Endangered Aquatic Plants In Danger Near Bass Lake

Keith Wildeman

The Indiana Division of Nature Preserves is asking you to help protect a state endangered aquatic plant at Bass Lake.

Conservation Officer Keith Wildeman said the plants have been exposed in areas where the water level has dropped and DNR officials have identified off-road and motor vehicle tracks over these plants.

Under normal circumstances, this type of vegetation are adapted to tolerate fluctuations in water levels, even in times of drought. These plants are now exposed and can be ruined with motorized vehicles. If the rare plants are destroyed, Wildeman said the negative effects may be irreversible.

Operating off-road vehicles and motor vehicles in public freshwater lakes and streams is illegal. If you observe illegal operation of vehicles in public freshwater waterways, call Indiana Conservation Officers at 1-800-TIP-IDNR.