INDIANA— The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for outdoor enthusiasts to turn their summer hobby into a valuable conservation effort. The Division of Fish & Wildlife has officially opened registration for its Paddlecraft Index program, a “citizen science” initiative that relies on canoeists and kayakers to help monitor the health of the state’s waterways.
For those who enjoy spending time on Indiana’s rivers, lakes, and streams, the program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife management from the best seat in the house.
The Paddlecraft Index is a volunteer-led survey designed to help the DNR track trends in wildlife populations that live near water. Between June 1 and July 31, volunteers are asked to document the specific wildlife they observe during their paddling trips.
What volunteers look for: While on the water, participants keep a tally of various species, which may include:
- Bald eagles and ospreys
- Great blue herons
- River otters
- Beavers
- Mink
The data collected by paddlers provides the DNR with a broader geographical reach than professional biologists could achieve alone, helping the agency understand where certain species are thriving and where they may be in decline.
Summer is a critical time for many species as they raise their young. By documenting sightings during June and July, volunteers help the DNR estimate “production” (the number of young that survive) for various species. This information is vital for making long-term decisions about habitat protection and conservation laws.
How to Participate
Getting involved is straightforward and requires no professional scientific training.
- Sign Up: Interested volunteers can register online through the DNR’s volunteer portal.
- Receive Your Packet: Once signed up, the DNR will mail a physical packet to your home. This includes detailed instructions, a species identification guide, and the necessary reporting forms.
- Log Your Trips: Every time you head out on the water during the survey window, simply fill out your observation log.
- Submit Results: At the end of the summer, volunteers return their logs to the DNR for analysis.
Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or a casual weekend canoeist, your observations provide a “snapshot” of Indiana’s natural beauty that is essential for future conservation.
To sign up for the Paddlecraft Index or to learn more about the species you’ll be tracking, visit the Indiana DNR Wildlife Monitoring page.
For more information on other volunteer opportunities, you can contact the Stewardship Outreach Coordinator at 317-407-5607.
