Marshall County lakes receive nearly $36,000 in LARE Grants

Marshall County's lakes got a boost this week as Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced nearly $36,000 in conservation grants heading to the county as part of a statewide investment of $1,297,500 in lake, river, and watershed improvement projects.

The funding comes through the DNR's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program, which awarded grants to organizations across 18 Indiana counties to fund 21 projects aimed at protecting and improving the state's most beloved waterways.

Two local water bodies are set to benefit directly: Lake of the Woods was awarded $24,000 and the Four Lakes Area (Lawrence, Myers, Cook, and Holem Lakes) were awarded $11,800

Combined, Marshall County receives $35,800 in state grant funding — money that will go toward land treatment projects designed to improve water quality, protect wildlife habitat, and enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

The LARE program is funded through a fee paid annually by boat owners when they register their watercraft with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles — meaning boaters themselves are directly investing in the health of Indiana's lakes and streams. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and local project sponsors are required to contribute at least 20 percent of total project costs, ensuring community buy-in alongside state support.

"Indiana's lakes and streams are vital natural resources, supporting strong communities, wildlife habitat, and recreation," Governor Braun said in announcing the awards. "Thanks to support from those getting out and enjoying Indiana's scenic waterways, we're proud to make sure that our Hoosier lakes and streams are well maintained for continued enjoyment now and for future generations."

Across Indiana, this round of LARE funding will benefit four lakes and 15 rivers and streams, with some projects improving multiple water bodies simultaneously. Two additional land-based projects focused on watershed treatment practices are also being funded in coordination with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

The majority of the projects target water quality improvements by reducing sediment and nutrient runoff — measures that directly benefit fish and wildlife populations while keeping recreational waters clean and healthy for swimmers, anglers, and boaters.

Other counties receiving grants alongside Marshall County include Benton, Daviess, Fulton, Gibson, Hamilton, Johnson, Kosciusko, LaGrange, LaPorte, Noble, Porter, Starke, Steuben, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, and White.

A complete list of all funded projects — organized by body of water, county, project type, and grant award — is available at lare.dnr.IN.gov.