Honoring Ron Seman's Legacy at the Indiana Dunes

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The Issue

Ron Seman was one of the kindest, most spirited individuals you could ever meet. His passion for the Indiana Dunes was unparalleled, and his dedication to educating others about the natural beauty and significance of this cherished landscape left a lasting mark on our lives. For those of us who knew him, he was the heart and soul of the Dunes, and his contributions deserve to be recognized permanently.

The Indiana Dunes State Park and National Lakeshore were more than just places to Ron—they were his home and canvas for inspiring others to engage with nature. His Monster Dune Challenge, a demanding yet rewarding trek over the majestic dunes, became a rite of passage for many. Ron taught countless individuals not only to appreciate but also to protect and cherish this unique environment. His enthusiastic spirit encouraged everyone to get active, explore, and see nature from a new lens. Ron made science and nature more accessible, intriguing, and fun.

Every signature on this petition is a testament to the lives he touched and changed. Many of us remember the first time we navigated a trail with Ron, his laughter interspersed with captivating stories and helpful guidance on the local plants and animals. Whether you met him once or were fortunate to know him well, Ron's influence on your connection to the Dunes is unforgettable.

We urge the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to honor Ron's legacy by naming a dune or trail after him. Such a tribute would not only commemorate his life's work but also continue his mission by inspiring future generations of nature lovers, hikers, and conservationists. Recognizing the Monster Dune Challenge would not only further cement Ron's legacy as a catalyst for outdoor adventure and ecological appreciation, but also draw even more people to this beautiful place.

Let us come together to honor a man who has given so much to our community and the Dunes. Please sign this petition to ensure Ron Seman's enduring impact is acknowledged, celebrated, and remembered at the Indiana Dunes—a place he cherished so deeply.

Please note: The optional donation that shows after you sign this is for Change.org and does NOT go towards this petition. We will update this soon with a fundraising link for those who wish to contribute to this cause.

The Decision Makers

Brandt Baughman, Director
Brandt Baughman, Director
Indiana State Parks
Responded
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing the petition honoring the legacy of Ron Seman. We deeply appreciate the passion of all those who have taken the time to express what Ron meant to them and to the Indiana Dunes. His enthusiasm for the dunes, his commitment to educating visitors, and the personal connections he built over the years are truly inspiring and represent the very best of what our parks can offer. At this time, we are unable to name a dune or trail at Indiana Dunes State Park in Ron’s honor. The dunes in the state park that bear individuals’ names were designated in 1925, and over the last century—including through the work of many advocates, scientists, conservationists, and educators who have shaped the property—we have maintained a longstanding practice of not naming additional dunes or trails after individuals. This approach helps preserve the historic character of the park while ensuring consistency in how we recognize contributors to its care and stewardship. While we are unable to move forward with a naming request, we want to emphasize how grateful we are for Ron’s contributions and the positive impact he had on visitors’ experiences. His legacy of inspiring others to appreciate, explore, and protect the dunes continues to resonate, and we are sincerely touched by the community’s desire to honor him. Thank you again for sharing this petition and for your commitment to Indiana Dunes State Park. Brandt Baughman, Director Indiana State Parks [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates