Goosepond Fish and Wildlife Areas
The Goosepond History
Located two miles southwest of Linton on State Road 59 in Stafford Township is a well-known area called the Goose Pond. The Goose Pond is currently a 6,700-acre parcel of land that is used for farming purposes. The area is said to be the largest corn field in Greene County and in the state of Indiana. Also located on the Goose Pond is a turkey farm.
Long ago the Goose Pond area was classified as a wetland. It was a marshy, swampy area that attracted many varieties of wildlife such as bear, panther, deer, otter, and several types of birds and aquatic fowl. Hunters often hunted this area for sport.
The change in appearance of the Goose Pond by going from a swampy marsh to farmable land occurred in the 1950’s. Many farmers had wanted this area for its rich soil. The farmers had dreams of becoming successful from using the land for agricultural purposes. The last section of the swamp was finally cleared and drained during the 1960’s. The land then became the home of several tenant farmers.
Another change that had been waiting in store for the Goose Pond was heavily debated in early 1997. A large dispute arose over what should become of the area. Should it remain in its current state as a farming area, or should it return to a marsh to be used as an outdoor-recreational area? Many pros and cons were debated about the Goose Pond becoming a fish-and-wildlife area. The cons, however, outweighed the pros. The state legislature decided that the Goose Pond should remain as farm land and not go under any immediate changes.
The advantages were that the Goose Pond would generate significant economic benefits to Greene County. It would provide much enjoyment and entertainment to many people. The area would attract nature lovers, and it would become a place for sportsmen to test their hunting skills.
The disadvantages were that the Goose Pond may just be a waste of space. Many said it would be a large swamp that would be used by hunters only a few days out of the year. The area would attract swarms of mosquitoes and other annoying bugs. Many feared the geese that would be attracted would destroy crops. Also, several farmers would lose their homes and their work.
Although the Goose Pond has gone under several changes in the past and may have other changes waiting for it in the future, the area is still a well-known and historical landmark in Greene County.
This information was used with permission from the Linton-Stockton School Corporation.
