WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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The County Council signed a letter to the Hoosier National Forest’s district ranger, asking for broader public discussion of the pending Houston South project. The project calls for logging of approximately four thousand acres within the Hoosier National Forest. Environmental groups say the project poses serious risks to the Lake Monroe watershed, which supplies drinking water to Monroe County. Yesterday, Dave Warren, president of the Monroe County Environmental Commission, reiterated some of those risks. Of primary concern is the potential for an increase in blue-green algae. The county council joined county commissioners and environmental groups last fall in requesting an extension of the project’s public comment period. Hoosier National Forest officials denied the request, but said they would give due consideration to any public input received after the comment period closed. In presenting the letter yesterday, Warren asked the council to “be the squeaky wheel on this issue.” Council member Cheryl Munson was among those voicing support for the letter. This latest letter specifically requests District Ranger Michelle Paduani meet with the Monroe County Council “as part of broader efforts to hold public forums in the very near term, to discuss the Houston South project, and possible alternatives.”
