We asked our board secretary, John Bacone, to reflect on some of our most significant land protection wins of 2024.
It is always fun to look back on the valuable work CILTI has accomplished in the past year. It is especially gratifying this year, for several reasons. CILTI again protected quite a few conservation projects, and most importantly, they were high quality habitats. But perhaps more significant is the way CILTI has partnered with a range of entities to protect nature.
Often CILTI is asked to assist because a quick reaction time is needed, and we are able to provide this quick assistance. One of the most exciting of these projects was the Lowe Tract.
This site, located in Orange County, was desired by the Hoosier National Forest because of its special natural features. This site contains two pit caves, a natural bridge, a sandstone barrens, and several rare plant species. The property was for sale as part of an auction, and the US Forest Service was unable to bid on such short notice.
Fortunately, we were able to go to the auction, and prevailed. Now, this amazing site is protected for the benefit of future generations, and it will be part of the Hoosier National Forest forever.
CILTI was also happy to provide assistance to DNR’s Division of Nature Preserves, acquiring an addition to Baseline Barrens Nature Preserve in Washington County. This addition is a key expansion to lands acquired several decades ago, making the 91.5-acre preserve easier to manage and more resilient into the future.
The land hosts unusual native plants from blackjack oak to rough blazing star, and it features both limestone barrens and chert barrens. Bison may have roamed these grasslands for thousands of years. CILTI worked with the DNR to protect these acres.
Finally, Founders Fen was officially transferred to CILTI ownership this year. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) owned a portion of this high-quality fen in southeastern Hancock County. The agency had acquired it as mitigation for work being done on Interstate 70. This fen contains a number of rare plant species, including the state-endangered American burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis).
INDOT transferred this valuable parcel to CILTI under 2017 legislation that allows the agency to transfer nonmarketable land to a land trust for its perpetual care. CILTI is honored to be the first land trust to receive land under this innovative law that benefits conservation.
These three projects illustrate examples of the creativity, flexibility, and speed with which CILTI can accomplish critical land conservation.
In the coming year, look for CILTI to continue to be innovative, flexible, and quick to action. There are still many important natural areas that need to be protected, and we remain focused on this critical conservation work.
Breaking news: Just before Thanksgiving, we closed on another assist, Larimer Fen. Read about that land protection victory here.
John Bacone
Secretary