INDNR plans construction, rehabilitation projects at 12 public access boating sites

Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources (INDNR) Division of Fish and Wildlife has published a notice saying that it proposes to rehabilitate or construct 12 public access boating sites this year.

The boating access program is funded in part through the wildlife and sport fish restoration program administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Projects include:

The notice says seven projects are to rehabilitate existing public access sites in need of repair and to ensure that the sites are compliant with ADA standards.

For five of the rehabilitation sites (Ring Neck Pit, Moss Lake, Wabash, Green Valley, Whitney Pit), a new prefabricated concrete boat ramp will replace the existing boat ramp and an ADA concrete parking pad will be installed. The public access rehabilitation at Ring Neck Pit in Warrick County, Moss Lake in Greene County, Green Valley in Vigo County and Whitney Pit in Pike County will provide access to those lakes.

The public access rehabilitation at Wabash will provide access to the Wabash River in Wabash County. At the City Park rehab project, asphalt parking is already in place and a concrete a boat ramp will be installed to replace existing access to Lake Freeman in White County. At the Blue Grass Pit rehab project, a concrete a boat ramp will be installed to replace existing access to Blue Grass Pit in Warrick County and the existing ADA concrete pad will be replaced if needed.

Three of the new construction projects will involve the construction of both new concrete boat ramps and ADA-accessible parking pads. The Mayhew Bridge project in Allen County would provide new access to the St. Joseph River and ADA-accessible parking. A new gravel parking lot and entrance road will also be constructed. In LaPorte County, the Westville project will provide new access to Clear Lake, including a new concrete boat ramp, ADA parking, a new gravel parking lot and access road. The Potoka Refuge project, located in Gibson County, would construct a new concrete boat ramp and ADA parking lot; a gravel parking lot is already in place at this site.

One project (Crooked Lake) would involve the construction of a prefabricated concrete boat ramp, an ADA concrete parking pad and a new concrete sidewalk leading to a floating pier. A new gravel entrance road and parking lot will also be constructed. Located in Steuben County, this new boat ramp and pier would provide access to Crocked Lake.

One project (Andrews) in Huntington County would construct a new prefabricated concrete canoe access ramp to the Wabash River. A new gravel lot, gravel turn-around, and gravel access road will also be constructed.

INDNR says in the notice it is soliciting comments about any potential impacts to environmental, cultural, and historical resources and invites communication to Dawn Johnson at DaJohnson@dnr.IN.gov.