Indiana boaters need lake permits this year

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Indiana boaters will need a lake permit before heading out on state inland waters

Boaters are no longer required to purchase a daily launch permit. But they must buy an annual lake permit, allowing them to use any state park, reservoir or state forest lake for the entire year. The new permit is $20 for motorized watercraft and $5 for non-motorized watercraft. State-owned watercraft and state-owned boat rental concessions are exempt.

Funds collected from the permits are used to support the operation of state parks, reservoirs and forests, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. About 67 % of the funding of state park operations comes from these, and other, user fees.