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IN SB0548
Bill
Status
1/14/2015
Primary Sponsor
Mark Stoops
Click for details
AI Summary
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Designates 13 wild areas totaling approximately 39,040 acres across Indiana state forests including Cataract, Cold Friday, Hellbender, Knobstone, Leota, Low Gap, Miller Ridge, Mossop Ridge, Orchard Ridge, Scarce-O'-Fat, Siberia, Spurgeon Hollow, and Starve Hollow wild areas.
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Prohibits logging, mineral extraction, energy development, motorized vehicles, roads, utility easements, commercial enterprises, motorized equipment, herbicides, and permanent structures in designated wild areas except as necessary for trail maintenance or emergency situations.
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Allows recreational uses including hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on designated trails, gathering edible plants and mushrooms in season, hunting, fishing, and trapping, and overnight camping at department-identified campsites.
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Requires the department to preserve the natural values and relatively undisturbed character of designated wild areas, maintain accurate maps and legal descriptions by January 1, 2016, and post conspicuous perimeter signs.
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Permits continuation of pre-existing easements and access to private property or cemeteries that existed before designation as wild areas.
Legislative Description
Designated wild areas. Provides that 13 specified areas within certain state forests are designated wild areas. Specifies certain activities that are prohibited or allowed within a designated wild area. Establishes responsibilities for the department of natural resources and divisions that manage designated wild areas.
Last Action
First Reading: referred to Committee on Natural Resources
1/14/2015