be caused by boating and related activities.
If approved by the commission, the rule would establish limited use zones in Johnson Bay, Conklin Bay and North Bay in Lake Wawasee; in the channel between Mud Lake and Lake Wawasee; and in southeastern Syracuse Lake. The rules would become effective before the start of the 2003 boating season.
The areas defined by the proposed rule are considered to be "ecological zones" as defined by a new state law. The areas are highly vulnerable to waves and contain or border cattail marshes, lilypad beds, stands of bullrushes and underwater plant communities. These plants can break away or even be uprooted by propeller action from high speed boating.
Consideration of the concept began in late 2000 following a joint petition submitted by the Wawasee Area Conservation Foundation, the Wawasee Property Owners Association and the Syracuse Lake Association.
Department of Natural Resources professional staff conducted an extensive evaluation of the site conditions and proposed a rule to the commission. People may attend and comment on the proposal or send written comments to the Division of Hearings, Natural Resources Commission, Indiana Government Center South, 402 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
For more information, call Stephen Sellers at the Department of Natural Resources, 317-232-4003.
