IDNR Barrier Between Wabash & Maumee Basins To Stop Carp

Jul 14: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced it will take a lead role in implementing 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 IDNR staff identified as a possible pathway for Asian carp passage under certain flood conditions [See WIMS 7/1/10]. The marsh is just north of Fox Island County Park near the intersection of Interstate 69 and U.S. 24.

    A permanent solution to prevent Asian carp from being able to pass through this area during flooding conditions will take more time to develop, design and construct. Therefore, as an immediate preventive measure, the IDNR 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 IDNR convened a recent meeting in Fort Wayne to address the potential carp movement and explore solutions, and the consensus was the mesh barrier is the best short-term option to pursue. The Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Little River Wetlands Project that manages Eagle Marsh, were represented at the meeting.

    Access a release from IDNR with links to maps and additional information (click here).