Lake & River Enhancement Program

The Indiana Department of Natural Resource’s Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE) was developed in 1989 to ensure the continued viability of public-access lakes and streams. The program’s initial goal was to utilize a watershed approach to reduce non-point source sediment and nutrient pollution of Indiana’s surface water to a level that meets or surpasses state water quality standards.

The 2003 Indiana General Assembly enacted House Enrolled Act 1336 which increased the LARE fee paid by registered vessel owners. The increase in fees provides funding to remove sediment and control exotic or invasive plant or animal species.

In addition, one-third of these fees will provide funding for the Law Enforcement Division to establish additional marine enforcement patrols on Indiana lakes and rivers. A portion of these funds also may be available for counties with supplemental law enforcement marine patrols.

The LARE fee is based on the value of the vessel when new.