CRAB ORCHARD LAKE (WSIL) -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking the public's input on an environmental assessment for an upcoming project.
The Spillway at Crab Orchard Lake is in need of repairs and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants your input.
"We're seeking comment from the public on this project. Part of the project will involve drawing the lake down to a degree where we can do and facilitate the repairs," explains Justin Sexton, Wildlife Refuge Manager.
Sexton says the last time a project of this magnitude took place was 30 years ago. "This is a high hazard damn located here on Crab Orchard Lake. The lake was built in the thirties and over time it needs to be upgraded, needs to be repaired so we're going to be doing some concrete work to the spillway."
Sexton says this project has been on their to do list for the past three years. "There will be some minor impacts to the users. The lake will stay open during the repair but obviously lower lake levels, you know, navigating the lake could be a little bit more difficult also we have some users that will be impacted just based on the lake levels being lower than normal."
The refuge hopes to begin work in August and finish by February.
"The will also be some benefits to fisherman and biological impacts that we should see through our fishery. Consolidating some of these suspended materials in the late will actually grow vegetation on our shore line, protecting our shoreline. Next year looking at spawn for fish and then recruitment. All of those will be will be impacted positively by the draw down," adds Sexton.
The refuge will host two outdoor public meetings this week. They're at Prarie Creek Recreation Area. One is Tuesday at 6 p.m. The next is Thursday at 6 p.m., weather pending. In the case of inclement weather Thursday's meeting will be moved to Friday. If you want to attend you must make a reservation by calling (618) 997-3344 ext. 1. Masks will be required.
For more information on the project click here.
The Link LonkApril 27, 2021 at 10:45AM
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Public input needed on Crab Orchard Lake improvements - WSIL TV
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