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Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge wins county 'no objection' for land acquisitions using LWCF
Summary
The commissioners granted a formal no-objection for the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge to use Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars to acquire willing-seller property inside its congressionally approved acquisition boundary.
Keith Hamilton, acting manager of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, told Gibson County commissioners the refuge seeks the county’s no-objection to continue acquiring willing-seller land using the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). He said the refuge’s acquisition boundary—established by Congress—includes portions of Pike and Gibson counties and that acquisitions are only from interested sellers.
Hamilton said LWCF “is a pot of money that’s royalties on offshore drilling” available for land acquisition and public access. He told commissioners properties acquired under LWCF would be open for wildlife-dependent recreation such as hunting, fishing and wildlife observation.
Jason (county staff) had circulated a draft resolution before the meeting. After questions from commissioners about whether the refuge would use eminent domain, Hamilton reiterated acquisitions would be from willing sellers only. He confirmed the refuge may consider parcels adjacent to the boundary in limited circumstances if those acres connect to an in-boundary tract.
A commissioner moved and the board seconded a motion to grant the requested no-objection resolution. Commissioners voted in favor by voice vote; the chair called the motion approved.
County staff said the resolution will be prepared for the record and that the county’s no-objection does not change the refuge’s federal acquisition rules or public-review processes.
