
Legislature mandates PFAS labels on firefighting gear
Firefighters throughout Indiana quickly will know if their protecting gear accommodates substances which will trigger most cancers.
On Monday, the Senate voted 49-0 to ship Home Enrolled Act 1341 to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to be signed into regulation. It beforehand handed the Home, 96-0.
The laws mandates all firefighting gear bought in Indiana starting July 1, 2024, embody a completely affixed label indicating whether or not it accommodates PFAS.
Using Shotgun with the Gary Fireplace Division
PFAS, also called “endlessly chemical compounds,” are utilized in firefighting gear as a result of they’re heat- and moisture-resistant. However the chemical compounds additionally could be absorbed via the pores and skin, inflicting most cancers and different well being points, research present.
Underneath the plan, PFAS may proceed for use in Indiana firefighting gear. The state-mandated label merely would let firefighters know if PFAS are of their gear and maybe encourage hearth companies to hunt out non-PFAS choices.
Individuals are additionally studying…
“Hoosier firefighters put their lives on the road for us daily and it is nice to see Indiana doing extra to help them,” stated state Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Level, the sponsor of the proposal.
It was cosponsored by state Sens. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell; and Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago.
Gallery: Take a digital tour of Indiana’s state parks
Brown County State Park
Location: Nashville
Measurement: 15,776 acres (largest state park)
Opened: 1929
Actions: 12 mountaineering trails spanning 18 miles; 25 mi. of mountain biking trails; 20 horseback driving trails; mountaineering; birdwatching; fishing; leafing; cross-county snowboarding; sledding; ice fishing
Facilities: Abe Martin Lodge and annex, 84 rooms with water park; 86 cabins; trendy and primitive campgrounds
DNR description: Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” due to the world’s resemblance to the Nice Smoky Mountains, Brown County encompasses practically 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and fog-shrouded ravines. Glaciers from the latest ice ages stopped wanting the “hills o’ Brown,” however their meltwaters helped create the slim ridges, steep slopes and deep gullies of Brown County State Park. Indiana’s largest park is a conventional fall colour scorching spot, with practically 20 miles of tree-lined roads and plenty of scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland.
Dan Carden
Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Location: Albion
Measurement: 2,718 acres
Opened: 1960
Actions: 13 lakes for boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming; mountaineering
Facilities: Stanley Schoolhouse Nature Middle; boat rental; furnished cabins; primitive campsites
DNR description: That is lake nation and a small boater’s paradise. 9 connecting lakes would be the heart of your adventures at Chain O’Lakes. Paddle via the chain of serene kettle lakes, hike the ten miles of forested trails, fish the electric-motors-only lakes, keep in a single day in a forested hillside household cabin, or go to the park’s previous one-room schoolhouse nature heart. Different amenities obtainable for guests to take pleasure in embody a campground, seashore and picnic shelters.
Dan Carden
Charlestown State Park

Location: Charlestown
Measurement: 5,100 acres
Opened: 1996
Actions: Mountaineering; Fishing; Picnicking; Tenting; Birdwatching
Facilities: 182 trendy and primitive campsites
DNR description: As soon as a largely undeveloped portion of the Indiana Military Ammunition plant, Charlestown State Park is positioned in southern Indiana. With scenic vistas of the Fourteenmile Creek valley and the Ohio River and elevation adjustments of over 200 ft, Charlestown has a lot to supply the customer with its rugged hills and deep ravines. Whereas mountaineering the rugged terrain you will notice Devonian fossil outcrops and areas of karst sinkhole topography. Chook watchers will benefit from the 72 species of birds, together with bluebirds, black vultures and an occasional bald eagle.
Dan Carden
Clifty Falls State Park

Location: Madison
Measurement: 1,416 acres
Opened: 1920
Actions: 4 waterfalls; mountaineering; swimming; picnicking; tennis
Facilities: Clifty Inn and Restaurant; nature heart
DNR description: The park’s waterfalls change moods with the climate and the seasons and might vary from roaring plunges to delicate bridal-veil mists to gleaming frozen titans. Winter and spring visits reveal them at their greatest. The rugged splendor of Clifty Canyon provides thrilling year-round mountaineering and surroundings.
Dan Carden
Falls of the Ohio State Park

Location: Clarksville
Measurement: 165 acres
Opened: 1990
Actions: Mountaineering; fishing; picnicking; boat launch
Facilities: Interpretative Middle
DNR description: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark met on the Falls previous to launching the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean. The park’s 386-million-year-old fossil beds are among the many largest uncovered Devonian fossil beds on the earth. The park includes a spectacular interpretive heart overlooking the fossil beds that reopened in 2016 with utterly new reveals.
Dan Carden
Fort Harrison State Park

Location: Indianapolis
Measurement: 1,700 acres
Opened: 1996
Actions: Mountaineering; bicycle trails; golf; fishing; canoeing; canine park; sledding; ice fishing; cross nation snowboarding; recreation buildings; horseback driving
Facilities: 18-hole golf course; inn; restaurant; saddle barn; nature store; Museum of twentieth Century Warfare
DNR description: Panorama and historical past mix collectively at this distinctive setting on the northeast facet of Indianapolis. The 1,700-acre park comprising a portion of the previous Fort Benjamin Harrison army base options strolling and jogging trails, picnic websites, fishing entry to Fall Creek and two nationwide historic districts. An oasis of inexperienced in an city panorama, Fort Harrison is among the hidden gems to be discovered within the state, simply minutes from house for a lot of guests needing contact with nature.
Dan Carden
Harmonie State Park

Location: New Concord
Measurement: 3,465 acres
Opened: 1996
Actions: Mountaineering; bicycle trails; horseback driving; boat launch; fishing; picnicking; swimming
Facilities: 200 trendy campsites; youth tent campsites
DNR description: Harmonie State Park is positioned “on the banks of the Wabash” and a good looking swimming pool, shady picnic areas, ravines and pristine panorama await you right here. Trails for strolling, biking and nature hikes will lure you for a go to. Close by Historic New Concord honors two distinctive communities from the early 1800s. The Rappites positioned right here in 1814. They have been fleeing from spiritual persecution and awaiting the approaching millennium. In 1824, the Owenites introduced many nice scientists and philosophers into the world once they bought the Rappites’ holdings.
Dan Carden
Lincoln State Park

Location: Lincoln Metropolis
Measurement: 1,747 acres
Opened: 1932
Actions: Historic websites; mountaineering; boat launch; picnicking; swimming; fishing
Facilities: Nature heart; normal retailer; boat rental; cabins; campsites
DNR description: Uncover the boyhood house of the sixteenth president of america, Abraham Lincoln. Among the many rolling hills and thick forest, younger Lincoln realized many life classes. Lincoln State Park provides 10 miles of mountaineering trails, two scenic lakes, and an interpretive heart that will help you expertise early lifetime of settlers in southern Indiana. Tour the Colonel Jones Dwelling, the historic house of the service provider and Civil Conflict officer who employed younger Lincoln. The Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery, positioned on the property, is the place Lincolns sister Sarah is buried. Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Protect is positioned within the southernmost portion of the park. A go to to Lincoln State Park is like taking a step again in time to when the land was wild and Lincoln was a boy.
Dan Carden
McCormick’s Creek State Park

Location: Spencer
Measurement: 1,924 acres
Opened: 1916 (oldest state park)
Actions: Mountaineering; horseback driving; swimming; recreation heart; tennis; picnicking; caving
Facilities: Canyon Inn; nature heart; saddle barn; cabins; 221 trendy and primitive campsites; youth tent tenting; camp retailer
DNR description: Discover the spectacular limestone canyon, flowing creek, and scenic waterfalls that spotlight Indianas first state park. Hike trails that includes various forest bushes, spicebush, and native wildflowers, together with a path via Wolf Cave Nature Protect and an accessible path on the not too long ago renovated nature heart. Expertise historical past as you climb the hearth tower, use shelter homes or cross the stone arch bridge created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or study the historic Statehouse Quarry close to White River, which furnished limestone used for the Indianapolis Statehouse. Calm down within the foyer of Canyon Inn, open to all park guests, or watch birds from the eating room porch. Catch cultural occasions equivalent to live shows within the park amphitheater or attend the a number of particular occasions hosted yearly on the park. McCormicks Creek State Park provides energetic enjoyment via all seasons of the 12 months.
Dan Carden
Mounds State Park

Location: Anderson
Measurement: 252 acres
Opened: 1930
Actions: Historic websites; mountaineering; fishing; swimming; picnicking
Facilities: Nature heart; reward store; 75 trendy campsites; youth tent tenting; camp retailer
DNR description: Mounds State Park options 10 distinctive earthworks constructed by prehistoric Indians often called the Adena-Hopewell individuals. The most important earthwork, the Nice Mound, is believed to have been constructed round 160 B.C. Archaeological surveys point out the mounds have been used as gathering locations for spiritual ceremonies, from the place astronomical alignments could possibly be seen. Naturalist-led hikes and interpretive packages are supplied each weekend all year long.
Dan Carden
O’Bannon Woods State Park

Location: Corydon
Measurement: 2,000 acres
Opened: 2004
Actions: Swimming; water slides; mountaineering; horseback driving; picnicking; fishing; boating;
Facilities: Aquatic heart; nature heart; cabins; 353 trendy and primitive campsites
DNR description: O’Bannon Woods State Park (previously Wyandotte Woods State Recreation Space) lies within the central and excessive southern a part of the state, bordering the Ohio River. It was the placement of one of many few African-American Civilian Conservation Corps models. The property additionally has a uniquely restored, working haypress barn, full with oxen for energy and a pioneer farmstead. Indianas first pure and scenic river, Blue River, flows via the state park and forest. The Corydon Capitol State Historic Website is positioned close to the park. Guests can find out about early Indiana historical past as they tour the attractive first state capitol constructing, constructed fully of limestone, and previous city sq..
Dan Carden
Ouabache State Park

Location: Bluffton
Measurement: 1,104 acres
Opened: 1962
Actions: Mountaineering; swimming; fishing; boating; volleyball; paved bicycle path; tennis; basketball courts; picnicking
Facilities: Nature heart; recreation heart; campsites
DNR description: Ouabache is troublesome to spell, however straightforward to pronounce. Merely say “Wabash”…similar to the river that types the southwest boundary for the park. That is the French spelling of an Indian phrase, so do not be stunned to listen to some people name it o-ba-chee. Kunkel Lake provides wonderful fishing. Throughout the summer season months, a naturalist gives details about the pure wonders of the park. A lodge recreation constructing is on the market all 12 months.
Dan Carden
Pokagon State Park

Location: Angola
Measurement: 1,260 acres
Opened: 1925
Actions: Mountaineering; swimming; cross nation snowboarding; tobogganing; horseback driving; picnicking; playground; sand volleyball
Facilities: Potawatomi Inn; nature heart; toboggan run; boat rental; saddle barn; 273 trendy and primitive campsites; youth tent tenting; camp retailer
DNR description: Being one of many states unique parks, Pokagon options the distinctive work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose members lived and labored at Pokagon from 1934 to 1942. The boys of the CCC constructed the attractive stone and log constructions that dot the park panorama and supply accent to the rolling wooded hills, wetlands and open meadows. Pure lakes created by glaciers that melted 10,000 to fifteen,000 years in the past, spotlight Steuben County, which has extra lakes than every other Indiana county. The park is framed by Lake James and Snow Lake, which provide plentiful alternatives for boating, swimming, fishing and scenic sunsets. Pokagon can be Indiana State Parks winter wonderland, with cross-country ski rental, sledding, ice fishing and a twin-track toboggan run.
Dan Carden
Potato Creek State Park

Location: North Liberty
Measurement: 3,840 acres
Opened: 1977
Actions: Biking; mountaineering; swimming; boating; fishing; ice fishing; cross-country snowboarding; wildlife commentary; horseback driving; snow tubing
Facilities: Nature heart; 3.2 mile paved bike path; 6.6 mi. mountain bike path; recreation constructing; boat/bike rental; 17 cabins; 347 campsites; youth tent tenting; camp retailer
DNR description: Potato Creek is in north-central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park options a big selection of actions and amenities for year-round enjoyment. Quite a lot of pure habitats await, together with the 327-acre Worster Lake, previous fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and various wetlands. Every provides distinctive alternatives for plant and wildlife commentary. Native peoples used the world for looking and fishing. The areas first individuals of European descent settled right here within the 1830s.
Dan Carden
Prophetstown State Park

Location: Battle Floor
Measurement: 2,000 acres
Opened: 2004 (latest state park)
Actions: Mountaineering; bicycling; tenting; swimming
Facilities: 2.75 mile mountaineering path; 2.4 mile bike path; aquatic heart; 110 campsites
DNR description: Indianas latest state park, Prophetstown is positioned the place the Tippecanoe River meets the Wabash close to the city of Battle Floor northeast of Lafayette. The park’s panorama has been formed by ice from glaciers, shifting water, hearth and human palms that helped keep the huge tall prairie grass. Native American individuals hunted and lived alongside the 2 rivers for hundreds of years. The Aquatic Middle includes a 30-foot tube slide, physique flume, lazy river float space, journey channel, zero-entry pool with play options, and an aquatic exercise space with basketball.
Dan Carden
Shades State Park

Location: Waveland
Measurement: 3,082 acres
Opened: 1947
Actions: Mountaineering; fishing; picnicking; canoeing
Facilities: Nature protect; 123 campsites (Apr.-Oct.); youth tent tenting
DNR description: Shades State Park is that peaceable place you’ve got sought; a favourite for hikers and canoeists. The gorgeous sandstone cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and quite a few shady ravines present the backdrop on your journey via this nature lover’s paradise. Additionally on the property is Pine Hills Nature Protect, which affords spectacular topography for these prepared to take a reasonably lengthy hike.
Dan Carden
Shakamak State Park

Location: Jasonville
Measurement: 1,766 acres
Opened: 1929
Actions: Swimming; water sliding; boating; fishing; ice fishing; mountaineering; picnicking; basketball; tennis
Facilities: Nature heart; aquatic heart; boat launch; cabins; recreation constructing; boat rental; 174 campsites; youth tent tenting; camp retailer
DNR description: Able to loosen up? Head for Shakamak. Three man-made lakes supply 400 acres of water for fishing and boating whereas a household aquatic heart gives swimming enjoyable. About two-thirds of the campsites are in a wooded space, providing cool shade in the summertime and delightful fall colours in autumn. Close by is a play area space for household enjoyable. A well-liked characteristic of the park is the group camp.
Dan Carden
Spring Mill State Park

Location: Mitchell
Measurement: 1,358 acres
Opened: 1927
Actions: Historic websites; cave excursions; mountaineering; biking; picnicking; swimming; hayrides
Facilities: Spring Mill Inn; pioneer village; Gus Grissom memorial; boat tour; bike rental; 221 trendy and primitive campsites; youth tent tenting; camp retailer
DNR description: Spring Mill State Park provides a robust illustration of the hyperlink between the pure and cultural worlds. The water flowing from a number of cave springs led to the founding of an industrial village within the early 1800s. Pioneer entrepreneurs took benefit of a continuing water supply that by no means froze, utilizing it to energy a number of gristmills, a wool mill, a noticed mill and a distillery. In flip, pioneer settlers formed the panorama across the village, clearing land for agriculture and timber.
The park at this time continues for example how nature shapes us and the way we form the environment. A parcel of virgin timber sits in distinction to regenerated forest, a man-made lake struggles to outlive in opposition to the in-flow of silt from cave-fed methods and the native natural world face challenges from mans introduction of recent species.
Guests can discover this story within the parks 4 interpretive facilitiesthe Pioneer Village, Nature Middle, Grissom Memorial and Twin Caves Boat Tourand see it mirrored on the panorama as they hike the paths.
Dan Carden
Summit Lake State Park

Location: New Fortress
Measurement: 2,680 acres
Opened: 1988
Actions: Fishing; birdwatching; swimming; ice fishing; boating; mountaineering; cross-country snowboarding; picnicking
Facilities: Boat launch; picnic shelters; boat rental; 73 campsites; youth tent tenting
DNR description: An expansive view and good fishing beckon you to Summit Lake State Park, close to New Fortress. Summit Lake has a wonderful chook watching and wildlife commentary space. The property has all the time been an essential space for waterfowl due to the various low-lying moist meadows and prairies. Migratory species have included uncommon species just like the black tern, bald eagle, sandhill crane, American bittern, least bittern, king rail and osprey. Zeigler Woods, within the southwest nook of the park, is Henry Countys first nature protect. Zeigler Woods has wealthy natural world with little proof of human disturbance.
Dan Carden
Tippecanoe River State Park

Location: Winamac
Measurement: 2,761 acres
Opened: 1943
Actions: Canoeing; horseback driving; mountaineering; boating; fishing; picnicking; cross-country snowboarding
Facilities: Recreation constructing; cabins; 178 trendy and primitive campsites; youth tent tenting
DNR description: Consideration canoers! Prepare for a calming journey as you float down the attractive Tippecanoe River. You will need to deliver your personal canoe or make preparations with the native canoe livery. Once you return, you possibly can benefit from the lovely campground amenities together with your group, household or associates.
Dan Carden
Turkey Run State Park

Location:
Marshall
Measurement:
2,382 acres
Opened:
1916
Actions:
Mountaineering, fishing, horseback driving, swimming, tennis, playgrounds, cultural packages
Facilities:
Turkey Run Inn, nature heart, planetarium, saddle barn, cabins, 213 campsites, youth tent tenting, camp retailer
DNR description:
Youll marvel on the pure geologic wonders of this lovely park as you hike alongside its well-known trails. Nestled alongside State Street 47 southwest of Crawfordsville, the park provides the possibility to discover deep, sandstone ravines, stroll alongside stands of aged forests and benefit from the scenic views alongside Sugar Creek. Ensure that to go to the Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin, which commemorates the contributions of the daddy of Indianas state park system.
Dan Carden
Versailles State Park

Location: Versailles
Measurement: 5,988 acres
Opened: 1943
Actions: Mountaineering; fishing; horseback driving; mountain biking; boating; swimming; picnicking; kayaking
Facilities: Lined bridge; boat launch; boat rental; 226 trendy campsites; youth tent tenting; camp retailer
DNR description: Take a drive via the attractive rolling hills of southeastern Indiana with Versailles State Park, Indianas second-largest state park, as your vacation spot. Quite a few fossils inform the story of an historical sea that coated the area. Throughout the Civil Conflict, Morgans Raiders made their means via the world that’s now the park. The city of Versailles was briefly below Accomplice management. Calm down whereas fishing on the 230-acre lake the place you possibly can lease a rowboat, kayak or canoe. Get a exercise and see the fantastic thing about the park by taking a stroll on the mountaineering trails or a trip on the mountain bike trails. Deliver your horses for the day to benefit from the greater than 20 miles of horse trails. Steps to a scenic overlook on the dam are a major spot to see herons and different aquatic wildlife.
Dan Carden
White River State Park

Location: Indianapolis
Measurement: 250 acres
Opened: 1979
Actions: Museums; sports activities; live shows; theaters; zoo; mountaineering; Segway rides; historic canal; gardening; maze; picnicking; artwork
Facilities: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Artwork; IMAX Theater; Indiana State Museum; Indianapolis Indians baseball at Victory Discipline; Indianapolis Zoo; White River Gardens; NCAA Corridor of Champions; Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial; Indiana Historical past Middle; Central Canal; Navy Park
Description: White River State Park boasts world-class points of interest and locations that supply distinctive experiences for each curiosity and customer! Sure, you will discover inexperienced areas, trails, bushes and waterways that you just count on at any state park. Along with natures wonderland, you will discover cultural, instructional, and leisure points of interest and occasions in our city getaways 250-acres. Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park is the place you possibly can benefit from the outside with out ever leaving town.
Dan Carden
Whitewater Memorial State Park

Location: Liberty
Measurement: 1,710 acres
Opened: 1949
Actions: Mountaineering; fishing; horseback driving; boating; swimming; canoeing; picnicking; ice fishing; archery; hayrides; birdwatching
Facilities: Marina; saddle barn; boat launches; boat rental; cabins; 318 trendy and primitive campsites; youth tent tenting; camp retailer
DNR description: Whitewater Memorial State Park is a good household getaway due to its 200-acre Whitewater Lake, entry to Brookville Reservoir and different leisure amenities. Shoreline mountaineering, flat-water boating, swimming, fishing and tenting alternatives are plentiful across the man-made lake. The entry to Brookville Reservoir gives many alternatives for seeing migrating flocks of birds. Whitewater Memorial State Park boasts 9 miles of horseback driving trails with entry each for day customers and from the horsemens campground. The land for the park was initially bought by the encircling counties of Union, Fayette, Franklin and Wayne as a memorial to the women and men who served in World Conflict II.
Dan Carden

