East Branch Little Calumet River Use Management Plan and Environmental Assessment

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The East Branch Little Calumet River Use Management Plan (plan) and Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared to provide alternatives for scientifically-based decision-making for the development of recreational opportunities along those sections of the East Branch Little Calumet River (EBLC) within the boundaries of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The intent of the plan/EA is not to provide specific and detailed answers to every issue facing the National Lakeshore, but rather to provide a framework to assist National Park Service (NPS) managers, stakeholders, and local governing bodies in making current and future decisions.

The plan/EA was developed in response to a regional desire for expanded recreational opportunities within the river corridor including, but not limited to, paddling, hiking, and fishing. Of particular note is the existence of volunteer groups willing to conduct the necessary labor and maintenance of instream woody debris management, which has previously been too labor intensive for park staff to undertake. The plan does not analyze the impacts of using park staff to manage extensive woody debris accumulation for paddling.

For the purpose of the plan/EA the EBLC was divided into four Reaches based on logical divisions (park boundaries, major roads, or landmarks). Reach 1 is entirely confined by the East and West boundaries of the Heron Rookery Unit of the National Lakeshore. Reaches 2 and 3 are contiguous, bounded upstream by U.S. Highway 20 and downstream by the Izaak Walton Property, and are divided at the intersection of Indiana State Road 149. Reach 4 extends from the Izaak Walton Property to Lake Michigan. The NPS considered a No-Action alternative (Alternative A) in all Reaches as a baseline of current conditions and management practices.

For Reach 1 three alternatives were developed for analysis including the No-Action Alternative (Alternative A). Both Alternatives B (Low Development) and C (High Development) provide for some degree of increased visitor use and access (trail access, parking, paddling access, and river passage for paddling). Alternative B was recommended as the recommended Alternative because it maximizes trail enhancements and river passage, and provides the opportunity for paddling consistent with other portions of the EBLC (outside of park property). Alternative B limits development of amenities (well defined parking and trash receptacles) to only those deemed essential to provide a balance between visitor impact and the protection of resources.

Alternative C (High Development) was recommended as the preferred Alternative for Reaches 2 and 3 in response to the predicted high frequency of use that is likely to occur at the Dunes Learning Center (located adjacent to Reach 2), and the direct educational benefits associated with introducing youth to river processes and recreating on rivers. Over 5,000 youth per year attend camp and other programs at the center. The National Lakeshore believes the advocacy garnered through both formal programs at the Center, and through all visitors using the river, will lead to improvements in water quality and practices that support clean water. Alternative C for both Reaches 2 and 3 include Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) accessible boat launches as well as new trails, trail improvements, and woody debris management.

For Reach 4 two alternatives were considered including the No-Action alternative. Reach 4 exists within a highly developed landscape. The only alternative considered, other than the No-Action, was modification of the existing infrastructure to facilitate better access to the river for recreational paddling (Alternative B). The park has recommended Alternative B as the preferred Alternative for this Reach.

The plan/EA was available for public comment for a period of 30 days. One public meeting was held during the 30 days.

Contact Information

Paul Labovitz, Superintendent
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
1100 North Mineral Springs Road
Porter, Indiana 46304

Gia Wagner, Branch Chief, Natural Resource Management
219-395-1552