Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company, Damages to Park Property, Indiana 2016

In a case that sparked a series of devastating wildfires, the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company has been held accountable for the damage it caused to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

On March 10, 2012, an Indiana Harbor Belt train passing through the western portions of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore started a series of wildfires that injured or destroyed a variety of park resources, including habitat for the Karner Blue Butterfly, a federally endangered species.

The fires not only devastated natural and man-made resources, but they also jeopardized the safety of park visitors and local residents. At one point during the emergency, fires threatened several homes resulting in the partial evacuation of the Town of Ogden Dunes.

After an investigation by the National Park Service, the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company entered a stipulation and agreed judgment for the damages caused to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on February 1, 2016.

The company paid $72,500 for the damage it caused to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore after the Court entered judgment.

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Assistant United States Attorney Wayne Ault and Senior Civil Investigator Paul Drapac were recognized by the National Park Service, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for their outstanding work in the case.

The case was the result of an investigation by the National Park Service, and it was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne Ault and Senior Civil Investigator Paul Drapac.

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