Consider the Boaters Before Closing the Locks

The local boating community remains committed to keeping Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. The 1.5 million boaters that navigate and sport fish in this area are aware of the horrific devastation that this invasive species could bring. Indeed, we would be the most adversely affected sector if it arrived in the Great Lakes.

Nearly 7,000 boaters use the Chicago locks for transit to and from their winter storage yards on the Chicago and Calumet river systems. This can sweel with additional recreational users of the area. The Great Lakes Congressional Task Force encourages closing the locks until a permanent solution is found to prevent the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. We are concerned that this organization is advising a course of action that will affect local mariners without considering our perspectives on the issue.

The boating community would not want a locks closure to be conducted haphazardly, or before all affected stakeholders have voiced their opinions and have been heard. The city of Chicago could suffer a huge negative economic impact, on the order of $80 million or more, if it closes the locks without creating an alternative route for boaters.

We urge that a public hearing take place in Chicago so that the pros and cons of the idea can be sorted out, before it wreaks havoc on recreational boating. This could lead to finding an alternative route for boaters in the area, so that all stakeholders could be more content with the short-term situation, until interested parties uncover a long-term one.