LARE Grants To Benefit Five Kosciusko Lake And Stream Projects
LARE Grants To Benefit Five Kosciusko Lake And Stream Projects
Posted
Staff Report-
LARE Grants To Benefit Five Kosciusko Lake And Stream ProjectsTwenty-one Indiana counties will receive funds to use to improve local water bodies, thanks to $1,450,800 in grants awarded by Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Bortner through the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program.
The grants will fund projects on four lakes and 22 rivers and streams in 21 counties. Funded projects must be completed within a two-year timeframe, according to a news release from the DNR.
In Kosciusko County, $31,600 will go toward a feasibility study at Chapman Lakes; $25,000 will go to a dam removal at Deeds Creek; $76,000 will go toward a stream design-build at Dillon Creek tributary; $54,800 will go toward water quality monitoring at Silver Lake; and $96,900 will go toward shoreline design-build at Webster Lake.
Most of the projects aim to improve water quality by addressing sediment and nutrient inputs into lakes and streams. Improved water quality helps to ensure continued viability for fish and wildlife as well as improve recreational opportunities in Indiana, the release states.
Four new watershed land treatment projects provide cost-share and incentive payments to local farmers to implement practices that reduce sediment and nutrient loss. Eligible practices include filter strips, pollinator plots, fencing and grassed waterways, among others. Watershed land treatment projects require local knowledge and relationships with producers and therefore are only awarded to Soil & Water Conservation Districts.
LARE grants are funded through the annual LARE fee paid by boat owners when they register their watercraft with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This user-funded program benefits boaters all over the state, according to the release. The grants allow for the completion of projects that would be difficult for local organizations to fund on their own. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and local sponsors share a portion of the cost.
The list of projects by water body, county, project type, and grant award can be found at wildlife.IN.gov/3304.htm. The Watershed Land Treatment policy document outlining approved practices and cost-share rates can be found at wildlife.IN.gov/3302.htm. Learn more about LARE at lare.dnr.IN.gov.
