Natural Resources Conservation Programs

Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs

The mission of the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs is to manage andinterpret our unique natural, wildlife and cultural resources; to provide forcompatible recreational opportunities; and to sustain the integrity of thoseresources for future generations.

Natural Areas Management on State Parks

The mission of the natural areas program is to promote, maintain and restore the integrity of our native ecological communities using sound science to ensure appropriate composition, structure, and function that reflects original Indiana landscapes.

• While providing opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, canoeing and many other forms of outdoor recreation, the state parks contain some of the finest natural areas in the state and Midwest.

• These areas and others are currently home to more than 180 species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered on both state and federal lists.

• Most of these special areas require some form of active management to remain ecologically intact.

Active Management

• Deer reductions - State parks have managed the impacts of over browsing deer since 1993.

• Goose reductions - State parks have managed the impacts of overabundant geese since 2007.

• Invasive Species Management • Prescribed Fire

Other projects

• Dunes Creek daylighting project• Prophetstown wetland restoration• Brown Co. Little Blue Creek oak restoration

project

Wildlife Management on Reservoirs

• The mission of the wildlife management program is to professionally restore, create, manage and conserve habitat suitable for native game species that results in diverse outdoor recreational experiences for hunters and other users alike.

• Managing game and non-game wildlife on reservoirs is largely about maintaining the proper resources that different populations of wildlife need, such as food, water, shelter, and other special needs. These are all components of habitat.

• Strong habitat management requires managers to use a handful of different tools and techniques. The most important of these is succession control, or manipulating how and where old fields mature into forests of different ages and structures. Other techniques include the use of prescribed fire and maintaining food plots and agricultural areas.

• Reservoir Habitat Proportions• Crops 10%• Food Plots 3%• Grasses/Annual Weeds 12%• Mature Woodlands 48%• Successional Areas 25%

Crop Leases

• Eight reservoirs leased 47 units over 5,597 acres for a four year period.

• Cumulative revenue from the four year lease will be approximately $657,500.00 ($164,000.00 annually).

Trapping Leases

• Lease agreements generally include details such as allowable trap sets and species specific Information.

• Twenty-one units are currently leased by 13 individuals. Cumulative revenue from the two year lease period will be approximately $3,200.

Recruitment/Retention Initiative

• Div. of Parks and Reservoirs has begun a new recruitment/retention initiative on IDNR reservoirs.

• A total of 21 events were held with more than 540 in attendance.

• Events regularly included partnerships with local and national organizations (friends groups, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Indiana State Trappers Association, local bait shops, 4-H, etc.). Most events have been very successful and we anticipate even more progress as we build and tweak the program.

Initiative Objectives

• Cultivate the value of outdoor sports.• Promote the continuing heritage and

significance of outdoor sports.• Expose potential and existing newcomers to

activities and skill sets.• Create a better understanding of the wildlife

management profession and related methods/techniques.

Div. of Fish & Wildlife

• Mission Statement Our mission is to professionally manage

Indiana's fish and wildlife for present and future generations, balancing ecological, recreational, and economic benefits.

• In 1919, the Indiana state legislature established the Department of Conservation (today known as the Department of Natural Resources) and created a Division of Fish and Game (today called the Division of Fish and Wildlife). This division was granted the statutory responsibility of providing for the care of wild animal populations, on public and private property along with a program of management to serve the best interests of the resources and the people of Indiana.

• These programs were funded by hunters and anglers through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. In 1937 and again in 1951, sportsmen and women increased their contribution to conservation funding by supporting creation of a federal excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment, called the wildlife and sport fish restoration grant program. These programs, which rely on the number of hunting and fishing licenses sold by each state for distribution of funds, continue to this day. In 1995 Indiana conservationists again demonstrated their commitment to conservation by supporting a voluntary income tax check-off program to fund non game and endangered wildlife conservation in Indiana.

Fisheries Programs

PROGRAM PURPOSE• Fisheries Management: protect fisheries

resources & make fishing better• Public Access: develop & maintain

boating and fishing access to rivers and lakes • Aquatic Invasive Species: manage impacts of

invasives such as Asian carp• Contaminants: recover fish kill

damages from responsible parties & restore habitats• Lake and River Enhancement: reduce sediment &

nutrient pollution

FUNDING SOURCESFisheries Management and Public Access programs are

funded by dedicated license revenue, matched with 75% federal Sport Fish Restoration Funds for eligible activities. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program is funded with a blend of dedicated and federal monies, including federal funds from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Contaminants Program uses dedicated license revenue and the federal Sport Fish Restoration match as well as funds recovered from polluters (for non-salary restoration project expenses). The Lake and River Enhancement Program is funded from a boating fee that ranges from $5-$25 depending on boat value.

Wildlife Programs PROGRAM PURPOSE• Private Lands: The Private Lands Unit is responsible for the management

of wildlife populations and the restoration, enhancement, and maintenance of wildlife habitats on the privately-owned landscape of Indiana

• Public lands: The Public Lands Unit is responsible for managing habitat quality and quantity on over 146,000 acres of public land for hunting, fishing, shooting, wildlife viewing, and a host of other compatible outdoor recreation activities.

• Diversity/Management: The Diversity and Management unit oversees conservation projects and management of over 100 eligible species of greatest conservation need, including federal and state endangered and other rare species.

• Research: The Wildlife Research Unit is responsible for assessing the overall health and management of legally-harvested wildlife populations at multiple spatial scales; development and implementation of harvest recommendations and strategies; development and implementation of statewide population and harvest monitoring programs; constituent surveys and disease monitoring protocols; and serve as the Department’s experts regarding those wildlife species.

Funding Sources• Research, Public Lands, and Private Lands programs are funded by dedicated license

revenue, matched with 75% federal Sport Fish Restoration Funds for eligible activities with the remainder from various federal USDA grants, the Deer Research and Management Fund, and the Game Bird Habitat Restoration Fund.

• In almost every case, all the citizens of Indiana are deriving benefit from these services while only a small portion actually directly support those services through hunting and fishing license sales which are stable to declining in revenue. For instance, approximately 70% of the users on Fish and Wildlife Areas are non consumptive users that may never purchase a license. Those percentages are probably comparable for private lands.

• The Diversity and Management Program receives limited funding from the federal State Wildlife Grant Program and donations to the Nongame Fund, through the state income tax check-off. In almost every case, all the citizens of Indiana are deriving benefit from these services while only a small portion actually supports those services through the tax check off program which results in inconsistent and inadequate funding.

Environmental ProgramsPROGRAM PURPOSE• Environmental Reviews: Conduct environmental reviews for early

coordination requests and permit applications for construction projects to minimize the impacts to fish, wildlife, and botanical resources and their habitat. This program is funded by dedicated license revenue, with 75% of the costs paid for by federal grant funds for eligible activities.

• Operations/Permitting: Review and issue over twenty-five different types of commercial licenses and permits. Coordinate and oversee the administrative rule promulgation process for the Division of Fish and Wildlife to revise existing administrative rules and create new rules when needed for biological, social, or enforcement purposes. These programs are funded by dedicated license revenue.

Div. Of Nature Preserves

• Indiana's system of Nature Preserves was established by a 1967 act of the General Assembly. The system's purpose is to provide permanent protection for significant natural areas within the state.

• The first dedicated nature preserve was Pine Hills Nature Preserve in Shades State Park in 1969.

• There are 242 Nature Preserves in IN.• This represents more than 32,000 acres spread

throughout Indiana.• We work closely with many others in dedicating

significant natural areas, for instance DNR State Parks, DNR Forestry, DNR Fish and Wildlife, Nature Conservancy and local land trusts, as well as local county park systems.

Nature Preserve Program

• provides in perpetuity protection for lands dedicated by the Natural Resources Commission, who accept the easement for the State. Numerous ownerships (agencies, local governments, universities, land trusts, etc).

• Funding for Nature Preserve staff, and Nature Preserve management is from a blend of General Funds and other funds (trust funds, federal grants, NRD funds, etc).

Division Programs

• Nursery Inspections and Certification• Apiary Inspections• Quarantines• Permits and Licenses• Issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates• Exotic and Invasive Pest Surveys and

Monitoring

All programs are covered under 312 IAC Article 18 under authority of IC 14-24.

• Nature Preserve programs, similar in nature, are in place in Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio.

• Due to the numerous license plates available to Hoosiers, funding for land acquisition through IHT is down; land acquisition funding is needed to secure critical additions to existing nature preserves, and to secure protection for Indiana’s few remaining natural areas.

Natural Heritage Program

• Tracks information on rare species, high quality natural areas, and managed lands.

• Heritage Programs are found in all 50 states, and numerous countries.

• Funding comes from General Funds, Office of Surface Mining funds, and other sources.

• Serves as the “Lands Unsuitable for Mining” database for the Division of Reclamation (required by the federal Office of Surface Mining).

Lake Michigan Coastal Program

• Federally funded program that provides funding (approximately $750,000 annually, with funding determined by a state’s population and number of miles of shoreline) to governmental agencies and non-profit in Indiana’s coastal area to help protect coastal resources.

• Funds can be for resource restoration, land acquisition, and planning:1. Protection and restoration of significant natural and cultural

resources.2. Programs to prevent the loss of life and property in coastal hazard

areas. 3. Improved public access for recreational purposes. 4. Revitalized urban waterfronts and ports. 5. Improved coordination among government agencies in policy and

decision-making processes. 6. Pollution prevention initiatives, including non-point source

pollution into coastal waters.

• Staff are funded with a blend of cigarette tax funds and matching federal funds.

• All eligible states (great lake or ocean coasts) have a coastal program.

Division of Forestry

Nursery Section

• MissionTo grow and distribute to Indiana landowners, high quality native plant materials for conservation plantings. Conservation plantings include plantings for timber, wildlife, windbreaks, soil and water protection, mine reclamation, carbon sequestering and education

Who We Serve

30%

8%

25%

15%

20%2%

Mineland Reclamation

Environmental Programs

Timber Production

Wildlife Habitat

Windbreak Establishment

Arbor Day

FY Conifers Hardwoods Total Revenues

07-08 757,151 2,918,832 3,675,983 $1,265,610

08-09 700,000 2,832,005 3,532,005 $1,283,532

09-10 384,562 2,845,280 3,229,842 $1,166,013

10-11 395,162 2,786,678 3,181,840 $1,053,231

*11-12 400,000 2,800,000 3,200,000 $1,200,000

STATE FOREST SECTION

Indiana’s State Forest System

• Working lands managed for multiple benefits– 13 State Forests – 156,000 acres– Includes 17 nature preserves (2,369 acres)– Timber, wildlife, hunting, foraging, camping, lakes, firewood – 4,500 acres forest restoration activities annually

• Reforestation, forest improvement, invasive species, erosion control.

• Funded by timber revenues, capital funding and operating budgets• Approx $200,000/year

State Forests- Surrounding States(Only Indiana and Ohio Certified as Well Managed by international certification

systems –Green Certification)

Indiana State ForestsConserving Biodiversity

• Sustainable Forest Resource Management• Timber harvests and restoration activities administered by professional foresters

at all forests• Forest management results in habitat diversity, supporting high species diversity• Several Nature Preserves established and managed

• Certified as well managed by FSC & SFI• 14 million board feet green certified hardwoods sold last FY• Approximately $3 million (15% returned to counties)• Harvest approximately 50% of annual growth• State Forest continue to increase in timber volume

• Forest Research– HEE project (a 100 year effort)

– In Eastern US only Missouri has a similar project

– Independent research projects ongoing (2011: 15 projects, 11 partners)– Continuous Forest Inventory system remeasured

Indiana State Forests Conservation Concerns

• Public support• Indiana DNR and the Division of Forestry has a long positive history -the envy of many

states• Protection of important lands

– Consolidating ownership improves sustainability– General land acquisition funding has declined while land availability has gone up

• Management of invasive species (plants, animals, insects, disease)– Work never ends– Reintroduction of American Chestnut a possibility

• Protecting species of greatest conservation need– Indiana bat habitat conservation plan– Environmental Assessment completed for 2008-2027– Research includes management effects on endangered species

• Sustainable lakes– Aging lakes filling with sediment– Maintenance and repair of aging dams

PRIVATE LANDS SECTION

Private Lands Management

• The Division spends approx. $1.2 million/year to fund District Forester operations. Most of this money goes to salary and support to administer the Classified Forest and Wildlands Program.

• The Division works with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide cost share money to assist private landowners in completing forestry practices. In 2009-2010 $2.2 million in assistance was provided

• The Licensed Timber Buyers Program regulates the purchase of logs or standing timber from both public and private lands. The law offers landowners legal remedies if the landowner thinks that their trees have been wrongfully cut or if the landowner is not paid for the trees as agreed. The $80 thousand collected in fees supports the program.

Classified Forest & Wildlands Program

Program authorized March 10,1921.

Purpose: To encourage timber production, wildlife habitat, and protect water quality on private lands.

Landowner incentive: Property tax reduction (Assessed value for enrolled land = $1/acre)

Program administered by the Division of Forestry

Classified Forest & Wildlands Program

Program Growth

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

Classified Program EnrollmentClassified Forest 1921 -2005

Classifed Forest & Wildlands 2006-present

ACRES ENROLLED

The 5 year average (2005-2010) for program growth is 19,800 acres/year. Program growth is expected to remain near this rate or higher, depending on staffing levels.

Classified Forest & Wildlands Program

Comparison to Surrounding States’ Forest Tax Law Programs

WisconsinManaged Forest Law•Property tax deduction (amount depend on if public access is granted)•10 acre minimum•Management plan required•Green certification through FSC & ATFS.

IllinoisForestry Development Act•Open to forest land in counties with < 3 million inhabitants•Property tax deduction (assessed value at 1/6 value)•Management plan require•No public access required

MichiganCommercial Forest Program•Property tax deduction•State pays counties $1.20/enrolled acres• Enrolled land open for public hunting, trapping & fishing

OhioOhio Forest Tax Law• Property tax deduction•10 acres minimum•Management plan required•No public access required

IndianaClassified Forest & Wildlands•Property tax deduction (Assessed value = $1/acres)•Management plan required•10 acre minimum•No public access required•Green certification through FSC & ATFS.

Division of Forestry

“Green” Forest Certification

• State Forests– Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

& Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

– 153,000 acres certified– 12,000,000 BdFT

• Classified Forest & Wildlands– American Tree Farm System &

Forest Stewardship Council– 555,000+ acres certified– 35,000,000 BdFT

FIRE SECTION

Division of ForestryFire Management

Four Focal Areas1. Fire Suppression

Operational Suppression & Assistance Technical Assistance Predictive Services

2. Fire prevention Public Awareness K-5 Programming

3. Assistance to Rural & Volunteer Fire Departments Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants (VFA) Federal Excess Personal Program (FEPP) Rural Wildland Fire Suppression Training

4. Prescribed Fire Ecological Burning Fuel Reduction / Mitigation

Fire Suppression• Fire Operations

– State Lands– Private lands– Partner Agencies

• Technical Assistance– Working remotely to assist

Fire Departments with firefighting strategy and tactics.

• Predictive Services– Seasonal Outlooks– Fuels monitoring– Drought Task Force

Fire Prevention• Public Awareness

– Education of the masses on the dangers of wildfires emphasizing Fire Prevention.

– Hazard Mitigation

• K-5 Programming– Fire Safety– Good Fire vs. Bad Fire– Responsibility

Assistance to Rural / Volunteer Fire Departments

• Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA)– Pass through grant from USDA Forest Service– 50/50 Program up to $10,000.00 total grant

• Maximum $5,000.00 Grant Funds / $5,000.00 Fire Dept.• Geared toward improving response to wildfires and improving

ISO ratings.• Water handling, pumps, protective gear, communications.

• Federal Excess Property Program (FEPP)– Agreement in place to acquire excess federal property

and reassign to rural fire departments– Trucks, generators, fire apparatus, etc.

Prescribed Fire

• Ecological Burning– Maintaining Fire Dependent

Habitat– Habitat Restoration– Oak Regeneration

• Fuel Reduction / Mitigation– Rx Fire applied to lessen

effects of fire in critical areas

Indiana’s Unique ApproachBenefits…• Directed support of Rural & Volunteer Fire Departments

– A proportionally small fire staff supports local level efforts to limit State level expense.

• Utilization of Multiple-duty Departmental Personnel– Support for Fire operations is provided by fire trained personnel in

DNR’s land holding divisions.

• Leveraged funding through recurrent federal grants focused on Wildland Fire Assistance in the State.

Detractors…• Staff size is not commensurate with the demand for service

– especially during the spring and fall operational fire seasons.

FOREST INVENTORY SECTION

Forest Resource Information

Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA)Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI)•State Forest Properties System•Classified Forest System

FIA

• Federal Forest Service Program administered by the DNR Division of Forestry

• Ongoing assessment since the 1950s• Statewide assessment survey of forestland across all

ownerships representing all 4.5 million acres of forests in Indiana

• Approx $175,000 annually for the base program from the USFS

• DoF adds approx $80,000 annually to double the intensity of the survey

CFI Properties System

• Internal forest assessment survey of DoF owned/managed lands

• Estimated cost $100,000 annually• Install and measure 800 plots annually equally

dispersed throughout all properties• Currently in the fourth year (80% of total

sample)

CFI Classified Forest System

• Internal forest assessment survey of privately owned lands enrolled in the classified forest system

• Estimated cost $100,000 annually• Install and measure 500 plots annually equally

dispersed throughout the state on classified forest tracts

• Currently in the first year of the program

Division of Entomology and Plant PathologyWho are we? What do we do?

October 21st, 2009Scott KinzieNursery Inspector/Compliance Officer

• Our Mission is to Manage Plant and Apiary Pests for the Preservation and Protection of Cultivated and Natural Resources, to Facilitate Trade, and to Enhance the Quality and Appreciation of the Environment.

Small Division - - Large OutreachNursery Industry

Logging/Timber Industry

Homeowners

Exporters

Private Campgrounds (Firewood)

The Bee Industry (Apiary)

Nurseries and Nursery DealersInspection and Licensing Program

• Required under IC 14-24“The division shall issue a certificate following an inspection that discloses that the nursery stock is apparently free from pests and pathogens”.

• This is an annual inspection and license which is required to sell plants within Indiana and to move and sell plants into other states.

• License fee - $50 and inspection fee $3/acre for nurseries growing plants in Indiana.

• Approximately 400 nurseries and 2,000 nursery dealers

Nurseries and Nursery DealersInspection and Licensing Program cont.

• Fees currently recover approximately 65% of program. Funded by general funds and dedicated account.

• All other states have nursery licensing program. The fees vary by state and Indiana is below some state fees.

Apiary Inspections• Required under IC 14-24

Inspection of bees being shipped out of Indiana to meet requirements of other states.

• Done upon request of Apiarist.• No cost for Inspection or issuance of inspection certificate.• General funds used to support cost of the inspection. No

dedicated funds used and limited federal grant funds used when available.

• Not all states have an Apiary program.

Pest and Pathogen Permits

• Required under IC 14-24 Permits from Division required to move pests and pathogens and plants with pest and pathogens within and into Indiana.

• Done primarily for research and education purposes.• No cost for permit.• General and dedicated funds used to support staff time to

review and issue permits.• Other states have similar permitting process.• Some states charge for permit.• Still an effective program as without it pests and

pathogens maybe introduced and spread within.

Phytosanitary Program

• Required under Plant Pest Act and International Plant Protection Conventions.Agricultural, horticultural and silvicultural plants, plant products and other commodities moving in international trade must meet the destination countries entry requirements to prevent introduction of a pest or pathogen.

• Plants and plant products must be inspected by state or federal inspector who then issues phytosanitary document.

• Phytosanitary document issued by Entomology costs $50 + $6 processing fee. Issued by USDA cost is $112 + $6.

Phytosanitary Program

• General and dedicated funds used to support staff time to inspect and issue document.

• Other states issue Phytosanitary documents and their costs are similar or greater than Indiana’s.

• Still an effective program as it is required to help Indiana businesses move corn, soybeans, popcorn, lumber and logs in international trade.

• Issue 2,000 to 3,000 phytosanitary documents per year.• Funds go into Division’s Dedicated account.

Indiana Heritage Trust &Indiana Natural Resources Foundation

History of NRF and IHT

NRF established in 1990 IHT established in 1992 NRF Board populates the IHT Trust Committee by statute IHT is a funding mechanism for DNR land acquisition NRF is much broader in scope From 1992 – 2007 IHT and NRF had the same Executive Director

which was a DNR employee. In 2007, through the leadership of the NRF, the NRF hired its first

ever Executive Director to work solely for NRF.

Composition of 16 Member Project Committee:

Director – Division of Fish and Wildlife Director – Division of Forestry Director – Division of Nature Preserves Director – Division of State Parks Director – Division of Outdoor Recreation Director – Division State Museums and Historic Sites 10 Individual citizens appointed by the Governor…

Citizen appointees must have a demonstrated interest or experience in::

1) Conservation or natural resources2) management of public property

At least 1 member shall be appointed from each congressional district

Composition of 17 Member Trust Committee:

12 Members of the Natural Resources Foundation Not more than 6 of whom may be of the same political affiliation At least one member appointed from each congressional district

2 Members of the Senate appointed by the president pro tempore

2 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker

The Treasurer of State of the Treasurer’s designee

IHT Funds Allocated

For each $100,000 in revenue, the funds by law must be allocated into specific accounts:

1. Stewardship Account 5% of $100,000 $5,0002. State Parks Account 10% of balance $9,5003. State Forests Account 10% of balance $9,5004. Nature Preserves Account 10% of balance $9,5005. Fish and Wildlife Account 10% of balance $9,5006. Outdoor Rec./ Historic Sites 10% of balance $9,5007. Discretionary Account 50% of balance $47,500

Total: $100,000

How an idea becomes a funded project

Projects are submitted to Trust for funding

consideration

Proposal is reviewed and essential details verified.

Local officials are notified of each project.

Project is summarized on various forms for

Committee review

All proposed projects are heard and voted on at the IHT Project Committee

meeting

All proposed projects are heard and voted on at the

Indiana Heritage Trust Committee Meeting

A letter is prepared and sent to the

Governor detailing all approved projects

Governor’s office reviews the projects and sends a letter to the DNR Director

approving the proposals

Projects enter Land Acquisition process

1 month

1 month

1 month

1 day

1 week

=Internal Process =External Process

How an approved project is completed

Division of Land Acquisition begins work

on project

All due diligence is complete including title

work, appraisal, environmental, surveys.

Price is negotiated.

Documents are reviewed, signed by grantor and

returned to DNR

Documents are prepared an entered into the signature and

approval process

Check is issued and closing completed

Documents are recorded, final title

policy issued, entered into GIS, sent to State Land

Office

Petition Local Government Finance to remove from tax rolls

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ks

2 months

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ks

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2 months

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6 months

Projects Proposed by Division

IHT Project Distribution

State Parks9%

Nature Preserves42%

Forestry25%

Historic Sites4%

Outdoor Rec6%

Fish & Wildlife14%

Outdoor Rec

Historic Sites

Nature Preserves

State Parks

Forestry

Fish & Wildlife

Acres Acquired by Division

1996-2007 % Acreage Totals by Division

Outdoor Recreation

2%Forestry19%

Historic Sites2%

Fish & Wildlife53%

State Parks8%

Nature Preserves16%

Fish & Wildlife

State Parks

Nature Preserves

Historic Sites

Forestry

Outdoor Recreation

Accomplishments Protected 51,658 acres since inception Projects in 56 Counties 345 completed projects #1 selling vanity plate every year

Ongoing challenges Funding Payment in lieu of taxes