Indiana’s Monroe Lake to Host Geocache Challenge, Feb. 2

Monroe Lake will hold its second annual Reservoir Ramble Geocache Challenge at Paynetown State Recreation Area on Saturday, Feb. 1.

Geocachers should dress for the weather, wear good hiking shoes and bring their own GPS units. They may start the challenge anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Paynetown Activity Center, next to the beach.

Participants who complete the challenge by 4 p.m. will be entered into a drawing to win a 2013 Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs Entrance Pass.

Geocachers will complete a unique tour of some well-known and not-so-well-known features and locations inside Paynetown. Few caches will be park-and-grabs, so participants should prepare for a reasonable amount of hiking, including some off-trail hiking.

For more information, see http://coord.info/GC43DDD or call (812) 837-9967.

Paynetown SRA is at 4850 South State Road 446, Bloomington, 47401.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."