Group seeks hearing on Chicago Locks closure

Posted on 30 December 2009

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The Great Lakes Boating Federation is calling for a public hearing to give all stakeholders an opportunity to express concerns about the proposed closure of the Chicago Locks to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.

The action is in response to Michigan's recent filing of a lawsuit to enforce the closure of the locks. Ohio and Minnesota have since joined the lawsuit as plaintiffs.

The closure would adversely affect some 7,000 Chicago-area boaters, the federation says.

"Without a workable solution to access the river from the lake, boaters will be unable to continue using the river system that they have utilized for decades recreationally and for storing their boats," said F. Ned Dikmen, chairman of the Great Lakes Boating Federation, in a statement.

"Shutting the locks permanently could jeopardize the $80 million economic impact that flows into Chicago's economy," he added.

Click here for the full release.

Comments

5 Monday, 04 January 2010 21:21

Anybody who thinks the locks should not be closed obviously doesn't understand the devastating effects this species will have on the Great Lakes. It would be a very sad day indeed if the locks remain open due to protest from a vocal minority allowing the invasion to take place. There is a lot at stake here.

4 Thursday, 31 December 2009 02:27

Many, many more people, in two nations, than the few using the Chicago barge canal will likely have serious adverse effects to their recreational and economic situations should these non-native fish establish themselves in the Great Lakes.

3 Wednesday, 30 December 2009 23:04

What we need to think about is alternative ways to portage the boats from the river to the lake.  How about travel lifts?  Operating a fleet of them might even be cheaper than operating the locks.

How much prevention is necessary to keep the carp out?  Is a dry boat all that it takes?

2 Wednesday, 30 December 2009 16:57

Recently I read some history books that addressed American develoment in the early 1800's and the moral of the story was that many men were quite willing to risk the ENTIRE future of a asset (land, timber, fisheries, water, animals, birds (think the feather fad that descimated birds in the Everglades) people, (think slavery, Indians) etc.,) COMPLETELY- solely for profits that lasted only one year.

It's called GREED and some people will cut off their own noses thinking they are adding value to their faces- if they can make a quick buck at it. 

Common sense loses out everytime.

1 Wednesday, 30 December 2009 16:24

A good example of a shared human weakness in that this group is willing to risk the Great Lakes and all of it's tributaries for such a self serving and shortsided agenda.

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