Willow Slough FWA provides 10,000 acres of habitat for wildlife and recreation

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever dedicated a 172.57-acre expansion to Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA). The expansion will bring the property to more than 10,000 acres, which will provide important oak savanna habitat for wildlife in northern Indiana.

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever purchased the property on behalf of DNR through their Build a Wildlife Area program, a program that raises funds to acquire and restore critical wildlife habitat and open it for public recreation. The DNR will use Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funds — a federal excise tax supported by hunters and anglers through the purchase of shooting, archery, and fishing equipment — to buy the land from Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever and officially add it to Willow Slough FWA.

“Conservation is a team sport in Indiana, with partnerships making it possible to expand public access and conserve more land for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation throughout the state,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. “It is a great success story when people come together to help preserve more landscapes like we have here at Willow Slough, and we’re thankful for the support of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever to make today possible.”

The parcel is Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s first Build a Wildlife Area program purchase in Indiana.

“Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever was very excited to complete our first Build a Wildlife Area acquisition in the Hoosier State by partnering with Indiana DNR at Willow Slough FWA and add to their ongoing habitat restoration and public access programs,” said Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever State Coordinator John Kinney. “We look forward to our ongoing partnership with DNR on future Build a Wildlife Area acquisitions and habitat restoration projects.”

The new parcel will be converted to oak savanna that will provide valuable habitat for wildlife and recreation opportunities like hunting and wildlife viewing. With the addition of the parcel, Willow Slough FWA comprises more than 10,000 acres of land available for wildlife and public recreation.

Restoration of the acquired parcel is in progress, with Republic Services donating four 40-yard dumpsters for a volunteer habitat clean-up event earlier this year. DNR and Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever are continuing to improve the habitat and prepare the property for public use. Once habitat improvements and property preparations are complete, the parcel will open to the public.

The dedication comes during a significant year for Willow Slough FWA as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and the completion of J.C. Murphey Lake renovations.

To learn more about Willow Slough FWA visit on.IN.gov/willowsloughfwa.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.