New nature preserve approved in Indiana

September 24, 2019

An 84-acre tract in northeastern Indiana known for its biodiversity has been approved by the state of Indiana as a state nature preserve.

Perfect Lake Nature Preserve in Steuben County features a steep-sided gravel ridge known as an esker, which overlooks Perfect Lake and the surrounding wetlands. The area is home to animals like foxes, wild turkeys, quail, bald eagles and deer.

The area was first protected in 2017 through the ACRES Land Trust by U.S. Federal Judge William Lee and has now been officially recognized by the state.

“I’m motivated by this whole concept of doing something perpetual, permanent, of something that lasts,” Judge Lee told ACRES in 2017. “Especially in today’s culture. Forever? That’s pretty neat.”

Indiana is now home to 289 sites protected by the Nature Preserves Act.

The decision to recognize the preserve was made during the Natural Resources Commission’s regular bi-monthly meeting, which was held Sept. 17 at Fort Harrison State Park.

The NRC includes officials from various Indiana governmental departments, including the DNR director and the heads of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development and the Indiana Department of Transportation.

The commission also includes six citizens appointed by the governor, the president of the Indiana Academy of Science and the chair of the DNR’s advisory council.

New nature preserve approved in Indiana

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