Wins for Indiana Conservation
During the 2023 Indiana General Assembly, Indiana BHA Chapter members and leaders advocated for public lands and waters alongside the other the organizations in the Indiana Conservation Alliance (INCA). IN BHA and INCA had several major policy wins thanks to your phone calls, emails, and letters sent to state legislators.
IN BHA and INCA secured a record $10 million appropriation for public land conservation in the State Budget (HB 101). The funding will be dedicated to the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust, which the Indiana DNR uses for acquiring public land and public waters access.
IN BHA and INCA successfully supported Representative David Abbott's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) funding bill (HB 1304), securing an additional $2.5 million for statewide public waters erosion protection and stream restoration.
IN BHA and INCA secured a record $10 million appropriation for public land conservation in the State Budget (HB 101). The funding will be dedicated to the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust, which the Indiana DNR uses for acquiring public land and public waters access.
IN BHA and INCA successfully supported Representative David Abbott's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) funding bill (HB 1304), securing an additional $2.5 million for statewide public waters erosion protection and stream restoration.
IN BHA and INCA also defended the Indiana DNR's science-based "Best Available" Floodplain Mapping" from a legislative roll-back in SB 242, prevented the anti-wetlands amendment introduced into SB 414 at the 11th hour in a house committee from becoming law, and secured an additional $12 million for the Clean Water Indiana program.
Though the 2023 Session is over, you can still do your part:
Though the 2023 Session is over, you can still do your part:
- Purchase an environmental license plate next time you renew your motor vehicle registration. These funds go to the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust.
- Have coffee with your state Senator and Representative, regardless of their party affiliation. Tell them why you love our public lands and waters, and you want to see more public land in Indiana.
About Indiana Bha
Our chapter is dedicated to serving the interests of conservation and access to clean public lands and waters. Through planning, collaboration, and dedication, we will make a difference.