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Reservoir will be reviewed

Officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District are preparing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document associated with the development of an updated resource management master plan for three USACE properties in Indiana –  Salamonie Lake, Mississinewa Lake and J.E. Roush Lake.

The master plan is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all recreational, natural and cultural resources throughout the life of the USACE projects (dams). It is a vital tool for the responsible stewardship and sustainability of project resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The master plan also guides and articulates USACE responsibilities to preserve, conserve, restore, maintain, manage and develop the project lands, waters, and associated resources.  The primary goals of the master planning process are to prescribe an overall land use management plan, resource objectives and associated design and management concepts.

To assist in the review, USACE is requesting the public’s assistance in gathering information to identify properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that may be affected by the project as specified by the implementing regulations for Section 106 as provided by the National Historic Preservation Act.

Additionally, the Corps would appreciate any comments, concerns or modifications anyone might have about potential environmental or social impacts from this currently proposed project.  

USACE released the following requests:

As part of the NEPA scoping process, the Chicago District would appreciate receiving input on the following:

1. Potential resource impacts or concerns related to the existing operation and maintenance of the individual dams and associated property. Impacts may be related, but not limited, to:

Flooding and flood risk management, wetlands, flora and fauna, recreation and cultural resources.

2. Opportunities for alterations to existing land management practices and operation of USACE owned property.

A virtual public scoping meeting will be held on Jan. 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via videoconference. The conference can be joined by visiting the following WebEx link:  https://usace1.webex.com/meet/alex.r.hoxsie

The 30-day window for submitting scoping comments will run from Jan. 27 through Feb. 26. A web-based comment submittal tool is being developed for this effort and will be accessible on the Chicago District’s homepage (www.lrc.usace.army.mil) under the ‘PUBLIC REVIEW’ heading prior to Jan. 27.

If you have information, comments or concerns regarding properties which may be of religious or cultural significance that you believe may be affected by this project, contact Ashley Dailide, Project archaeologist and tribal liaison at ashley.m.dailide@usace.army.mil or 312-846-5581.