Hoosier National Forest works to improve Indiana wetlands 

As part of an ongoing effort to repair and enhance Indiana wetlands, staff at the Hoosier National Forest recently monitored and adjusted water levels at the Otter Creek Riparian Restoration area in Crawford County.  Indiana has lost nearly 85% of the wetlands from a century ago due to farming and development. The ecosystem is classified by places where water either covers the soil or is present near the surface throughout the year and are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world.& & The Otter Creek area is a type of wetland called a moist soil unit, which is traditionally flooded during fall for wildlife foraging purposes and roosting habitats for waterfowl. The restoration project is aimed at reclaiming the lost habitat.& A Hoosier National Forest staff member adjusts a water control structure at the Otter Creek Riparian Restoration area. (Photo/Quentin Melson) In the summer, the water levels are reduced to allow for the germination of annual plants, according to Bryan King, Hoosier National Forest wildlife technician. The goal is to recreate the shallow water wetlands that existed before settlements.& & “We’ve planted native trees and shrubs and installed water control structures to support wildlife and restore the wetland...