Farmers say they stand to lose much if locks are closed to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes

Illinois farmers will be hurt significantly if locks between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes are closed to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp, two farm-group officials write. "Those calling for a complete hydrological separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River Basin -- in other words, shutting down the locks, closing off the waterways and terminating barge shipping -- are proposing a 'solution' that could do much more harm than good," Tim Lentz, president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and Philip Nelson, president of Illinois Farm Bureau, write in a piece published by the Peoria Journal Star.

"Certainly the spread of Asian carp is serious," Lentz and Nelson write. "By continuing to evaluate and improve our species control mechanisms, we can mitigate the damage that this invasive fish could cause. But closing the Chicago Area Waterway System to manage Asian carp is by far one of the most expensive and economically challenging options." Lentz and Nelson go on to suggest even if the locks are closed the spread of carp to the Great Lakes might not be prevented. "Illinois farmers depend on a vital waterway transportation system to feed Illinoisans, Americans and citizens of our global marketplace," Lentz and Nelson conclude. "We urge the continued operation of the Chicago Area Waterway System locks, as well as a more realistic solution to dealing with the Asian carp population." (Read more)