Indiana DNR Awards Nearly $1.5 Million for Lake and Stream Restoration Projects

Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced nearly $1.5 million in grant funding through the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program, supporting 48 projects across 17 counties with a significant focus on sediment removal and the health of Southern Indiana waterbodies. The announcement came Sunday, March 23.

Among the clearest local stakes: West Boggs Lake, the 622-acre reservoir straddling Daviess and Martin counties, is among the largest beneficiaries of this grant cycle. The lake is operated by the Daviess Martin Joint Parks and Recreation Department and draws boaters, campers, and anglers from across the region. Sullivan Lake in Sullivan County also ranks among the top recipients, with both lakes slated for critical sediment removal projects to improve water quality and recreational access.

"Sediment removal is more than just 'cleaning' the water; it is a structural necessity for Indiana's infrastructure," according to reporting on the grant announcement. The concern is compounded by time: as sediment naturally accumulates over decades, it can threaten the ecological balance and recreational viability of Indiana's man-made lakes, and this grant cycle prioritizes those issues directly.

Of the 48 funded projects, 15 are focused specifically on removing sediment and logjams. Those 15 projects will receive $1,040,900 and are spread across 11 counties: Benton, Daviess, Hamilton, Johnson, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Marshall, Noble, Steuben, Sullivan, and Vanderburgh. The remaining projects address other threats to waterway health, including invasive plant control grants that tackle aggressive non-native species capable of crowding out native vegetation.

The LARE program's funding structure sets it apart from most state conservation programs. It is uniquely funded by Indiana boaters, utilizing a portion of the annual registration fees paid by watercraft owners. That means every Hoosier who registered a boat last year helped finance these restoration projects. The program does not operate as a pure state handout, either: local sponsors, such as park boards or lake associations, are required to cover at least 20% of the total project costs, ensuring a local commitment to the long-term maintenance of these public resources.

Grant applications to the LARE program normally greatly exceed the amount of funds available, and LARE staff work to maximize the effectiveness of the limited dollars available to as many projects as possible. The 48 projects funded in this cycle represent a competitive selection from applicants statewide.

For West Boggs specifically, the grant arrives as the park heads into a busy season. The 622-acre lake is well-stocked with bass, bluegill, and crappie, and the park includes a swimming beach, 400 acres of multi-use trails, and 250 campsites. Sediment buildup at lake inlets and boating channels directly threatens those amenities, making the LARE award a practical investment in the park's economic future as much as its ecology. The full list of 2026 LARE grant recipients and project awards is available at lare.dnr.IN.gov under the "project awards" tab.