Wabash wildlife refuge project set to expand

TERRE HAUTE – Land acquisition is under way for 2,700 acres along the Wabash River in western Indiana that could eventually become part of an 8,000-acre wildlife refuge.

The first portion of the Wabashiki State Fish and Wildlife Area, about 1,200 acres of wetlands, became a reality last year through federal, state and Vigo County funding.

Eventually, the protected wetlands area named for the Miami tribe’s word for the river could span nearly 6,000 acres on the west side of the Wabash River through Vigo County.

Max Miller, a former Purdue University Extension agent, said another 1,861 acres south of that tract has been committed for the refuge.

He said negotiations are under way to obtain 2,717 acres north of the original area, with a possible additional 145 acres being considered.

Vigo County Park and Recreation Superintendent Keith Ruble said once bottom land along the river starts to dry up this summer, about 27,000 trees will be planted in the more than 1,200-acre tract that’s already been acquired.

The trees are species like pin oak and cyprus that can live in a damp, wetlands environment.

“The wetlands and trees act like filters for the river and air,” he said, adding that they also provide a wildlife habitat for birds and animals.

Miller is a member of Wabash River Development and Beautification Inc., a nonprofit spearheading efforts to transform the river into a recreational resource.

Gov. Mitch Daniels has provided $295,000 for the project, with $220,000 coming from the Indiana Heritage Trust program financed by sales of Indiana’s environmental license plate.

Another $75,000 came from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife. Vigo County added $150,000 from a local income tax.

A planned visitors center for the refuge would be built at a site along the river called Dewey Point and would include an office for the Department of Natural Resources as well as a glassed-in room for classes and observation of the wetlands.

The cost to construct the center is projected at about $385,000. That money will be raised through grants and donations. Miller said the state would then assume annual maintenance costs, including four staff members.