In Southern Indiana, a powerful partnership between the Conservation Law Center (CLC) and The Conservation Fund (TCF) has achieved a landmark conservation victory: the permanent protection of nearly 4,000 acres of ecologically significant land, now designated as the Busseron Creek Fish & Wildlife Area. This collaboration showcases how collective efforts can transform vulnerable landscapes into public assets, benefiting both nature and local communities.
The Busseron Creek project, led by CLC through its Southern Indiana Sentinel Landscape (SISL) initiative, highlights the organization’s expertise in legal and strategic conservation. TCF played a critical role, contributing a multi-million-dollar investment to acquire the land, which will be opened to the public in 2025. Together, these organizations have created a haven for biodiversity, clean water, and recreation while supporting climate resilience.
Conservation Through Collaboration
This newly protected area in Sullivan County, once part of the Minnehaha Fish and Wildlife Area, includes extensive wetlands vital for flood mitigation, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Recognizing the ecological importance of the land, SISL identified a 191-acre at-risk parcel in 2022 that was part of a larger 4,000-acre holding. The partnership secured funding and negotiated the acquisition, preventing fragmentation and preserving the land’s ecological integrity. TCF’s financial agility ensured the property’s protection, eventually transferring it to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for long-term stewardship.
“This project exemplifies what can be accomplished when organizations unite under a shared vision,” said Michael Spalding, SISL Coordinator for CLC. “Protecting this land secures environmental benefits for generations while strengthening national security and the region’s resilience.”
A Broader Coalition for Conservation
The success of the Busseron Creek project was amplified by contributions from diverse partners. The Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program, acting through the Sentinel Landscapes initiative, aligned conservation goals with military readiness by promoting compatible land uses near defense installations. Walmart’s Acres for America program, The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others also played key roles, demonstrating the wide-reaching benefits of collaboration.
“The Conservation Fund was glad to partner with SISL to secure this important property for conservation,” said Emy Brawley, VP and Regional Director for TCF. “Protecting a site this large provides so much for so many, from recreation-based economic development to wildlife habitat to military readiness.”
A Future for All
When the Busseron Creek Fish & Wildlife Area opens to the public, it will offer opportunities for hunting, hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking. More importantly, it will provide clean air, clean water, and flood protection for Southern Indiana residents. The conserved land exemplifies how partnerships can turn environmental challenges into victories for both nature and communities.
As Dan Bortner, Director of DNR, aptly put it: “Powered by partnerships, the permanent protection of Busseron Creek Fish & Wildlife Area is a win for conservation and a win for Indiana.”
To learn more, visit https://conservationlawcenter.org/work/busseron/
