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Plan for eclipse coverage at DNR properties
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will arc across much of Indiana, including 54 properties managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – with many state parks, state forests, fish & wildlife areas, and state-managed nature preserves providing an excellent vantage point.
As part of coverage planning, anticipate crowds at many DNR properties, heavy traffic at entry points, and the possibility that some properties may reach capacity and not allow additional guests to enter.
Please consider these tips to provide for smoother coverage at DNR properties on April 8:
- To support local coverage, DNR will have staff designated to assist media with electrical access, interviews, etc. at two properties within the zone of totality: Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA), near Linton in Greene County, and Summit Lake State Park, near New Castle in Henry County.
- Media displaying valid media credentials at Summit Lake State Park will not be charged the usual gate fee; there is no gate fee at Goose Pond FWA. There will not be a designated media entrance or parking at either property; however, each will have a centralized space for reporters to set up cameras and conduct interviews.
- With intense traffic expected and property capacity limits, DNR cannot guarantee entrance into any of its properties to anyone, media included, because lines will likely be long. Entrance gates at state parks and other state-parks-managed properties will open at 7 a.m. ET on April 8, and media are encouraged to arrive early to get a place in line.
- Media are welcome to cover the eclipse at DNR properties other than Summit Lake State Park and Goose Pond FWA; however:
- While media contacts will be designated for state park properties other than Summit Lake State Park, those individuals will also have many other responsibilities accommodating the large crowds, which will be their priority.
- State fish & wildlife areas (excluding Goose Pond FWA), state forests, and state-managed nature preserves will not have a dedicated on-property media contact.
- While media contacts will be designated for state park properties other than Summit Lake State Park, those individuals will also have many other responsibilities accommodating the large crowds, which will be their priority.
If you plan to cover the eclipse from a DNR property, please email Holly Lawson, DNR communications director, at [email protected] as soon as possible to be put on a list to be sent that contact’s information for the property, once designated.
Four-packs of eclipse glasses are available for purchase from ShopINStateParks.com for $10, plus shipping and handling. Packs can also be purchased at any Indiana State Park inn gift shop or property office, where individual pairs can also be purchased for $3 each. A list of properties is at on.IN.gov/stateparks.
For more information on experiencing the eclipse at a DNR property, visit on.IN.gov/eclipse. To learn more about the eclipse, timing, travel, safety, etc., visit eclipse2024.IN.gov.