Belvidere Dam Fish Passage Alternative Public Information Meeting

[Mike Clifford]

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2008





Contact: Dan Roddewig, Belvidere Park District (815) 547-5711



Belvidere Dam Fish Passage Alternative Public Information Meeting



The public is invited to an information meeting on October 7^th 2008 at the Community Building in Belvidere to hear the results of the Belvidere Dam fish passage alternatives analysis. Representatives of various local and state agencies and organizations will be available to answer questions during an open house from 6:00 PM– 6:30 PM with a formal presentation by HNTB Inc on the costs and benefits of each alternative at 6:30 PM followed by a public comment period till 8PM. This event is being hosted by local conservation groups, local, state & federal agencies, and interested landowners.



Currently the Dam obstructs fish migration to over 350 miles of stream habitat. In March 2006 the Belvidere Park District received grant funding from the IDNR Conservation 2000 Program to study fish passage. In April 2007 the group held a meeting to inform the public of the study. The study is examined three fish passage alternatives: dam removal, rock ramp, and a fish ladder. The Park District has partnered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Geological Survey, City of Belvidere, and other conservation groups on this project.



The Community Building is located at 111 W. First Street in Belvidere, IL. For additional information about the meeting please contact the Belvidere Park District (815) 547-5711 or to view the documents prior to the meeting contact the District or visit http://krep.bios.niu.edu/BELVIDERE_DAM/belvdam.htm

[Guest rich mc]

mark your calendars now. they want to hear from anglers on this one. rich