As Indiana boaters gear up for spring fishing and recreational boating at Indiana state parks, reservoirs and state forests, they are reminded that this year, for the first time, they will need to purchase a lake permit before they head out on the water.

Boaters are no longer required to purchase a daily launch permit at the entrance gate or ramp each time they enter the property. Beginning this year they must purchase an annual lake permit that allows them to use any state park, reservoir or state forest lake through the entire year.

The new permit $20 for motorized watercraft and $5 for nonmotorized watercraft is now available at state parks, reservoirs and some state forest offices, on-line at on the DNR Web site in Mother Nature's Mercantile, and at the gatehouses when they are open.

All private watercraft including motorboats, canoes, paddleboats, and rowboats, using state park, reservoir or state forest lakes must have and display the permit. Personal watercraft moored at marinas, private docks, group docks or bank ties must also have and display the permit.

State-owned watercraft and state-managed boat rental concessions are exempt.

Lakes on which a permit will be required include the main bodies of water and all fishing ponds/lakes at Patoka Lake, Brookville Lake, Hardy Lake, Monroe Lake, Salamonie Lake, Mississinewa Lake, Roush (Huntington) Lake, Cagles Mill (Lieber) Lake, Cecil M. Harden (Raccoon) Lake.

Also included are Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park, Kunkel Lake at Ouabache State Park, Summit Lake at Summit Lake State Park, Versailles Lake at Versailles State Park, Ogle and Strahl Lakes at Brown County State Park, Lakes Shakamak, Lenape and Kickapoo at Shakamak State Park, all lakes at Chain O'Lakes State Park, Spring Mill Lake at Spring Mill State Park, Whitewater Lake at Whitewater State Park, Lake Lincoln and Weber Lake at Lincoln State Park.

Finally, also included are all lakes at state forest properties, including Deam Lake SRA, Ferdinand State Forest, Starve Hollow SRA, Harrison-Crawford State Forest, Clark State Forest, Greene-Sullivan State Forest, Jackson-Washington State Forest, Martin State Forest, MorganMonroe State Forest, OwenPutnam State Forest, Pike State Forest and Yellowwood State Forest.

Boat access ramps may be staffed early in the season, but are not likely to be staffed throughout the summer. These permits are required and Indiana conservation officers will be watching to ensure the permits are displayed on boats.

Several public access sites maintained by the DNR's division of fish and wildlife do not require the permit. Further, the permit is not required for boating on Indiana streams and rivers or natural lakes such as Lake James, Lake Wawasee and Lake Michigan. Lakes located in state fish & wildlife areas operated by the division of fish and wildlife do not require the permit nor do lakes at national forests and U.S. fish and wildlife refuges.

Funds collected from the annual lake permit, along with camping, entrance, swimming and program fees, are deposited in a dedicated account to support the operation of state parks, reservoirs and state forests. The funds are used only in those locations.

"User fees like this are the way we pay for many of the services enjoyed by our visitors," said State Parks and Reservoirs Division Director Dan Bortner. "A significant portion about 67 percent of the funding for the operations of state parks and reservoirs comes from these user fees. Only about 33 percent comes from general tax dollars paid by Hoosiers.

Boaters must be careful not to confuse the new annual lake fee with the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Fee that is charged when boaters register a watercraft with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The LARE fee and the lake permit are two entirely different programs.

For a fact sheet about the lake permit, visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.IN.gov or contact a state park, reservoir or state forest office near you.

A complete listing of all recreation fees for 2006 is on the Web at h t t p : / / w w w . i n . g o v / dnr/parklake/properties/park_rates _fees.html.

Camping reservations for 2006 are currently being accepted. To reserve a campsite, cabin, recreation, building or shelter, visit www.campIN.gov or call 1-866