The Conneaut port authority plans on building a marina on the west side of the harbor. This would include dredging and destroying the small section of water that over the last 2 years have flourished with many species of fish some not seen for a long time like northern pike. The dredging would be extensive seeing as the water is not very deep in that area as they want to allow up to 50 foot boats to be able to dock there. It is a main area for spawning fish of many species. The port authority has already began the process having core samples taken,sent off and Approved. I for one would not like to see this happen a lot of natural flourishing habitat will be destroyed. 

This area is considered wetlands that should be protected in order to protect our wildlife that use this area to live and spawn. This is a perfect breading ground for the lakes fish which would include species that have not been flourishing in our lake for many years including the endangered lake sturgeon that the state has plans of releasing into the lake over the next ten years.

The project for the boardwalk and roads connecting different areas will help the area and the boardwalk over the break wall to allow more fishing would be great. We feel the rest of the project to build up that area including new boardwalks and access roads would make the area look great and should be done. The destruction of the wetlands is what the petition is addressing. 

Concerns on the boat dock project:

1) the wetland area is home to many different species of fish, some of which have not been seen in our area for some time such as northern pike, different species of gar, perch darter, and bowfin all of which I have actual caught out of this wetland area or have personal seen

2) the migratory birds that use this area of land to nest and hunt including a variety species of ducks, geese, cranes, white Pelicans, and bald eagles. They seem to use this side more due to boat, car, and people traffic as if to hide out. There is no other wetland area in this area that would provide that type of ecosystem. 

3) the area is not very deep and to allow up to 50 foot boats to dock there the dredging would have to be extensive 

4) this is a place that many elderly and young people use to fish as it is easily accessible and a safe option for younger children. The rock area on the other side is too dangerous for the elderly and young fishermen 

5) some people have mentioned this is a man made area and used to be dredged all the time. The area has been left alone for many years now and nature has taken over and created its own ecosystem there. 

please look through the updates. There is a lot of information on the project and articles regarding the wildlife in the area. As well as a scheduled interview with the president of the Conneaut Port Authority.