Muncie, IN – Delaware County officials have introduced a new mile marker system along the White River to improve safety and emergency response times for recreational users.
According to the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, 27 retroreflective aluminum signs were recently installed along a high-traffic stretch of the White River, spanning from Morrow’s Meadow in Yorktown to County Road 900 West in Daleville. The initiative is a collaboration between the county’s 911 Communications Center, the Soil and Water Conservation District, the Ball Brothers Foundation, and Canoe Country of Daleville.
County officials said the river section sees the heaviest recreational use in the area, largely due to Canoe Country’s livery service. Emergency crews have repeatedly faced challenges locating callers in distress, which often delayed life-saving assistance. The new system, which places clearly marked mile indicators every quarter mile, aims to eliminate confusion by giving river users precise location points to provide to 911 dispatchers.
The signs follow Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ formatting, with Delaware County’s designated mile range falling between 300 and 331. Emergency management officials confirmed the markers have been integrated into county GIS mapping, as well as CrewForce and ShieldForce systems used by local fire and police.
In addition to safety benefits, updated maps and guidance have been provided to Canoe Country, allowing staff to brief renters on emergency procedures before trips. Officials also noted that as river recreation continues to grow, with additional canoe launches planned in the coming years, the mile marker project will be expanded.
The project was made possible through support from the Ball Brothers Foundation, which funded the signs’ design and manufacturing, along with assistance from the Soil and Water Conservation District and Intersection Design Agency.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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