Quincy Reporter

Mike Bost, a representative for Illinois' 12th Congressional District, said he has been "in constant contact with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials" and has requested a tour of the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge to assess the impact of the decision to drain Little Grassy Lake. Bost made this statement in a Facebook post on March 20.

"There are few issues that have stirred the passions of local boaters, fishermen, and recreationalists more than the decision to drain Little Grassy Lake," said MIke Bost, U.S. Representative, according to Facebook. "I have been in constant contact with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials and requested a tour of the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge so that I can see the impact firsthand and they can share with me what steps will be taken to repair the infrastructure and restore the lake to its former glory as soon and as safe as possible. I grew up with great memories visiting Little Grassy Lake, and future generations need the opportunity to build similar memories themselves."

According to the Carbondale Reporter, Bost has been collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since his office learned in December about the plan to drain Little Grassy Lake in Williamson and Jackson Counties. The objective is to fully drain the lake to protect nearby communities while rehabilitating Little Grassy Lake Dam and Spillway. Little Grassy Lake covers 1,000 acres and is one of three reservoirs within the refuge requiring repairs.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's March 13 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's Facebook page

After learning of these plans, Bost shared a letter on Facebook addressed to USFWS Director Martha Williams regarding the decision. He said that the Service assured him that public access for water-based activities would be maintained during the dam modification study and some repair phases, albeit with lower water levels than usual.

The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge spans land in Williamson, Jackson, and Union counties, with its visitor center located in Carbondale. It offers various recreational activities such as archery, auto tours, backpacking, biking, non-motorized and motorized boating, camping, among others. Established on August 5, 1947, its mission focuses on wildlife conservation, recreation, agriculture, and industry.

Bost has served as Illinois' 12th District representative since January 6, 2015. He brings two decades of experience from the Illinois State House where he served as House Republican Caucus Chair. A lifelong resident of Murphysboro and former U.S. Marine Corps member (1979-1982), Bost worked for 24 years at Bost Trucking Service before joining the Murphysboro Fire Department in 1993 after graduating from the University of Illinois’ Certified Firefighter II Academy.