Indiana Parks Alliance

The Indiana Parks Alliance (IPA) is a charitable organization that supports Indiana State Parks and
state owned Nature Preserves, the resources they steward and the people they serve.

We consider ourselves an organization of “doers” who advocate for and promote these public lands and the opportunities they provide. That’s why our partners are so important to us. IPA integrates their objectives into one agenda to create a unified network of action for the natural and cultural resources and facilities in our Indiana State Parks and Indiana Nature Preserves. Our partners include state parks, state-owned nature preserves, the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, local friends groups and YOU as a member!

Important Advocacy Updates

IPA Active in Legislative Sessions

The focus of IPA in the state legislature is usually related to budget bills, trying to increase funding for our state parks and nature preserves. This was not a budget year, and we expected it to be relatively quiet. We were wrong.

HB 1003: The purpose of this bill, introduced by Rep. Bartels from Eckerty, was to eliminate a large number of state boards and commissions that Governor Braun feels are either obsolete, or not functioning well. The bill itself was huge, 345 pages when introduced, and eventually grew to 454 pages by the time it passed the House. As the bill was analyzed, conservationists were surprised to learn that the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), was included. The NRC has a reputation as an effective and important organization, providing a voice for those concerned about our state’s natural areas and wildlife. Click to read more…

Conversation with Brandt Baughman

IPA’s Board President, Milt Grissom, had a great conversation with Indiana State Parks Director Brandt Baughman in this hour long webinar in March. Included in the conversation were updates on construction projects (Lodge at Potato Creek and McCormick’s Creek SP campground), preparations for the 2026 recreation season, and much more. Click here to watch!

Trails for Tomorrow

Fundraising for the Trails for Tomorrow campaign is in full swing. Hiking is rated as the #1 activity for those who visit Indiana’s state parks and its trail system, which sees about 4 million hikers a year, is showing its wear. State funding for trails has not kept up with deferred maintenance issues due to historically poor trail design, aging boardwalks, foot bridges, steps and ladders, and sometimes-confusing directional signage.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND TO DONATE!

President’s Message

Conservation Thoughts
By IPA President, Milt Grissom

Recently I attended the annual reception sponsored by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Land Protection Alliance (IPLA). ILPA represents over 25 Indiana Land Trusts with similar goals of preserving land and water. These land trusts can often act more quickly than DNR to acquire land that may be threatened. The members and managers of land trusts provide local engagement and knowledge. Indiana State Parks and Nature Preserves have benefited greatly from the efforts of these organizations. Click to read more…