U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosting public meeting in Florence to address proposed invasive carp deterrent projects

Invasive carp have become a significant threat to many Alabama ecosystems. The destructive species of fish, native to Asia, has made their way into several bodies of water throughout the state. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the first carp were imported for use in aquaculture ponds but soon spread due to flooding and accidental releases.

To check the spread, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has designed a pilot project that will mitigate the expansion of carp within the Tennessee and Cumberland river basins and the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway.

The outfit is now asking for the public’s input on the matter and will be hosting three meetings in Florence, Nashville, and online to discuss it.

During the meetings, state and local officials and USACE representatives will be available to take questions about the proposed invasive carp deterrent projects. Alabama anglers, boaters, and local residents are highly encouraged to attend the meeting in Florence. The USACE is currently accepting public comments related to draft documents associated with the pilot project, including a Draft Program Management Plan, Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment, and an unsigned Finding of No Significant Impact document.

Dates, times and locations of the meetings are listed below.

Tennessee Meeting
Date: August 15, 2024
Time: 5-7:30 p.m. Central Standard Time
Location:
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Regional Office
5105 Edmondson Pike
Nashville, TN 37211

Alabama Meeting
Date: August 27, 2024
Time: 5-7:30 p.m. Central Standard Time
Location:
Lauderdale County Extension Office
802 Veterans Drive
Florence, AL 35630

Virtual Meeting
Date: August 29, 2024
Time: 5-7:30 p.m. Central Standard Time
Webex Meeting Number: 2822 698 6123 | Password: UmJg4vxR@35
Meeting Link: https://usace1.webex.com/usace1/j.php?MTID=m2ceb00203e5f0116185649c5f0723356
Telephone Call In: 1-844-800-2712 Toll Free
Alternate Telephone Call In: 1-669-234-1177 US Toll
Access code: 2822 698 6123