Public Access at Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area
Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) recently gained an addition in support of public access. The property is now home to an accessible fishing pier and courtesy dock thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF).
The need for a courtesy dock/pier had been a common request from property visitors for several years, according to Hillary Bulcher, property manager at Blue Grass FWA. After receiving additional financial and volunteer support from the Friends of Blue Grass FWA, the long-awaited project came to fruition last month.
“We’re happy to have completed this project and to be able to provide a safer, more enjoyable experience for property users,” Bulcher said.
Courtesy dock and fishing pier in Blue Grass Pit. Photo courtesy of Blue Grass FWA staff.
Installed at Blue Grass Pit, the ADA compliant fishing pier/dock provides important public access opportunities to water recreation enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. With a clear path from the parking lot and improved fishing opportunities, the addition will be used by anglers, kayakers, and boaters.
Along with the benefits provided to water recreationists, the pier and courtesy dock also help solve important safety concerns. As the busiest boat ramp on the property, safety and efficiency were crucial needs for the project.
The dock provides safety for those loading and unloading boats from trailers while also making the launch process much safer for kayakers. With a kayak launch included on the dock, kayakers will have more stability when getting in and out of the water.
When DNR staff and volunteers from the Friends of Blue Grass FWA partnered to install the dock in mid-December, the group also focused on improving the fish habitat in Blue Grass Pit. Artificial fish habitat structures are now suspended from the bottom of the dock. These underwater structures will improve bank fishing while also adding more opportunities for fishing from the pier.
Indiana DNR staff and volunteers from the Friends of Blue Grass FWA. Photo courtesy of Blue Grass FWA staff.
“Thank you to all the partners and staff involved in making this dock a reality,” Bulcher added. “It will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
Blue Grass FWA is a unique property in southwestern Indiana that covers approximately 2,532 acres. With more than 600 acres of pits and lakes, there are ample hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching opportunities for visitors. Formerly a strip-mining area, the property’s upland habitat and numerous lakes attract a wide variety of wildlife including deer, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Our ability to fund outdoor recreation projects is made possible by generous donors and partners. When you support the INRF, you’re donating to important conservation initiatives including education, habitat improvement, and the creation of outdoor recreation opportunities. Please consider supporting Indiana’s public lands by donating today.