In his announcement earlier this month, Vilsack stated, “These road maintenance projects will provide for public health and safety, resource protection, and access to lands in the National Forests.”

A diverse set of road maintenance activities will be undertaken through ARRA-funded projects. Individuals hired under ARRA will complete this labor-intensive work through a number of approaches, depending on the specific project area and needs: installing physical barriers at road entrances; replanting road beds; limiting erosion; removing fills and culverts; reestablishing drainage-ways; stabilizing road shoulders; and totally obliterating roads and reshaping roadbeds to match the surrounding area.

The work will cover the nine county area of the Hoosier and be accomplished over the next two years primarily through contracting and summer students. “This is a great opportunity to improve our road system, protect forest resources, and make the Forest more easily accessible to the public,” said Brad Lidell, the Hoosier’s Forest Engineer.

Breakdown of ARRA road funding on the Hoosier:

• $750,000 for road maintenance, reconstruction, mowing, culvert replacement
• $250,000 for replacing road and gate signs
• $30,000 for sign replacement on county roads designated as a forest highway
• $60,000 for road maintenance and brushing, culvert, gate and sign replacement in the Paoli Experimental Forest

Multiple-Day Events

9 a.m.–Noon Youth DNR Fishin’ Pond (except Aug. 7, 8, and 17-21)

10 a.m. Snakes Alive Talk, DNR Amphitheater, every day

7 p.m. Architectural Fairground Trolley Tour, from DNR Building, 8/7 and 13

4:30 p.m. Live Raptor Show, DNR Amphitheater (except 8/10-14, 17-19, and 23)

4:30 p.m. Indiana’s Birds of Prey, DNR Amphitheater (8/10, 14, 17)

Daily Schedule

Fri., Aug. 7

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: The Mystery of Coal, DNR area

1 p.m. Grain Milling in Indiana, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Water Games, DNR Fishin’ Pond
Conserving Land to Protect Wildlife, DNR Front Porch

7 p.m. Campfire Stories, Songs & S’mores, DNR Amphitheater

Sat., Aug. 8

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Arachnids, DNR area

11 a.m. Taste of the Wild Cookout, DNR Fishin’ Pond & Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Flintknapping, DNR Front Porch

3 p.m. Indiana Smallmouth Alliance Casting, DNR Fishin’ Pond

5:30 p.m. Indiana Stories and Songs, DNR Amphitheater

Sun., Aug. 9

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Animal Adaptations, DNR area
Smokey Bear’s Birthday, DNR Amphitheater
Taxidermy Demonstration, DNR Front Porch
Life Jacket Races & Games, DNR Fishin’ Pond

Mon., Aug. 10

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Military History of Fort Harrison, DNR area

1 p.m. Using Fire as a Tool, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. SCUBA Demo, DNR Fishin’ Pond
Nature’s Nasties, DNR Front Porch

Tue., Aug. 11

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Tools of Fire, DNR area

1 p.m. Indiana Stories and Songs, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Resource Management in State Parks and Reservoirs, DNR Front Porch

Wed., Aug. 12

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: What is an Artifact?, DNR area

1 p.m. Indiana’s Bats: Myth and Reality, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Geology ROCKS!, DNR Front Porch

4:30 p.m. Evening with an Eagle, C52, DNR Amphitheater

Thu., Aug. 13

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Birds of Indiana, Pokagon Interpreter, DNR area

1 p.m. Attracting Birds to Your Backyard, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Military History of Fort Harrison, DNR Front Porch

4:30 p.m. Art of Falconry, DNR Amphitheater

Fri. Aug. 14

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Ice Age Animals, DNR area

1 p.m. Insect Craft, DNR Butterfly Garden

2–4 p.m. SCUBA Demo, DNR Fishin’ Pond

Geocaching Fun, DNR Front Porch

6 p.m. Resource Dog Workout, DNR Amphitheater

Sat., Aug. 15

Noon Fly Tying Demonstrations, Fly Masters of Indy, DNR Front Porch

Sun., Aug. 16

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Leave No Trace, DNR area

1 p.m.–3 p.m. “Road” Show (Bring Your Artifacts for ID), DNR Amphitheater

2 p.m. Dog Retrieval Demo, DNR Fishin’ Pond

7 – 9 p.m. Indy Admirals Remote Controlled Boats, DNR Fishin’ Pond Mon., Aug. 17

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Indiana Snakes, DNR area

1 p.m. Indiana Cemetery Stories, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Got Geese? Canada Goose Management, DNR Front Porch

3 p.m. Voyageurs and the Fur Trade in Indiana, DNR Amphitheater

Tue., Aug. 18
11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Indiana Geodes, DNR area

2–4 p.m. GPS–How it Works, DNR Front Porch

2–4 p.m. Make It–Float It Boats from Recycled Materials, DNR Fishin’ Pond

Wed., Aug. 19

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Indiana Fossils, DNR area

1 p.m. Waterfowl of Indiana, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Indiana Owls, DNR Front Porch

3 p.m. Voyageurs and the Fur Trade in Indiana, DNR Amphitheater

Thu., Aug. 20

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Wood ID, DNR area

1 p.m. Underground Railroad in Indiana, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Make and Take Tree Measuring Stick, DNR Front Porch

Fri., Aug. 21

11 a.m. Roving Naturalist: Abe Lincoln Visits, Dean Durrell—DNR area

1 p.m. Indiana Wildlife at the Time of Lincoln, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. SCUBA demo, DNR Fishin’ Pond
Help for Your Old House, DNR Front Porch

Sat., Aug. 22

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Gene Stratton Porter in Indiana, DNR area

1 p.m. Gardening for Butterflies, DNR Amphitheater

2 p.m. Water Dog Demonstration, DNR Fishin’ Pond

2–4 p.m. Managing Deer in Indiana, DNR Front Porch

6 p.m. Resource Dog Workout, DNR Amphitheater

7 p.m. Water Dog Demonstration, DNR Fishin’ Pond

Sun., Aug. 23

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Roving Naturalist: Invasives Around “R” Environment, DNR area

1 p.m. Digging Around: Fun with Archaeology, DNR Amphitheater

2–4 p.m. Indy Admirals Remote Control Boats, DNR Fishin’ Pond
Arachnid Adventures, DNR Front Porch

Volunteers not only make this feature enjoyable and educational, they receive a free ticket to the fair, good for the entire day of their four-hour shift.

No experience is needed. Optional training, which is highly recommended for new volunteers, is offered twice in July and will serve as a chance for early ticket pick-up. All volunteers also receive a T-shirt to wear during their shift.

Training for new volunteers will be July 24, from 3 to 5 p.m., or July 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. The same material will be covered in both, so volunteers need attend only one session.

There are morning and evening four-hour shifts at the Fishin’ Pond. Times run 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

There are four types of opportunities: fishing instructors, equipment workers, registration workers, and educators (crafts). More details are provided below.

Those 18 years old and older who are interested may register at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/5495.htm or contact the GoFishIN program at (317) 562-1338 (e-mail fishpond@dnr.IN.gov) with questions or to register a minor (under 18 years old).

• Fishing Instructors: Work individually, directly with two or three children and their parents at the pond fishing, assisting the youth during fishing time and helping them with fishing skills (casting, baiting hooks), catching the fish and returning it back to the pond.
• Equipment: Keep fishing instructors supplied with hooks, bobbers, sinkers, bait, etc., and help in the daily setup of fishing area and equipment.
• Participant registration: Sign up youth for the event.
• Educators: Help the children with a hands-on educational activity (craft activity). We will supply the activities. This role is ideal for those who don’t want to get fishy but want to help.

To participate, deer hunters may submit an online application, July 1 through Aug. 30, at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild to hunt private land in Indiana. Hunters submit for up to two counties they would like to hunt. Farmers/landowners then select individuals to interview for rights to hunt.

The program does not alter normal DNR deer hunting regulations. Hunters must adhere to all bag limits, county antlerless deer quotas and license fees. Farmers/landowners determine whether hunters may harvest antlerless deer or deer of either sex.

Information requested on the application, determined by a DNR survey of farmers/landowners, addresses common concerns about selecting the hunters most likely to address farmer/ landowner needs.

To obtain a list of potential hunters, farmers/landowners should contact their DNR district wildlife biologist as listed at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild starting Sept. 14. Hunters must be 13 years old to apply. Further information will be available in the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

According to Indiana Code, a hunter who is invited on a landowner’s premises for the purpose of hunting does not have an assurance that the premises are safe for that purpose. Therefore, the owner of the premises does not assume responsibility or incur liability for an injury to the person or property caused by an act or failure to act of other persons using the premises, unless the act is of malicious intent or is illegal.

Within the next week or two, the guide will be available, free of charge, at most DNR properties, various sporting goods stores, hunting license vendors and other locations around the state.

The 44-page publication’s cover shows a hunter participating in a deer reduction hunt last winter at Tippecanoe River State Park.

In addition to providing hunting and trapping rules and regulations, the guide includes articles on the 10 “unwritten” rules of hunting; why Kade Carter, 6th-grade son of DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr., likes to hunt; and how science plays a role in determining hunting rules and seasons.

The guide is a must, not only for veteran Hoosier hunters and trappers but also for those new to the state, and is a fitting addition to any neighborhood welcome package.

Of the approximately 59,000 hunters who pursued wild turkey in the state this spring, 12,993 were successful. Wild turkeys were killed in 88 of the 92 counties open to turkey hunting during the regular season, April 22 to May 10, and the youth season, April 18 and 19.

A total of 978 birds—7.5 percent of the statewide harvest— were taken during the youth season, which is held before the regular season.

“Adult gobblers made up 81 percent of the total harvest. Many hunters reported not seeing jakes (juvenile males) this spring. The below-average reproductive success of 2008, especially in those areas that experienced extensive flooding during the brood rearing period of early June, was a contributing factor,” said Steve Backs, DNR wildlife biologist.

Backs said the reasons for the increased harvest number probably were a combination of general turkey population growth around the state and the steady increase in turkey hunter numbers.

“Lower production was most evident in the western portions of the state, especially west-central Indiana, where the only regional decline occurred. The south-central and southeast regions still account for more than 50 percent of the harvest. The harvest in the north region of the state continues to increase as those turkey populations grow, with several county harvests in the north taking over 200-plus birds,” Backs said. Switzerland County topped the hunter success list with 530 turkeys, followed by Harrison (511), and Jefferson (447).

All applicants must possess a pertinent hunting license for the hunt for which they apply. All applications must be completed by the application deadline to be eligible for the drawing. Hunters will be selected through a random drawing. All drawing results will be posted at www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild (or www.wildlife.IN.gov) within a week after application deadlines.

Military/Refuge Deer Hunt Draw
Online application must be completed by Aug. 28, 2009

Dove Hunt Draw
Online application must be completed by July 31, 2009

Indiana State Park Deer Reduction Hunts
Online application must be completed by Aug. 28, 2009

Pheasant Hunt Draw
Online application must be completed by: Oct. 2, 2009

Wild Turkey Hunt Draw
Online application must be completed by: March 26, 2010

*Applications for waterfowl draw hunts typically begin inlate August. Pheasant put-and-take will be available Sept. 1.

Additional Military/Refuge hunts this year include a firearm hunt at Naval Support Activity Crane, and archery and firearm hunts at Newport Chemical Depot. Permit allotments and/or dates for other military and refuge areas are also being expanded. For answers to questions about military/refuge hunt opportunities, call (812) 334-3795 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekdays. Note that this is not a toll-free call.

See more information in the Hunting & Trapping Guide online

As a biologist with a Masters degree in zoology, his work has taken him outdoors as a photographer, poet, craftsman, gardener and found object artist. Michael gathers and cuts his own wood for winter heat. In his gatherings, he often sees natural scenes and creatures in the wood, pulling the natural world out for all to enjoy.

Michael has produced a CD/DVD of his photography and poetry with music, available for sale. The CD/DVD will be featured at the Visitor Center through July for your viewing.

Experience the interpretations of Michael Thompson in his exciting works of wood combined with other re-used and unused objects. This exhibit is free with a $5 per vehicle ($7 out-of-state) gate fee. For more information regarding ARTSPACE and upcoming exhibits, call the Visitor Center at 812/685-2447.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza consists of a large, bisected circular plaza. Visitors first enter an area punctuated with limestone pedestals and interpretive signs signifying key milestones in Lincoln’s formative Indiana years between ages 7 and 21.

A central half-circle reminds visitors of young Abraham’s growth from a boy to a man. Visitors can move freely between the pedestals at any pace. The second semicircle provides a more intimate space for reflecting upon the man who led this nation. It will contain a twice-life-size bronze bust of Lincoln, accompanied by some of his quotes.

The site is located on a knoll in the Oak Grove area of the park.

“This work of art is truly unique for Indiana, taking the visitor on a journey of Lincoln’s life from his birth, to the 14 years living in Indiana, to his last day as president,” said Connie Nass, IALBC chairwoman. “Located in a beautiful setting, it will be a popular destination for school groups as well as visitors from everywhere who want to learn more about this great man.”

The 1,847-acre park in Spencer County was created in 1932 as a memorial to Nancy Hanks Lincoln. The park also includes the historic home of Col. William Jones (Lincoln’s merchant employer), hiking trails and a scenic lake. Visitors also can explore Sarah Lincoln’s Woods—a nature preserve named after Abraham’s sister, who is buried in Little Pigeon Cemetery, located inside the park.

The world premiere of LINCOLN, occurred in the park’s 1,500-seat Lincoln Amphitheater on June 12. The live, multimedia performance provides insight into the life of the man whose legacy continues to inspire Americans. For a schedule of performances, prices and details, see www.lincolnamphitheatre.com.

Admission to the park for Indiana residents is $4 per carload Monday through Thursday and $5 per carload Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Admission for non-residents is $7 per carload.

The changes include: (1) creation of non-resident youth hunting and trapping licenses, (2) a change so that youth under age 18 no longer need a fishing license to fish in Indiana public waters, (3) the resident youth consolidated hunting license now includes trapping, and (4) seniors who are not required to purchase a fishing license may now purchase a voluntary senior annual fishing license, if they want to do so as a contribution to the benefit of fish and wildlife.

These licenses will be available on the DNR’s automated sport licensing system and at license retailers. To purchase online or for more information, see www.IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.