The following is a collection of drought-related information from the Indiana DNR with links to other state agencies that are also educating the public about the dry conditions.
Impact
- Dry conditions make grass and wildfires more prevalent.
- Burn bans can be been instituted by local governments around the state, requiring outdoor enthusiasts to take special care with campfires and cooking.
- Low water levels in lakes and streams can cause hazardous boating conditions, beach closures, and blue-green algae blooms.
- Indiana's water shortage plan is implemented during droughts.
- Wildlife and fauna are changing behavior.
- Trees and forests remain under stress.
Burn bans, beach closings
Some information about drought-related bans and closures for State Parks and Reservoirs can be found on our advisories page. However, because conditions change quickly, we recommend checking with property staff.
Visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's Website (http://www.in.gov/dhs/getprepared.htm) for preparedness and burn ban information.
Unsafe boating
As a result of the drought, public boat ramps can become unsafe for launching trailered boats, especially on rivers.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers controls and monitors the water level in several DNR reservoirs. View lake levels.
Blue-green algae
Because of high blue-green algae counts, humans and pets should avoid ingesting water and contact with visible surface scums. Shower with soapy water after swimming. For more information about blue-green algae visit www.algae.in.gov/ or www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-BlueGreenAlgae.pdf.
The Division of Water maintains information about the state's water resources.
- Monthly water resource summary (updated monthly)
- Links to water availability, use and rights information
- Some sources for water conservation tips
- Indiana's Water Shortage Plan
Wildlife and fauna
While wildlife may be stressed and there may be some lower survival of young and mortality of older, weaker animals, and increased predation as prey and predators congregate on limited resources, wildlife species have ways of adapting as they have in previous drought years. Wildlife may reduce their activities or change the timing of their activities, thus they may not be as visible to us. When rain returns, we may be surprised by the wildlife that appear as conditions improve. Read the media release
Forest, Woodlot and Urban tree information
The DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology have issued a fact sheet regarding the impact of the drought on trees. Read more information here.
Other State Resources
Page updated October 2012
