Marshall County lakes to benefit from State Enhancement Grants

Local waterways in Marshall County are slated for significant improvements following the announcement of nearly $1.5 million in state grants by Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Through the state's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program, Marshall County stands out as one of the few areas in Indiana selected to receive funding across both major project categories: sediment and logjam removal, and aquatic invasive plant control.

Statewide, the DNR awarded $1,484,960 to fund 48 lake and stream projects across 17 counties.

Marshall County is one of 11 counties sharing $1,040,900 dedicated to 15 sediment and logjam removal projects. These high-priority projects focus on clearing large quantities of woody debris and nutrient-rich sediment near inlets and navigational channels. Lake Maxinkuckee was awarded $100,000, while the four lakes area known as Cook, Holem, Lawrence, and Kreighbaum Lakes will share $90,000.

Additionally, Marshall County is among 11 counties receiving a portion of $444,060 to combat aquatic invasive plants. This funding is crucial for controlling aggressive, non-native species that can outcompete native plant life and dominate underwater ecosystems. Lake of the Woods has been awarded $24,000, Myers Lake will receive $4,500, and the four lakes area of Cook, Holem, Lawrence, and Kreighbaum Lake will share $11,000.

The LARE program is a unique, user-funded initiative. The grants are generated through the LARE fee paid annually by boat owners when they register their watercraft with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Because the grants are highly competitive, local sponsors in Marshall County and elsewhere are required to share at least 20% of the total project cost, allowing local organizations to complete vital environmental work that would be difficult to fund on their own.

A complete list of specific grant recipients, targeted bodies of water, and award amounts for Marshall County can be found online at lare.dnr.IN.gov by clicking on "project awards" at the top of the page.