On Friday, July 28, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it would release the long-awaited draft study on options to improve defenses against Asian carp at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois, on August 7. The draft study had been expected in February 2017, but the Trump administration announced they were delaying its release on February 28. The Great Lakes congressional delegation and conservation groups including the Indiana Wildlife Federation, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Minnesota Conservation Federation, National Wildlife Federation, Ohio Conservation Federation, Prairie Rivers Network, and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation have been calling for the release of the draft study since then.

The following is an on-the-record joint statement from the Indiana Wildlife Federation, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Minnesota Conservation Federation, National Wildlife Federation, Ohio Conservation Federation, Prairie Rivers Network, and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation in response to the planned release of the Brandon Road draft study:

“After months of unnecessary delay, we are excited that the potential options for improving defenses against Asian carp at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam will see the light of day. The voices of hunters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts were instrumental in demanding this draft report be released.  In addition, we are greatly appreciative for the vigilance of our Congressional champions in the Great Lakes region in keeping the protection of our Great Lakes fisheries and way of life at the top of their priorities. There is still much work yet to be done in this process. We look forward to working towards securing stronger protections to keep Asian carp out of our Great Lakes.”