Ways to Meet Future Needs In Addressing Lake Recreation Issues

Even though the original goal to reduce the amount of sedimentation entering Indian Lake is being accomplished, no major efforts have been directed specifically on the lake itself.

The Indian Lake Coast Guard Auxiliary is interested in working with the watershed project on future lake issues. Auxiliary members currently patrol the lake and help the Indian Lake State Park Rangers keep the waterways safe for all lake users and visitors. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is interested in working on information and educational programs dealing with boating and other issues associated with using the lake. The lake is currently under the direction of the Indian Lake State Park Staff. They use resources and divisions within the ODNR system to make the lake an enjoyable recreational experience for the 1.5 million annual visitors. In 1995, 13,124 people obtaining boat licenses marked Indian Lake as their primary water source for boating. This number does not include those who use Indian Lake but did not register it as their primary water source.

Because the watershed project can not be structured to govern or develop programs for all aspects of the watershed, it could offer assistance in other ways. As ODNR handles the lake issues, the watershed project could lend expertise in educational and public relations efforts as well as program development if requested by the state park staff.

The following issues were expressed by the public. The project could extend the offer of collaboration in a joint effort dealing with these issues. This way the state park receives help in addressing public concerns and the watershed project receives more exposure to the lake area residents. By doing a highly visible project on the lake, the watershed project could be a resource group for the entire watershed population, not just the agricultural population.

Future Lake Program Needs

	Continue to install and maintain sediment basins on the lake bottom at tributary inlets
	Develop complete shoreline protection, stabilization and maintenance program
	Develop practices designed to improve lake aquatic and wildlife habitat

Future Lake Education and Public Relations Needs

	Anglers water quality responsibility
	Horse power issues (eg. restrictions - limits - wakes and erosion, etc.)
	Shoreline BMPs
	Littering's effects on the environment
	Boater and fishing education programs and annual inspections for polluting, etc.
	Importance of stumps to fish habitat/stump mapping
	Zones for jet-ski operators
	What are BMPs and watershed management
	Education on lake ecosystem
	Economic value of the watershed project to fish population

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