[BCNnet] Lake Calumet marina update

[Joel Brammeier]

Thanks to all who called the Army Corps to request that the permitting
process for a new Lake Calumet marina be open to the public. Thanks to your
efforts, the Letter of Permission originally requested appears to have been
delayed and/or stopped.

As a result, the Illinois International Port District has applied for a
regular individual permit for the marina.  This application is open for
viewing to the public at the following link:

http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/co-r/200427.htm

The "Preliminary Evaluation of Selected Factors" towards the end of the
application provides a synopsis of some key decision points that will make
or break this permit. One point that is a bit troubling is the claim that
"proposed activity, WITH THE ADDITION OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS, would not
affect any federally endangered or threatened species...consultation with
USFWS...does not appear to be warranted." I don't know yet what "special
conditions" the application is referring to.

I just received this permit application this morning, and am starting to
research the Federation's response.  I will post more information when I
have it. This is a regular individual permit, subject to full public
scrutiny.

Joel Brammeier
Habitat Coordinator / Science Manager
Lake Michigan Federation
220 S. State Street
Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60604
P: 312-939-0838x4
F: 312-939-2708
jbrammeier@lakemichigan.org