U.S. Representative Mike Bost has raised concerns with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regarding the decision to fully drain Little Grassy Lake, affecting recreational access in Williamson and Jackson counties. In a letter addressed to FWS Director Martha Williams, Bost criticized the agency for not being transparent and for not honoring its previous commitments to keep public access open during structural repairs.
"People are furious at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and they have every right to be," stated Bost. "We were promised continued access to Little Grassy Lake for recreational activities – even as water levels were reduced for structural repairs – and that nothing would change without constructive communication with the public. As far as I’m concerned, those promises were broken."
Little Grassy Lake is part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and has been a center for recreation, education, and economic activity for 77 years. Initially, FWS had suggested that dam repairs could occur without completely draining the lake. However, a recent press release from FWS announced a reversal of this plan, indicating that public access will be halted for up to seven years.
Bost plans to meet with Director Williams in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to discuss his concerns.
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