Bicentennial trust preserves more than 11,000 Indiana acres

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana says more than 11,000 acres have been protected through the efforts of the Bicentennial Nature Trust that started in 2012.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Bicentennial Commission announced figures Friday. The program works to acquire land for conservation and recreation. It honors the establishment of the state park system, which was created in 1916 to commemorate Indiana’s centennial.

The state planned $20 million for Nature Trust projects and the Lilly Endowment donated another $10 million.

The Nature Trust has completed 129 land acquisition projects statewide. They’re aimed at enhancing public access to recreational trails, public hunting and fishing opportunities, wildlife observation, and conservation of habitats.

Partners include local park systems, land trusts, trails groups and landholding divisions of the DNR.

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Online:

List of approved projects: http://www.in.gov/dnr/7577.htm