FAQ

Here is just a small selection of the some of the most asked questions by lake enthusiasts and residents. We’re adding more every day. You may also want to click on Helpful Links, DNR Direct, or Lake to Lake to find more useful information. If you don’t find what you want, click on Ask ILMS and get your answer! (*Currently updating links)

LARE PROGRAM—The program that may be more directly involved with Indiana lake associations than any other agency and results in diagnostic studies to determine lake watershed problems, construction to correct watershed drains, and more, is the Indiana Lake and River Enhancement program. James K. Ray is chief of the Division of Soil Conservation and administers the program for the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board. You’ll find permit brochures, aquatic plant management info, and more at IN.gov. Or, click HERE For our LARE help page.

CONTROLLING LAKESIDE AQUATIC PLANTS—It’s a thorny issue for most lake residents. Non-native exotic plants, like Eurasian water milfoil spread rapidly, choke out native species, and hinder boating recreation. There are other reasons for excess plant life in your lake, too. You cannot just cut or rake them out at will. View a list of applicators & consultants at IN.gov. Or, read the law at Plant Control or see some plant examples on this ILMS web site. For a good Aquatic Plant Management overview check out Dr. Carole Lembi’s Aquatic Plant Management.

BOATING REGULATIONS HANDBOOK—Here’s what you need to know about boating: http://www.boat-ed.com/in/handbook/

WHERE’S MY PERMIT?—Here are some links that will help you find permit information you need fast:

IDNR Division of Water permits Permits
Corps of Engineers, Louisville District Permits
Indiana Dept. Environmental Mgmt Permits

Indiana Clean Lakes Program—IU’s Bill Jones and IDEM’s Carol Newhouse. Find out about the volunteer lake monitoring program and more.

Indiana Lakes Information—Environmental and management issues.

CHANNEL AND LAKE DREDGING—Requires permits. It’s an easier project to mount in a channel than in the lake itself where there are many issues involved. For a complete description of the permitting process from IDEM, click here.

LAKE WATER QUALITY—There are a number of other places you can look for water quality information. Here are some of the more important:

Water quality information center
IDEM
Watershed management
Biological studies
Purdue: Water Quality and Safe Water