(LAGRANGE COUNTY) - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has placed an idle-speed boating restriction on the Indian Lakes Chain in LaGrange County because of high water levels.
The emergency order requires all motorized watercraft to operate at idle speed only on the chain, which includes Witmer, Westler, Dallas, Hackenberg and Messick lakes.
DNR says the restriction is meant to prevent boat wakes from pushing already elevated water into homes and shoreline structures, which can worsen flooding and erosion problems around the lakes.
Officials say idle-speed restrictions are typically put in place when water levels rise high enough that even normal boating activity could lead to property damage or unsafe shoreline conditions.
The order will remain in effect until water levels recede and state conservation officers determine the risk of wake-related damage has eased.
Boaters are being urged to watch for posted notices at public access sites and remain alert for changing lake conditions as water levels continue to be monitored.