Indiana DNR Supports Sediment Removal Projects

Eight Indiana counties will be able to address sediment problems in lakes and rivers, thanks to $617,500 in grant funding from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program, DNR said in its latest announcement. 

LARE grants are administered through DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Division director, Mark Reiter, said that the funding will support 11 projects this year.

“The goal for these projects is to improve public accessibility to Indiana waterways and lakes,” Reiter said. “Improved access will increase recreation opportunities for boaters, anglers, paddlers and others who love water.”

The 11 projects were chosen in a competitive process from applications submitted by local sponsors, who agree to share at least 20 percent of the cost.

Three grants are for developing a sediment removal plan, which is the first step in any LARE dredging project. Eight projects include sediment removal, DNR said.

Projects to dredge lake inlets or boating access channels receive the highest priority for LARE funding.

The list of projects by water body, county, project type and grant award are:

  • Bixler Lake (Noble) Sediment removal $30,000;
  • Blue Lake (Whitley) Sediment removal plan $7,500;
  • Bryant Creek (Switzerland) Sediment removal plan $7,500;
  • Westler Lake (LaGrange) Sediment removal $60,000;
  • Goshen Pond (Elkhart) Sediment removal $100,000;
  • Jimmerson Lake (Steuben) Sediment removal $60,000;
  • Lake Manitou (Fulton) Sediment removal plan $7,500;
  • Round Lake (Whitley) Sediment removal $30,000;
  • Silver Lake (Kosciusko) Sediment removal $145,000;
  • Sylvan Lake (Noble) Sediment removal $140,000;
  • West Otter Lake (Steuben) Sediment removal $30,000.