Wetland Restoration Site Goes to Education

NRCS is providing the majority of the funding through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) for 691-acres of wetlands easements located within a 1,200 acre parcel along the Wabash River near West Terre Haute, Indiana.  This will insure that about half the parcel, recently purchased for $295,000, will be restored to its native condition with help from WREP.

Indiana Governor Daniels was recently on hand to present a check to the Vigo County Community Development on the on behalf of the Indiana Heritage Trust and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife the to help purchase the 1,200 acre site. The contribution will hem together the work done by the Wabash River Development and Beautification Committee and will bring their efforts closer to reality.

The 691-acre wetland area will be managed for migratory waterfowl and other native wetland species that are found in the Wabash River corridor. Areas of shallow water marsh, moist soil wetland, native grasses and shrubs and trees that are essential to native wildlife will be part of the finished wetland development.  These improvements will also contribute to filtering storm water run off and serve as a flood control.

Recreational opportunities such as Hiking/Biking trails, observation decks/areas, boat ramp and other recreational amenities will be incorporated into the park design on the non-federal WRP easement lands adjoining the property.  Environmental education opportunities will also exist for the students Vigo County School Corporation, Indiana State University, St. Mary of the Woods and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. This area will be used as a research area for these local universities.  The close proximity of this area to the City of Terre Haute will provide these students with easy access to the park.

The Vigo County Park and Recreation Department has also established opportunities through the Wabash Valley Community Foundation for private donations to be directed toward additional land purchases and management expenses surrounding this unique wetland area.  This is a wonderful opportunity to involve local citizens, private industry, local, State, and federal government agencies to work together to restore this large parcel of land to its original Indiana landscape condition through this permanent easement.
Your contact is NRCS public affairs specialist Michael McGovern at 317-290-3200, ext. 324.