National Wildlife Federation urges Congress to move swiftly to approve Asian carp plan
Ann Arbor, MI — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a final plan to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes by rebuilding the Brandon Road Lock and Dam south of Chicago. Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed the final chief's report, which will now be delivered to Congress, which must approve and fund the plan before it can begin.
The plan will improve defenses at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. The Brandon Road Lock and Dam, near Joliet, Ill., and below the Chicago Area Waterway System, is a chokepoint in the waterway system; the construction of new technology at the dam can help stop the advance of invasive Asian carp and reduce the risk of the fish entering Lake Michigan. The plan proposes a gauntlet of technologies including an electric barrier, a bubble barrier, acoustic deterrent, and a flushing lock to reduce the risk that Asian carp get through while still allowing navigation through the lock.
In response, the National Wildlife Federation issued this statement:
“The release of the Brandon Road plan to Congress is a significant milestone in efforts to help keep Asian carp out of our Great Lakes," said Marc Smith, National Wildlife Federation director of conservation partnerships. “This plan to build a gauntlet of defenses is the best option on the table to prevent Asian carp from devastating the Great Lakes. After many years of study and delay, Congress now must move swiftly and authorize and fund this plan to protect the people, economy and wildlife of the Great Lakes.”
Parker is a shining role model for all she has accomplished and her ongoing positivity, energy, and belief in changing the world for the better.
Read the StoryHear from champions for greater and safer access to the outdoors as they discuss the potential solutions to address the intersectional issues faced by Black communities.
Listen NowBy taking the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, your local leaders can commit to uniting your community around saving the imperiled monarch. Send a message today urging your mayor or head of local or Tribal government to pledge before April 30!
Act NowGet quotes now or call (855) 786-0941
Get Quotes NowMore than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 53 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive.