Indiana Dunes State Park dedicates another nature preserve

The Indiana Dunes State Park dedicated another nature preserve in an unlikely place.


Monday, the DNR officially made the JD Marshall, a 154-foot sunken ship, into a nature preserve.


The steam powered sand barge from the 1890's sank in a storm more than 100 years ago.


A series of buoys block off a hundred acres around the wreck to keep boats from anchoring right on top of it.


"You know Indiana is blessed to have a state park system unlike any other in the country. There is an Indiana State Park within an hour of every Hoosier no matter where you live," said Daniel W. Bornter, Director of State Parks & Reservoirs.


DNR officials say making the shipwreck site a preserve should keep it in good condition for divers and archaeologists.

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