Residents demand answers on controversial dredging project

During a recent government meeting, community members expressed concerns regarding the ongoing dredging project in Mill Creek and Mirror Lake. One resident highlighted the original plan to dredge all the way up Mill Creek to the bridge, questioning why this aspect seems to have been overlooked in the current plans. The resident reminisced about the historical significance of the area, noting how it has transformed into wetlands over the years, which has affected recreational activities.

The discussion also touched on the strategy of dredging around newly formed islands rather than removing them entirely. The resident raised concerns that this approach could lead to the collapse of these islands due to the soft marsh environment, suggesting that a more decisive action might be necessary.

Another participant, Paul Barnett, who has lived by Mirror Lake for 22 years, acknowledged the hard work of the team involved in the dredging efforts but pointed out the challenges posed by regulatory bodies like the EPA and the Corps of Engineers. He advocated for the inclusion of a local expert with extensive experience in environmental management and regulatory processes to assist in the project. Barnett emphasized the need for the board overseeing Mirror Lake to consider this expert's input to enhance the effectiveness of the dredging and maintenance efforts.

The meeting underscored the community's desire for transparency and effective management of local water bodies, as residents seek to balance environmental concerns with recreational needs.