U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNews ReleaseCrab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge8588 Route 148Marion, IL 62959FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 19, 2021Contact: Justin Sexton, 618-997-3344, [email protected].S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public comment on the draft environmental assessment for repairs to Crab Orchard Lake SpillwayWe are seeking public comments on a draft environmental assessment regarding repairs to the concrete spillway on Crab Orchard Lake. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Dam Safety Office recommends that the water levels of Crab Orchard Lake will need to be temporary lowered to complete these repairs. The water levels will remain lowered until the project is completed.You are invited to review draft documents related to this project on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge website.You can also obtain a hard copy of the draft documents by stopping at the refuge headquarters, located at 6987 Headquarters Road, Marion, IL 62959. The refuge will be seeking public comments from April 19th to the close of business on May 4th, 2021. Interested parties can submit written comments electronically at [email protected] or by mail to:Crab Orchard National Wildlife RefugeRe: Lake Repair EA8588 Route 148Marion, IL 62959Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge will also host outdoor public meetings on April 27 and 29, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Prairie Creek Recreation Area. This is an opportunity to discuss the project with refuge staff and to provide your comments on the draft plans. Illinois Department Public Health COVID-19 guidelines recommend 50 people or fewer for outdoor gathering. Individuals wishing to attend these meeting will need to make a reservation by calling 618-997-3344 ext. 1. Masks will be required.