Increasing Public Land in Northern Indiana
The Northeast Indiana Conservation Partnership & Preservation is a united effort focused on increasing public land and improving habitat in northern Indiana. The INRF and DNR have joined forces with several organizations to promote the conservation of land for wildlife, recreation, beauty and sport.
Since the effort launched in 2012, the INRF, DNR, and dedicated conservationists in the region have worked to permanently protect natural areas across the region while targeting land acquisition and habitat improvement opportunities. The expansion and improvement of our public lands provides increased access to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities for Hoosiers.
By the Numbers
More than $1.6 million total funds raised
821 acres acquired
Less than $650 cost per acre
More than 500 acres of habitat created or restored
Thanks to partners like the Bicentennial Nature Trust, President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust Fund, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and bargain sales, we leverage almost three additional dollars for every one dollar contributed.
Buchanan Unit of Mallard Roost Wetland Conservation Area.
Successful Projects
Mallard Roost Wetland Conservation Area: The Buchanan Unit, composed of 158 acres of upland prairie and wetland, was acquired in 2023. The property expands outdoor recreation opportunities and creates wildlife habitat.
Cedar Swamp Wetland Conservation Area: 179 acres of wetland and prairie restoration will take place during a multi-year, multi-partner effort. A $59,000 gift from the INRF and northeast Indiana donors kickstarted a 53-acre prairie restoration that included replacing former agricultural land with tall-stature grasses (big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass) or medium-stature grasses (little bluestem, sideoats grama).
Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area: An 8-acre purchase of land adjacent to Pigeon River FWA expands and protects outdoor recreation opportunities in perpetuity. Almost entirely surrounded by DNR property, the purchase created a contiguous block of land that makes habitat management easier for property staff.
Pisgah Marsh & Durham Lake: An 80-acre purchase at Durham Lake and a 2-acre addition to Pisgah Marsh are ecologically significant. Including 15 acres of woodland habitat, 65 acres of restorable game bird habitat, and rare ecological features, the acquisition provides increased protection for numerous endangered nongame species.
Frances Slocum State Forest: More than 400 acres of contiguous forest will increase public access opportunities and provide the Division of Forestry with important educational and recreational resources.
Salamonie Lake: The Priddy Tract, a 69-acre addition to Salamonie, creates important connectivity on the property and supports the creation of valuable wildlife habitat.
Kuhn Lake: The addition of a public access site increased accessibility to the property’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
Wawasee Inlet Nutrient Study: WINS, a landmark study in northeast Indiana, seeks to protect and restore water quality of the area. By researching where water pollution is occurring and partnering with local groups, the project promotes practices that will protect and restore Lake Wawasee water quality.
Crooked Lake Nature Preserve: A 25-acre addition maintains vital habitat for multiple endangered species. Indiana’s only native salmon species outside of Lake Michigan, the cisco, can be found in the lake. Other endangered species that reside on the property include the Blanding’s turtle, wavy-rayed lamp mussel, and the common mudpuppy.
