DNR sets up new rules for camping trails

DNR properties remain open for day-use outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking on paved trails, boating, fishing, birding, and geocaching. Entrance-gate admission at properties that normally charge gate admission remains temporarily waived.

New restrictions on camping and some trail uses were put in effect this week:

• Campgrounds on all DNR properties are closed through Monday.

• Bicycling on unpaved trails and all horseback riding has been suspended at all DNR properties.

Some high impact/high adventure trails at Indiana State Parks are also now closed for safety purposes.

These trail closures include most of the hiking trails at Turkey Run, Shades and Clifty Falls, and about half of the hiking trails at O'Bannon Woods.

"With approximately 600 miles of trails across our 32 properties, there are still plenty of places to go for a walk," said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship for the Division of State Parks.

Guests at DNR properties should come prepared for restroom use to be limited, and for all campground comfort stations and modern restrooms to be closed.

DNR properties also open to guests include state forests and nature preserves, as well as state fish & wildlife areas and outdoor recreation areas.

A complete status list for facilities and services at DNR properties is at on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19.

Guests at DNR properties should remember:

• Practice social distancing at all times, particularly, as you hike, picnic or use boat ramps. Keep a minimum of 6 feet from other individuals you encounter, for your safety and theirs.

• Keep your group size small – fewer than 10 individuals is ideal.

• Restrooms are limited; all modern restrooms and most vault toilets are closed.

• Bring your own drinking water and hand sanitizer.

• If you picnic, bring and use a covering for your picnic table and take it with you when you leave.

• If a parking lot is full, move to another location.

• If you feel sick or are running a temperature, plan a visit for a different day for the safety of other guests.

National Volunteer Week

More than 14,000 volunteers across the state contributed more than 132,000 hours on Indiana Department of Natural Resources properties in 2019.

During National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, the DNR will thank and recognize those volunteers and salute their accomplishments on the dnr.IN.gov website.

Volunteers make a difference by helping maintain, improve, and restore Indiana's natural and cultural heritage at DNR properties.

Guests can see the work of volunteers through miles of trail improvements, acres of invasive plants removed, help provided at events, program supplies organized, structures painted, and more.

To find out how you can help DNR properties, visit on.IN.gov/dnrvolunteer.

Become part of DNR's volunteer family by downloading a volunteer application and contacting a local DNR property to learn more.

Virtual programs saluting volunteers are listed on the DNR Calendar at calendar.dnr.IN.gov. Posts recognizing volunteers can be found on the Facebook pages of the DNR divisions of State Parks, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry and Nature Preserves.

For more information or questions about volunteering for DNR, email DNRVolunteer@dnr.IN.gov.

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