Department of Natural Resources Archives - News Now Warsaw https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/tag/department-of-natural-resources/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:05:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 DNR to encourage non-lead shot usage, but no new bans in store https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/dnr-to-encourage-non-lead-shot-usage-but-no-new-bans-in-store/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:04:23 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=83429 By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana Capital Chronicle

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources is embarking on a public information campaign about the harms of lead shot — and the benefits of non-toxic ammunitions — after a Hoosier asked the agency to take action.

But DNR won’t be implementing new restrictions, as Nancy Tatum requested.

Tatum, a former leader of the Indiana Native Plant Society, petitioned DNR to outright ban the sale of lead shot — which the agency said it can’t legally do. It also didn’t add to existing, narrow, limits on the use of lead shot on wildlife.

Dangers of lead

Lead is a heavy metal that is very toxic even in small quantities. It accumulates in soft tissues and bones, damaging the nervous system and other bodily functions.

An estimated 1.6 million to 3.9 million birds died annual of lead poisoning between 1938 and 1954, according to Tatum’s research, cited in a report the department’s board adopted last week.

A national ban on shooting waterfowl with lead shot cut deaths on the Mississippi flyway alone by an estimated 64% — about 1.4 million birds.

Tatum’s petition also emphasized the dangers to animals that scavenge big game carcasses, like bald eagles, golden eagles and raptors.

That’s because when lead bullets hit their targets, they fragment into irregular shapes and disperse.

Lead fishing tackle, Tatum noted, also presents dangers to fish.

And when humans eat animals killed with lead shot — especially when prepared with acidic marinates — they can absorb the neurotoxin.

Taking action

Tatum asked DNR to make lead shot unavailable for purchase, but the request was a non-starter.

In its report, the agency said it couldn’t “prohibit the sale of lead shot in Indiana because it is outside the authority of the DNR.”

It also noted that Hoosiers can use ammunition for target practice — not on animals — and in other states with different rules. The move could also harm retailers, according to the report.

However, DNR didn’t add new restrictions on the use of lead shot either.

Hunters already must use non-toxic shot when hunting mourning doves on DNR property, according to Indiana Administrative Code. Those alternatives are also required when hunting all species on the Goose Pond and Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife areas.

DNR spokeswoman Holly Lawson confirmed the agency’s board — the Natural Resources Commission — “does have the authority to regulate the use of lead shot in the state.”

But she said she couldn’t “speculate on” possible future actions of the commission.

Instead, the agency launched a new webpage detailing lead shot’s impacts, and the “health benefits” of alternatives.

“As fewer hunters and anglers use lead in their equipment, Indiana’s water (including drinking water) becomes cleaner,” the page reads. That benefits mussels, turtles and other animals.

“There’s also a lower chance that you and your loved ones will ingest traces of lead dust or fragments that can be found in game meat and fishing tackle,” it adds.

Hoosiers can also read about recent anti-lead efforts, including lead removal and recycling at DNR shooting ranges and lead exposure screenings of animals like gray foxes and bobcats.

And residents can access tips for how they can help cut lead exposure: buying similarly priced non-lead shot and tackle, properly disposing of lead equipment, properly disposing of lead-contaminated carcasses and gut piles, and more.

Spreading the message

DNR is planning to put out the word using its variety of social media accounts, according to Lawson, and its monthly emailed newsletter.

“This awareness work can take many forms,” she said.

“For example, individuals born after December 31, 1986, are required to complete a hunter education course prior to obtaining a hunting license. Additionally, DNR will be launching a new online licensing system next year that can allow for more direct communication between the department and hunters statewide,” Lawson continued. “DNR will explore whether information on lead shot can be shared through platforms like this.”

Lawson said discussions about how to best increase awareness would continue within DNR, and possibly its board.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post DNR to encourage non-lead shot usage, but no new bans in store appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana Capital Chronicle

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources is embarking on a public information campaign about the harms of lead shot — and the benefits of non-toxic ammunitions — after a Hoosier asked the agency to take action.

But DNR won’t be implementing new restrictions, as Nancy Tatum requested.

Tatum, a former leader of the Indiana Native Plant Society, petitioned DNR to outright ban the sale of lead shot — which the agency said it can’t legally do. It also didn’t add to existing, narrow, limits on the use of lead shot on wildlife.

Dangers of lead

Lead is a heavy metal that is very toxic even in small quantities. It accumulates in soft tissues and bones, damaging the nervous system and other bodily functions.

An estimated 1.6 million to 3.9 million birds died annual of lead poisoning between 1938 and 1954, according to Tatum’s research, cited in a report the department’s board adopted last week.

A national ban on shooting waterfowl with lead shot cut deaths on the Mississippi flyway alone by an estimated 64% — about 1.4 million birds.

Tatum’s petition also emphasized the dangers to animals that scavenge big game carcasses, like bald eagles, golden eagles and raptors.

That’s because when lead bullets hit their targets, they fragment into irregular shapes and disperse.

Lead fishing tackle, Tatum noted, also presents dangers to fish.

And when humans eat animals killed with lead shot — especially when prepared with acidic marinates — they can absorb the neurotoxin.

Taking action

Tatum asked DNR to make lead shot unavailable for purchase, but the request was a non-starter.

In its report, the agency said it couldn’t “prohibit the sale of lead shot in Indiana because it is outside the authority of the DNR.”

It also noted that Hoosiers can use ammunition for target practice — not on animals — and in other states with different rules. The move could also harm retailers, according to the report.

However, DNR didn’t add new restrictions on the use of lead shot either.

Hunters already must use non-toxic shot when hunting mourning doves on DNR property, according to Indiana Administrative Code. Those alternatives are also required when hunting all species on the Goose Pond and Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife areas.

DNR spokeswoman Holly Lawson confirmed the agency’s board — the Natural Resources Commission — “does have the authority to regulate the use of lead shot in the state.”

But she said she couldn’t “speculate on” possible future actions of the commission.

Instead, the agency launched a new webpage detailing lead shot’s impacts, and the “health benefits” of alternatives.

“As fewer hunters and anglers use lead in their equipment, Indiana’s water (including drinking water) becomes cleaner,” the page reads. That benefits mussels, turtles and other animals.

“There’s also a lower chance that you and your loved ones will ingest traces of lead dust or fragments that can be found in game meat and fishing tackle,” it adds.

Hoosiers can also read about recent anti-lead efforts, including lead removal and recycling at DNR shooting ranges and lead exposure screenings of animals like gray foxes and bobcats.

And residents can access tips for how they can help cut lead exposure: buying similarly priced non-lead shot and tackle, properly disposing of lead equipment, properly disposing of lead-contaminated carcasses and gut piles, and more.

Spreading the message

DNR is planning to put out the word using its variety of social media accounts, according to Lawson, and its monthly emailed newsletter.

“This awareness work can take many forms,” she said.

“For example, individuals born after December 31, 1986, are required to complete a hunter education course prior to obtaining a hunting license. Additionally, DNR will be launching a new online licensing system next year that can allow for more direct communication between the department and hunters statewide,” Lawson continued. “DNR will explore whether information on lead shot can be shared through platforms like this.”

Lawson said discussions about how to best increase awareness would continue within DNR, and possibly its board.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post DNR to encourage non-lead shot usage, but no new bans in store appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-26-190247.png DNR urges homeowners not to plant ornamental pear trees https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/dnr-urges-homeowners-not-plant-ornamental-pear-trees/ Wed, 24 May 2017 10:02:34 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=23135 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana officials are urging homeowners and landscapers to stop planting ornamental pear trees because they are an invasive species that's crowding out native trees.

The state Department of Natural Resources says the trees, commonly known as Bradford pears, may be a popular landscaping tree but they're also a nuisance that can spread.

Megan Abraham is the director of the DNR's Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology. She says that over time the different varieties of the ornamental pear trees have cross-pollinated and that's allowed them "to rapidly spread into our natural resources."

The DNR says the best tree to replace any invasive tree species is one that's native to a particular region, such as serviceberry trees that produce white spring blooms and fruit that attracts wildlife.

The post DNR urges homeowners not to plant ornamental pear trees appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana officials are urging homeowners and landscapers to stop planting ornamental pear trees because they are an invasive species that’s crowding out native trees.

The state Department of Natural Resources says the trees, commonly known as Bradford pears, may be a popular landscaping tree but they’re also a nuisance that can spread.

Megan Abraham is the director of the DNR’s Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology. She says that over time the different varieties of the ornamental pear trees have cross-pollinated and that’s allowed them “to rapidly spread into our natural resources.”

The DNR says the best tree to replace any invasive tree species is one that’s native to a particular region, such as serviceberry trees that produce white spring blooms and fruit that attracts wildlife.

The post DNR urges homeowners not to plant ornamental pear trees appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/33177899076_c69b678114_z.jpg Indiana hunters take third highest number of turkeys https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/indiana-hunters-take-third-highest-number-turkeys/ Tue, 23 May 2017 10:05:46 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=23095 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana wildlife officials say Indiana hunters took more than 13,000 wild turkeys during this spring's turkey hunting season.

The state Department of Natural Resources says that's a seven percent increase from last spring and the third-highest spring turkey harvest on record for the state.

The DNR says the annual statewide turkey harvest has leveled off since 2010's peak of nearly 14,000 birds taken that spring. The agency says that recent annual spring harvests have ranged from about 11,000 to 12,000 birds.

This year's youth turkey hunting season was April 22-23, followed by the regular spring turkey season from April 26-May 14.

The post Indiana hunters take third highest number of turkeys appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana wildlife officials say Indiana hunters took more than 13,000 wild turkeys during this spring’s turkey hunting season.

The state Department of Natural Resources says that’s a seven percent increase from last spring and the third-highest spring turkey harvest on record for the state.

The DNR says the annual statewide turkey harvest has leveled off since 2010’s peak of nearly 14,000 birds taken that spring. The agency says that recent annual spring harvests have ranged from about 11,000 to 12,000 birds.

This year’s youth turkey hunting season was April 22-23, followed by the regular spring turkey season from April 26-May 14.

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]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/turkey.jpg