Goose Pond Center

LINTON, IND. (WTHI) -       A popular southern Indiana fish and wildlife area will be getting some new facilities.

     The Goose Pond area in southern Greene County is touted by the state as the first in a wave of conservation efforts around the state.

    Local and state officials alike are excited about the enhancement the area is receiving.

     In just a few short years since it was developed the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife area has become a mecca for waterfowl, hunters and bird watchers, but officials say something was missing.

     "This is the start of us providing some facilities here so we can interpret this place for everyone," said Director of Fish and Wildlife for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Mark Reiter.

     About a hundred people joined in to watch officials break ground on a new office and visitors center for the Goose Pond.

     "By putting this facility here we believe the Goose Pond will become an even bigger destination for the whole midwest," said Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.

     The decision to put in the new facilities and the additional people they will bring is welcome in the neighboring community of Linton.

     "I think that's another one of the tools in the tool box that we need to make Greene County grow and be stronger and I think this is one of the things that will help us," said Linton Mayor John Wilkes.

     State officials say the project is going to be done in phases over several years and phase one carries a price tag of $1-million.

     "I think it's going to be a great collaborative project that's going to pay back many times the investment that's made," said Governor Daniels.

     An investment that will sit high on a hill in the corner of the vast wildlife area providing the public a view of the beauty of the Goose Pond, without spoiling what already is a drawing point for people and birds in southern Indiana.
 
     State officials say they still are working on the plans for both the interpretive program and facilities.