Pictured: An adult damselfly, freshly hatched from its larval stage in the lake.

Pictured: example of illegal wetland infilling (source: USACE)

We have received a few calls this summer about concerns of potential wetland violations by area residents and contractors.

Laws concerning waterways can be complicated and they can change with new legislation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has established protocols on what constitutes a wetland. A determination is made by a delineator by observing plants, soils, and hydrology.

While LMEF doesn't have any regulatory authority, we aim to serve as a resource to coordinate the protection of Lake Maxinkuckee.

Generally, lakeshore and in-lake concerns are handled by Indiana DNR, wetland matters by IDEM, and erosion from construction projects by the Town of Culver.

If you are unsure what permit you may or may not need for a project, complete an Indiana Waterways Inquiry Request on the state website.

To report a wetland violation, click here to contact IDEM. A recent concern by a local landowner prompted a site visit the next day by an IDEM representative, who was able to approach the landowner in question and have a discussion about what was and was not permitted around the local wetland in question. This intervention prevented what may have been a financially and ecologically costly mistake.

It is important to remember that wetlands are vital habitats for the health of our lake and for the protection of our drinking water. Our local, state, and federal laws are set in place to conserve these resources. If you are uncertain, there is no harm in reaching out just to make sure we are all playing by the same rules. Thanks!

LMEF Inc. has been seeking to preserve an ecologically sound Lake Maxinkuckee for over 40 years. Initiatives, programs, and directors have come and gone. Our social and ecological context continues to evolve. To be responsive to these changes, our organization should continue to evolve as well.

The LMEF Board of Directors gathered recently for an entire day of strategic planning, led by Will Ditzler of RiverBirch Executive Advisors. We took a broad look at our organization, considering all aspects of who we are, what we do, and how we do it. Our final product will be a One Page Strategic Plan which outlines short-, medium-, and long-term goals for the organization.

We have some further refining and reworking ahead of us in the coming months before it is completely finalized. Stay tuned for updates! And thank you to Culver Academies for use of their facilities.

It's that time! We will be hosting a wetlands tour on the morning of Saturday, November 2nd. This is a great opportunity to check out the three main wetlands that protect the water quality of Lake Maxinkuckee. Learn about constructed and natural wetlands, hydrology, wetland plants and animals, and more. Space will be limited and RSVPs will be required. Details will follow in October's newsletter.

LMEF President Adam Thada joined staff from the Indiana DNR for a Tier II vegetation survey of Lake Maxinkuckee. This standardized process involves dragging a double-sided garden rake across the bottom of the lake in 100 locations. Abundance and distribution of aquatic plants are tallied. These data help us track the arrival of new and potentially invasive species, as well as gain an understanding of long-term trends. Plant life is the base of the aquatic food chain and crucial for a healthy lake.

Stay tuned for a full analysis!