The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is requesting public review of the Project Implementation Report with Integrated Environmental Assessment titled, Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program Sabula Lakes Ecosystem Restoration Project, Pool 13, Upper Mississippi River Miles 535.0 – 536.0, Jackson County, Iowa, dated May 2025. The District is interested in review and comments regarding the project analysis and outcomes for this project to fulfill the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The draft PIR/EA is available for public review from 22 May 2025 – 22 June 2025. Comments may be submitted via email to: CEMVR_Planning@usace.army.mil, or by writing to the address below with the title of the project. To request a hard copy, call 309-794-6159, write to the address below, or use the above email.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District
Attn: Sabula Team
Clock Tower Building
P.O. Box 2004
Rock Island, IL 61204-2004
PROJECT INFORMATION
The Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) is a long-term, dual-purpose program that aims to increase the capacity and reliability of the inland navigation system while restoring, protecting and enhancing the environment of the Upper Mississippi River.
The Sabula Lakes Ecosystem Restoration Project fits within the larger NESP goal by aiming to maintain, enhance and restore quality habitat for native and desirable plant, animal and fish species and maintain, enhance, restore and emulate natural river processes, structures and functions for a resilient and sustainable ecosystem. The proposed project would (1) increase deep-water overwintering fish habitat (2) create island habitat for desirable wetland and tree species.
Measures and features proposed for the project would include:
- Dredging to restore deep-water overwintering fish habitat
- Construct island habitat and establish wetland and floodplain forest vegetation communities
- Construct fish habitat structures
- Installation of a fish barrier to prevent fish movement between Upper and Middle Sabula Lakes
The purpose of this PIR/EA is to document existing conditions, evaluate potential impacts associated with each alternative and assist in planning and decision making for the Sabula Lakes Ecosystem Restoration Project.
Click the link below to access the project website and project documents.