Air pollution, water contamination, shoreline development and invasive species are among the Indiana Dunes' most pressing threats, according to a recent study.
On Tuesday, the National Parks Conservation Association released a 2007 report on the state of the Great Lakes National Parks, including the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
One of the report's key findings shows the location of the Dunes National Lakeshore is becoming more problematic.
Seated between Gary and Michigan City, the Dunes are adjacent to various industrial complexes, including steel mills and power plants.
Because of the desirable lakefront location, surrounding areas have also experienced exploding residential development.
Together, these issues contribute to increased water contamination, air pollution and fragmented habitats. The NPCA report also says the dunes are actually retreating due to adjacent shoreline development. This development prevents the natural deposit of sand that is necessary to replenish the dunes.
"None of these problems are surprises to us," said Garry Traynham, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore acting superintendent. "We know what the problems are and we have plans for solutions."
Traynham said his biggest concerns regarding the lakeshore are invasive species and water quality -- both problems cited in the NPCA report. The park is currently working with a number of groups in terms of wastewater management, water quality and invasive species control, Traynham said.
Another problem for the Dunes cited in the NPCA study is a lack of funding. According to the report, the park has lost 20 staff positions since 2000 due to insufficient money. Various "high priority" projects such as threatened and endangered species protection and museum collection preservation remain unfunded, the report said.
In addition to listing the threats facing the Lakeshore, the NPCA report also praised various park efforts, such as the new Dorothy Bell Visitor's Center.
"We really appreciate the support we get from the NPCA," Traynham said. "We're glad they've helped shine the light on these issues and we look forward to response from the public."
