Today the Journal & Courier reported that Congressman Todd Rokita was urging the Department of the Interior and United States Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider its order to drain 200 cubic feet per second through the Oakdale Dam on Lake Freeman (near Monticello, IN) to protect mussell beds from immediate danger due to lack of rainfall. When I called his office, I was informed that there were a number of businesses who were concerned about the impacts of lower lake levels to tourism.

I asked how mussels might have their interests heard. I was told that a consituent response was necessary. (I'm not sure they've read the Lorax.)

This petition is designed to speak for the mussels. For that matter, it's designed to send a clear message to Todd Rokita that his constituents care about the world they live in, because life for most of us is more than profit. When we hit 200 signatures, I'll send a copy of the Lorax to Rokita's Lafayette office with this petition to speak for the mussels.

Federal orders exist to protect endangered species during environmental stress, in this case, a dam release requirement that authorizes minimum river levels necessary to maintain flow during drought that is otherwise restricted by constructed dams for reservoirs. We all share responsibility for the integrity of our natural communities as well as our business communities. The statements made by Congressman Rokita's office have been inflammatory, threatening 'widespread hardship' to the community on the basis of little evidence. The Ecological Services Field Office representative suggested that this will not be the case based on actual lake level decrease, which has been lower than predicted. I am sympathetic to the fact that we all suffer during a drought. Does that mean we should neglect our commitment to protect endangered species from threat of extinction?

We have policy and federal orders for a reason, we think through them before tough times hit so that our shared values are represented even when some of us stand to lose something in the process. That's why we have the structure in place. Community is about compromise. We do this to create a better place for all of us. Please sign this petition asking Todd Rokita to honor shared values, even if it means that business interests don't come first.

Feel free to call the Congresman's office as well as sign the petition.

Congressman Rokita's website: http://rokita.house.gov/
Lafayette Office (765) 838-3930
D.C. Office (202) 225-5037
Email is via Write Your Representative System: https://rokita.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

The complete article in the J&C is here: http://www.jconline.com/article/20120711/NEWS/307110032/rokita-lake-levels

Pulaski Post article suggesting NIPSCO may be one of the businesses concerned:
http://www.pulaskipost.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1513:nipsco-to-increase-water-flow-through-oakdale-dam&catid=24:local-news-briefs