Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs are open and ready for use, according to Dan Bortner, director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs.
“All of our properties are open, with only a few facilities closed due to high water or storm damage,” he said.

Harmonie State Park, located in southwestern Indiana, has water over the main park road from the Wabash River. The campground and most hiking trails will be closed this week, but the pool and picnic areas are open for use. If water levels dropped as expected, the campground and all other facilities may have reopened already.
Monroe Lake still has “Lots of water where it’s not supposed to be,” Ginger Murphy, assistant director for stewardship for DNR State Parks and Reservoirs, said. “The water is approximately 15 feet above its normal summer levels. All beaches are currently closed. Some campsites and boat ramps are closed. Some roads are flooded and impassable.”

Cagles Mill Lake, best known for its Lieber State Recreation Area, has the highest water level in its history. The lake is 52.3 feet above normal summer levels; the previous record was 50.9 feet above. The beach and marina are closed, but the campground, pool and other recreation facilities are open.

The beaches at Patoka Lake and Raccoon SRA on Cecil M. Harden Lake both remain closed, but their campgrounds and all other facilities are open. All other state park and reservoir campgrounds, inns, cabins, hiking trails and other facilities are open.

Fortunately, only 492 cabins, campground and other reservations at state parks were canceled because of flood or flood-related issues. Many of the cancellations were due to power outages at Turkey Run.

Camping, cabin and shelter reservation revenue losses as a result of the storms and high water now total an estimated $37,000. State park officials place preliminary damage estimates at more than $1 million.

The amount is likely to increase as water levels drop at Monroe, Lieber and other locations, and accurate assessments of damage become possible.

DNR enacts emergency permit rule for flood relief

Flood victims got a measure of relief last Wednesday when DNR Director Robert E. Carter Jr. announced an emergency rule temporarily suspending permit requirements for certain reconstruction activities and debris removal in flooded areas.
“Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has directed state agencies to act quickly to provide relief to Hoosiers affected by the recent severe weather,” Carter said. “In issuing the emergency rule, DNR is expediting the process of rebuilding communities hardest hit (last) week.”

The emergency rule is applicable in 29 counties and only in the following instances:

•Reconstruction of bridge and culvert crossings damaged by floodwaters;
•Removal of logjams and debris from the channel of a waterway; and
•Stabilization and repair of stream banks eroded by floodwaters.
Under normal conditions, such work requires a permit under Indiana Code 14-28-1, but the requirement is waived until Oct. 1 for the following counties: Bartholomew, Boone, Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Greene, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Owen, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Union, Vermillion, Vigo and Wayne.

Some conditions apply in regards to the equipment and methods used in reconstruction, debris removal and stabilization. For example, replacement bridges or culvert crossings must be at least the same size and as effective as before the flood damage occurred; appropriate control measures must be installed to prevent the flow of sediment-laden water into the waterway; and certain plants may not be used for revegetation. A complete list of the emergency rule guidelines is available at www.in.gov/dnr (click on the link marked “Emergency Rule-Flood”).

Carter has determined any project meeting the criteria should not adversely affect the efficiency or unduly restrict the capacity of the floodway; constitute an unreasonable hazard to the safety of life or property; and result in unreasonably detrimental effects to fish, wildlife or botanical resources.

Wilderness first aid course

A two-day wilderness first aid course will be offered at Salamonie Lake on June 21-22, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The course will provide participants with the opportunity to earn WFA certification in a fun and interactive environment taught by qualified EMS educators.
Wilderness medicine is providing first aid or more advanced patient care to the sick and injured who are more than one hour from definitive medical care. Situations involving wilderness medicine can include hiking, camping, hunting and fishing in remote areas, or providing care in an urban environment ravaged by a natural or man-made disaster.

The course is $130 per person and includes textbook, handouts, WFA certification good for three years and gate entrance fee. Space is limited – to register, call 317-338-4354.

The St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital wilderness first aid course is being offered in partnership with the DNR and Indiana Conservation officers. Minimum age for participation is 14. A parental consent signature on the application form is required for participants younger than 18.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.