MUNCIE, IN — Effective Aug. 1, horse and ATV trails along the western section of Prairie Creek Reservoir will be closed to the public.
Horses and horse trailers will no longer be allowed in the park.
Mayor Dan Ridenour’s administration announced that policy change — and others involving the reservoir — on Wednesday, July 16. The city operates the park that surrounds the reservoir in southeastern Delaware County.
A lottery system to fill vacancies at Prairie Creek Reservoir’s campground has also been suspended.
Transfers of campsites and dock spaces will also no longer be allowed, according to a release issued by the administration.
“These rule changes at Prairie Creek regarding dock transfer and the lottery system are intended to help preserve the reservoir’s long-term health and sustainability,” the release said. “These updates are designed to limit any increase in the number of docks, thereby helping to control overall dock usage and reduce potential impacts on water quality.
“By proactively managing growth, the city aims to protect this vital water resource for current and future users.”
The campground on the reservoir’s north shore, opened in 1971, has more than 200 spaces.
The release noted the city in past years had “expanded the use of certain areas of Prairie Creek Reservoir Park, specifically in campground and trail systems, beyond the provisions outlined in the original lease agreement.”
City officials said Indiana American Water Company, which owns the reservoir, “is now requiring updates and with their collaboration we are now working to rectify these concerns.”
The city leases from the water company the 750 acres of land surrounding 1,275 acres of water.
The release said the changes were being made “to ensure long-term water quality and environmental sustainability of this vital resource, which serves as a source of drinking water for our community.”
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: City: Horse, ATV trails at Prairie Creek Reservoir to be closed to the public
Reporting by Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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