Restoration Projects to Begin on Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers

[kickinbass]

DNR NEWS

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington St. W255-B
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2748

For immediate release: July 20, 2006

Restoration Projects to Begin on Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers

   DNR staff have been working with Sen. Marvin Riegsecker, Reps. Jackie Walorski,
John Ulmer, Tim Neese, and Elkhart County officials to prioritize restoration
work on the Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers. "Nearly $300,000 in appropriations is
available and will be utilized on the two rivers," Sen. Riegsecker said.

   The first project involves the construction of brush pile fish attractors in
the St. Joseph River impoundment above the Elkhart Dam.

   Over the years, a significant amount of naturally occurring woody material has
been removed from the river. "This material was important for fish and wildlife
habitat and replacing some of the woody material is a step in the right
direction," DNR director Kyle Hupfer said.

   Thirteen potential attractor locations have been identified. Two of the highest
priority sites will be located where shoreline anglers will have access to them.
This includes the American Electric Power shore fishing site on the north side
of the river, immediately upstream of the dam.

   The second attractor site will be on the south side of the impoundment, near
Elkhart's Martin's Landing city park. Martin's Landing is especially popular
with parents who take the time to introduce their kids to fishing. "If we can
enhance habitat while shortening the time between bites for these young anglers,
everyone wins," Hupfer said.

   The second project involves stabilizing an eroding bank on the Elkhart River
along County Road 45, immediately upstream from Oxbow County Park. Bank erosion
is a natural process and generally is not a major concern. However, due to the
proximity of this eroding bank to County Road 45 and the associated utility
line, addressing this situation now while it is manageable is a priority.

   The design and preparation of the permit applications for the fish attractor
project is underway. The project will be advertised for bid as soon as all the
appropriate permits are obtained. The bank stabilization project is targeted for
construction in fall 2007.

   The $300,000 came from a line item appropriation.

      -30-

Media Contact: Fish attractor information, Neil Ledet 260-829-6241.
         Bank stabilization project, Jomary Baller 317-234-1045.

[Lipripper]

kickinbass thanks for the information and it's a start in the right direction