WAYNEDALE OUTDOORS Q & A

DNR TO ERECT BARRIER TO

BLOCK ASIAN CARP

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will implement a short-term step to address the advance of Asian carp up the Wabash River system and their potential movement into the Maumee River, a tributary to Lake Erie.

The focal point is Eagle Marsh, a 705-acre restored wetland near Fort Wayne that DNR staff identified as a possible pathway for Asian carp passage under certain flood conditions. The marsh is just north of Fox Island County Park near the intersection of Interstate 69 and U.S. 24.

As an immediate preventive measure, the DNR will install mesh fencing across a section of the marsh, creating a barrier against passage of Asian carp between the Wabash and Maumee drainage basins.

The fencing will be substantial enough to withstand floodwaters but will be designed so it does not increase flood elevations and cause property damage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide design guidance on the fencing. The goal is to have the fencing installed this summer. Additional monitoring will be conducted and more aggressive action taken if the threat warrants.

Although the Wabash and Maumee basins drain in opposite directions and have no direct connection under normal conditions, their waters do co-mingle under certain flood conditions.

If Asian carp cross the divide at Eagle Marsh and reach the Maumee, they would be in the Lake Erie drainage basin and additional more costly and invasive steps would be required to protect the Great Lakes from the threat.

 

Ouabache State Park Perseid Party

Gather to enjoy the Perseid Meteor Shower and learn about meteors and their many colors at Ouabache State Park on August 14, starting at 10 p.m., to watch the night sky rain shooting stars.

Guests should meet on the large hill next to the pool. Parking is available at the pool parking lot. Bug spray is recommended. No flashlights please. There is no fee to participate; however, normal park admission fees will apply. Indiana resident rate is $5 per vehicle; out-of-state fee is $7 per vehicle.

For more information about the interpretive services or becoming involved with interpretive and cultural events at Ouabache State Park, contact the interpretive naturalist at (260) 824-0926 or OuabacheInterp@dnr.IN.gov.