We need control, not destruction of dams

I have resided in rural Elgin for over 35 years. I spoke at a St. Charles meeting on September 18. I oppose the removal of the dams.

My family has used the Fox River waterway since we moved here. My perspective on the real reason for the removal of the dams is flood control.

This has not been mentioned, and the keyword is "control," not to "rape and scrape" the waterway. I had a home on a key waterway in Wisconsin on the Black River waterway for 32 years, and recently sold it. Several years ago Wisconsin DNR decided certain dams were jeopardizing homes adjacent to certain waterways, not navigable, but of the mill pond type. The navigable or larger waterways, including my own had their dams retrofitted with flood gates to be used during flood conditions. This was "control" of water, not destructive effort.

Admit it, please. What the Army Corps of Engineers is offering is a cheaper destructive alternative. They say it benefits wildlife, but how many fish can survive low warm water all summer, and freezing to the bottom all winter? Waterfowl, eagles, shorebirds and fish prefer what we have now, and it shows.

Entomologists say we are building mosquito sanctuaries adjacent to our towns. Think about saving and enhancing the resource, not destroying it.

Herb Nachreiner

Elgin