"The Indiana Legislature has taken a step in the right direction for wildlife and communities that depend on Indiana’s wetlands.

SB 246, signed into law yesterday by Governor Holcomb and introduced by Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange), will encourage landowners to protect wetlands on their property by allowing some privately owned wetlands to be given “wildland” status, which qualifies them for tax breaks. 

The overwhelming majority of Indiana’s wetlands are on private land, and encouraging landowners to preserve them is one tool to keep state wetlands safe. That’s important because wetlands protection pays dividends. Among their benefits, wetlands provide habitat for vulnerable marsh birds, and protect communities from flooding. Communities like Tipton, Indiana, which suffered catastrophic flooding in 2013, serve as notable examples of what can happen when wetlands, and their water storage potential, are lost.­­

While we are deeply disappointed in the passage of HB 1383 into law, we are encouraged to see Indiana lawmakers working to advance solutions to protect these vital natural resources. We will continue our work with lawmakers to achieve comprehensive wetland policy that is good for all Hoosiers.”

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About Audubon Great Lakes

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org.