Sunrise over J.C. Murphey Lake in the Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area is shown. A recent 172.57-acre land dedication made possible in part by supporters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever increases the size of the wildlife area, located in Newton County, Indiana, about 30 miles south of Lowell, to more than 10,000 acres. Indiana DNR photo
MOROCCO — The Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area, located in Newton County about 30 miles south of Lowell, is growing — thanks to a 172.57-acre land dedication made possible in part by supporters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.
The expansion brings the property, managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to more than 10,000 acres of vital oak savanna habitat for wildlife living in, or passing through, Northwest Indiana.
"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 and Quail Forever to make today possible."
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever purchased the property on behalf of DNR through their Build a Wildlife Area initiative, a program that raises funds to acquire and restore critical wildlife habitat and open it for public recreation.
The Indiana DNR is using 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 and Quail Forever and to officially add it to Willow Slough FWA, which is open daily and free to visit.
"Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever were 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 John Kinney, coordinator for the two groups.
The new parcel will open to the public for hunting and wildlife viewing once habitat improvements are finished.
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