The recent search of a northern Indiana man’s residence has revealed the illegal possession and selling of native turtles, which has prompted Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers to remind the public such activity is illegal, and can result in heavy fines and possible imprisonment.

All reptiles and amphibians native to Indiana are regulated. Species of turtles, frogs, lizards, salamanders, snakes or toads on the state or federal endangered species lists cannot be taken from the wild at any time, nor can box turtles, except for those designated as game animals. Examples of game turtles are the common snapping, smooth softshell and spiny softshell turtle.
“Native turtles are an important part of our natural heritage,” said Lt. Mark Farmer, public information officer for the DNR Division of Law Enforcement. “In some cases their numbers may be threatened due to poachers who illegally remove them from the wild to be sold as pets or to collectors.”

Even if a turtle is not native to Indiana, the Food and Drug Administration prohibits the selling of turtles with a shell less than 4 inches in length, in an effort to prevent contact with turtles carrying the salmonella bacteria. Examples of state-endangered native turtles include alligator snapping turtle, Eastern mud turtle, spotted turtle and Blanding’s turtle.

Possible penalties could include one-year imprisonment and up to a $5,000 fine on each charge of illegal possession or sale of wildlife. For more information on endangered species in the state, see www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5090.htm and for more on game turtles, see the state Hunting and Trapping Guide at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild

Nominations sought for Trails Advisory Board
Individuals who blaze the state’s trails in vehicles, canoes, kayaks, on horseback or afoot – or who know someone who does – should contact the DNR regarding four open positions on its state Trails Advisory Board (TAB), which will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year.

The volunteers, who are expected to serve a three-year term, must be involved with a trails-oriented organization representing one of the following trails-user groups: bicyclists, off-road motorcyclists, parks and recreation agency members and water trail users.
Not only does the TAB advise DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr. on trails-related issues, the board’s existence meets a federal eligibility requirement allowing the state to receive funding from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.

The fund source is a yearly portion of federal taxes on gasoline purchased by off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles. The state uses the funds to acquire and develop multi-use trails for both motorized and non-motorized use.

Nominations and letters of support indicating why a nominee best represents a particular trails-interest group will be accepted by the DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation until Jan. 9. To receive a nomination form or learn more about the board, see www.IN.gov/dnr/outdoor and click on “trails” and then “trails advisory board.” Interested parties can also obtain the form and additional information by contacting Dale Brier at 317-232-4072, by e-mail at dbrier@dnr.IN.gov or in person at DNR Outdoor Recreation, 402 W. Washington Street, Room W271, Indianapolis.

Special events DNR calendar online
Plan your new year around the 2009 Special Events Calendar, now posted at www.in.gov/dnr and www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/11984.htm
You’ll find information about upcoming hikes, fossil digs, holiday fireworks, reenactments, historic home tours, music in the outdoors, special autumn family weekends and more.

Come 2009, look for the Battle of the Bulge exhibit at Fort Harrison State Park and programs throughout the month, or learn how to square dance at Brown County State Park/Abe Martin Lodge on Jan. 9. February features a Maple Syrup Festival at Mansfield Mill and Eagle Watch Weekend at Turkey Run State Park and Raccoon Lake.
In March there’s an Aldo Leopold bench workshop at Indiana Dunes State Park and bridge tournaments at the Canyon Inn at McCormick’s Creek State Park. No matter what the season, entertainment, adventure, relaxation and outdoor learning opportunities are available. Many events are free with entrance gate admission. Some events include a fee to help cover the cost of materials and preparation.

For up-to-date information about the many other daily or weekly programs, nature brochures and hours for state park and reservoirs interpretive centers, see www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/11984.htm

For information about events at state historic sites, visit the Indiana State Museum website at www.IN.gov/ism and for a hard copy of the 2009 Special Events Calendar, call 317-234-4926.

Patoka eagle watch set for Jan. 10
The Eagle Watch Special Event will be held Jan. 10 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Patoka Lake Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required for the event.

Everyone can experience the wonderful world of eagles with indoor and outdoor programs at Patoka Lake. Participants should come dressed for the weather to join Aron Showalter and the Patoka Lake Wildlife Specialist and crew to travel by car caravan to hot spots for eagles.

Attendees will have the chance to enjoy an update of Indiana’s eagle program regarding raptor biology and more, with special guest John Castrale, non-game wildlife biologist, DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. Learn about Bald Eagle C52, a 20-year old male resident raptor, with a close-up look at the amazing bird of prey.
Pre-registration is required with a program fee of $5 per person six years of age and older; participants five and younger are free. Refreshments will be served. Bring cameras, binoculars, bag lunch, preferred snacks, family and friends and join in the celebration of winter and Indiana’s natural heritage.

For more information regarding the special event, call the Visitor Center at 812-685-2447 or the Patoka Lake Property Office 812-685-2464.

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.