Indiana project to restore river habitat passes 10,000 acres

INDIANAPOLIS — Officials say a program to restore riverfront habitats across Indiana now includes more than 10,000 acres of land.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Rob Carter said this week the Healthy Rivers Initiative surpassed that mark with the acquisition of land in four counties in western and southern Indiana.

The new property includes land near the Wabash River in Vermillion and Vigo counties and land along the Muscatatuck River in Jackson and Scott counties.

The project started in 2010 aims to secure permanent conservation protection for nearly 70,000 acres along the two rivers and Sugar Creek. It includes various agencies and groups working with landowners to balance conservation of farmland and natural resources and to improve habitat for wildlife and migratory birds.