15 Indiana counties get funds to fight invasive lake plants

ANGOLA, Ind. (AP) - Fifteen Indiana counties where lakes are becoming choked with aquatic plants have landed more than $600,000 to combat the fast-growing plants.

The funding from Indiana's Department of Natural Resources will boost efforts to control or manage non-native species, including curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil.

Such invasive species can take over and clog lakes, affecting lake ecosystems and hurting local economies by making them less attractive destinations for pleasure boat enthusiasts and anglers.

The nearly $633,000 from the DNR's Lake and River Enhancement program will fund 42 plant eradication projects at 62 lakes and one river in 15 Indiana counties.

The money comes from an annual fee boat owners pay to register their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Local sponsors share at least 20 percent of each project's cost.