The Frankfort Utility Service Board announced today that it will be enacting a temporary closure of the Frankfort Lagoons until further notice due to ice concerns and wildlife feeding.
The board released that the closure is due to ice buildup on the ponds and roadways that is creating hazardous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. The board stated that in addition to the ice buildup, the temporary closure is partially due to the feeding of wildlife by visitors.
The board stated that the Indiana Department of Natural Resources recently visited the Lagoons and observed several instances of people leaving food for the wildlife. The board issued a reminder not to feed the wildlife at the Lagoons as it may disrupt their natural feeding behaviors that could lead to dependency on human-provided food sources.
The DNR has also reportedly been notified of dead geese observed at the Lagoons, which the board stated may have been in relation to the feeding of the wildlife by visitors. Feeding of wildlife may increase the risk of spreading diseases, such as the highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as bird flu, that has been sweeping across the nation and has been identified in a few communities in Indiana, excluding Clinton County currently.
The board requested that all residents and visitors respect the closure for the safety of themselves and others.