Reeling in Success: Illinois Commits to Invasive Carp Barrier Project

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In a significant step toward preserving the Great Lakes, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed the Project Partnership Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, greenlighting the crucial Brandon Road Lock and Dam project. This agreement is pivotal in preventing invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan and threatening the Great Lakes ecosystem.

"Signing the Brandon Road Project agreement will help protect our fishery, our economy and quality of life," said Marc Smith, Great Lakes policy director for the National Wildlife Federation. "We applaud Governor J.B. Pritzker for his leadership in working with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, all the Great Lakes states, the U.S. Congress, and the Biden Administration for finalizing this project."

Governor Pritzker's decisive action unlocks millions of dollars in federal investments, sets the stage for construction to begin in early 2025, and ensures the protection of the Great Lakes' ecological vitality and economic prosperity.

This milestone was achieved through the collaborative efforts of numerous stakeholders. Special thanks are extended to Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, who has been a steadfast partner in this endeavor, and to Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) for their unwavering support and advocacy in securing federal funding and legislative backing for the project.

Invasive carp pose a severe threat to the economic health of the Great Lakes, specifically the region's $7 billion commercial and sport fishing industry and $16 billion outdoor recreation industry. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified building additional structural measures at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, IL, as the most feasible way to prevent the upstream migration of these destructive fish. With the Project Partnership Agreement signed, the project can proceed, taking advantage of a planned lock closure at Lockport Lock near Brandon Road and allowing construction to commence later this year.

Additional NWF state Affiliate quotes:

"The Minnesota Conservation Federation applauds the work being done to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes," said Brad Gausman, executive director, Minnesota Conservation Federation. "Invasive carp present a long term threat to business, recreation, and conservation interests in whatever waters they invade. The work to stop invasive carp from taking hold in the Great Lakes is of utmost importance and this victory is one to cheer for."

"The Great Lakes represents a $2.3 billion fishery for Michigan alone," said Amy Trotter, chief executive officer for Michigan United Conservation Clubs. "Congratulations to Governor Pritzker, and all the Great Lakes partners for finalizing this important project to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp."

"Invasive carp are a clear threat to our fishery and outdoor recreation heritage of Lake Erie," said Matt Misicka, executive director, Ohio Conservation Federation. "Thank you to Governor Pritzker for signing this agreement that will help keep invasive carp out of our Great Lakes."

"This historic step by Governor Pritzker shows the commitment we need to protect the natural heritage of Lake Michigan," said Dan Boritt, executive director of the Indiana Wildlife Federation. "Lake Michigan is a treasure for Hoosiers, and Pritzker's bold action will help protect this jewel from invasive carp for generations of anglers and outdoor recreationists alike."

"Governor Pritzker's commitment to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp is a true milestone achievement for conservation," said Cody Kamrowski, executive director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. "Wisconsin's economy, outdoor recreation and culture is deeply connected to the Great Lakes and finalizing this project ensures future generations can enjoy these one-of-a-kind bodies of water".

The above five organizations are some of the National Wildlife Federation's 52 state and territorial affiliates. The affiliates vote every year on policy resolutions that guide the work of the National Wildlife Federation.

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