[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Many of you may know that last summer a new 1,700 acre island formed on the Wabash River during flooding. Since that time, there has been an effort to convert the island into a nature preserve, since it can no longer be farmed, due to lack of access of equipment. If you are not familiar with this project, go to to indianawaterways.com and click “New Wabash Island” icon. [/FONT]


[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Last week I spoke with Michael McGovern, Public Affairs Specialist with the USDA. He informed me that the new island is being included in a federal stimulus program to compensate farmers with flood damaged land. What does this mean? The landowners will be paid to no longer farm the land and it will be allowed to returned to a natural state by nature. The land will continue to be owned by the present landowners but there will be many restrictions on the land use including farming, tree harvesting and excavations. This will be a permanent easement that will stay with the land if it is sold.

This is exciting news and an example of something very good resulting from a flood. It also demonstrates the positive affect of collective efforts of all those supporting this program called “Project Green Spot”. In this age of declining woodlands and wetlands we will have a huge island paradise for wildlife, not to mention the excellent fishing in the old channel.

I want to thank those of you supported this project with your input and interest. We will have our "Green Spot" in southwest Indiana.[/FONT]