Calumet Revisited forum on Sept. 7 focuses on restoring natural habitat
Paul Labus of Whiting will talk about his decades of work restoring natural habitat in Northwest Indiana at 5 p.m. on September 7, as the eighth year of Calumet Revisited Forums gets underway at Calumet College, 2400 New York Avenue in Whiting.
His talk begins the series of monthly discussions in room 265. The forums shed light on the region’s rich human history and environmental treasures. Labus recently retired as Northwest Indiana Region Director for the Nature Conservancy, where his responsibilities included developing and implementing strategic plans and conservation programs for Northwest Indiana. He was awarded the Paul H. Douglas Award by the Save the Dunes Council for contributing his talents for leadership and planning to the Indiana Dunes region.
Comments Sought for Proposed Entrance Fee at Indiana Dunes National Park
The National Park Service is seeking public comment on a proposed entrance fee for Indiana Dunes National Park, along with two proposed campsite services, through October 1.
If approved, the following entrance fees would take effect on March 31, 2022: Per person/walk-in/bike-in/boat-in rate: $15, Motorcycle Pass: $20, Seven-Day Vehicle Pass: $25, Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass: $45 and Commercial Fee for a Motor Coach: $100. The proposed campsite services would add a group campsite in the Dunbar Beach area and six backcountry campsites located approximately 1/4 mile east of the Central Avenue Beach area. The Central Backcountry sites would cost $25 per night and have a limit of eight campers while the Dunbar Group site would hold up to 30 people and cost $100 per night.
The public can learn more about these proposals and share your comments during at Aug. 18 public meeting, which will be held online via Zoom. The Zoom meeting is scheduled 6–8 p.m. and accessible via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89748155060?pwd=S3E3c2tGS0c0VitNK0NVb1dxRWxFZz09 To enter the meeting, use this passcode: 074744.
In addition to the public Zoom meeting, provide your comments online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ or by email at indu_communications@nps.gov. Comments submitted by phone or social media will not be accepted. Comments submitted by individuals or organizations on behalf of other individuals or organizations also will not be accepted. All comments are due by October 1, 2021.
ServSafe Food Manager 1-Day Class & Examination
Purdue University Extension — Lake County will be offering a ServSafe Food Manager 1-Day Class & Examination on September 2. Registration link: https://cvent.me/Nxd9WM. This training is held locally at Purdue University Extension — Lake County, located at 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. For more information contact the office at 219-755-3240.
Food Vendors Sought for Indiana Dunes National Park Special Events
The National Park Service is seeking food trucks or other self-contained food service vendors to serve park visitors at various locations, special events and festivals at Indiana Dunes National Park for the remaining calendar year.
Special events include the Outdoor Adventure Festival on September 10-12 and the Indiana Dunes Apple Festival at Chellberg Farm on September 18-19. These events draw 1,200 – 3,000 people per day. In addition, summer days and fall weekends are busy throughout the park. Federal regulations require any individuals or groups selling food or other items in a national park to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization permit. Completed applications for a permit include a payment of $100 to cover the costs of processing the request. Additionally, vendors selling food must comply with county and federal health regulations.
All inquiries are welcome. Please contact the Permits Office at 219-221-2054 or by email at INDU_Permits@nps.gov to find out more and get an application. Selected applicants will be required to provide valid proof of insurance and current ServSafe certifications for all employees.
