[BCNnet] replacing O'Hare ponds

[bobolnk at ix.netcom.com]

This message is from the stewards listserve, responding to a question from Alan Anderson.  The O'Hare ponds will be in some way filled or impacted by the O'Hare expansion.  There is a significant amount of money available for wetland mitigation activities in the Des Plaines River watershed (I imagine the watershed south of O'Hare, but that's just a guess) .  A number of groups, including the BCN, have written letters to be sure the planning team is considering using some of the funds to create or improve some shorebird habitat, to replace what will be lost.  In this message, Jean Sellar of the Corps is asking for suggestions for off-site mitigation projects that they might consider.  Please send suggestions to her, and copy me, so I can compile a list.
Thanks!

Judy Pollock
bobolnk at ix.netcom.com

Alan and everyone -
 
The final sites for the O'Hare mitigation are not yet chosen, but in general the team that makes the final decision, which is composed of several organizations and agencies, gives a high priority to aquatic bird habitat and to the in-kind replacement of the aquatic habitats that are at O'Hare.  The mitigation acreage will be considerably larger than that impacted, although I have become quite saddened by the difficulties in the successful restoration of wetlands within any size or venue.  That said, the team will also strive for a balance of habitat types.  The letters that have already been received are sufficient (although I don't want to discourage anyone from writing), especially since I will pass your e-mail along to the team.  The cut-off date for the submission of mitigation plans for O'Hare has long passed, but the need for mitigation for other sites, alas, continues.  
 
If anyone has ideas for off-site mitigation projects, please have the owners, or possible owners if it may be sold, of the mitigation land submit them to Chicago District.  Several caveats - the project should strive for the restoration of a self-sustaining ecosystem that is native to the Chicago area, not the creation of detention ponds or artificial lakes, etc., however tempting they may be.  Shorebird habitat, with its shallow mudflats that are exposed by long slow drawdown and diverse macroinvertebrates and vegetation, is very compatible with certain wetland types, but is not served well by flashy artificial stormwater hydrology and polluted water.  Also the site should end up in public ownership and the owners must agree to manage it as wetland in perpetuity.  Larger sites are preferred.  Finally, the wait for the project may be long or short; it depends totally on what future impacts may occur in a given watershed.
 
Jean Sellar 

Ecologist 
USACE 
Suite 600 
111 North Canal Street 
Chicago, Illinois 60606-7206 
312/846-5588