The Fox River Valley is home to a plethora of wildlife, including Bald Eagles and an endangered species of bats.
All the proposed routes had some impact on the Fox River Valley. Ameren admitted in their own testimony that this route has the greatest impact on the natural habitats. The other routes needed some clearing to cross the river. This route, however, was the only one to run lengthwise down this beautiful natural corridor.
From a purely conservation perspective, this route, by far, destroys the most natural habitat and most severely disrupts the local ecosystem.
Most of the surrounding areas are now farmlands. In fact, the other proposed routes pass mostly through these agricultural areas. This route clearly has the largest adverse effect on the most significant natural resources in the area.
In promoting this route, Ameren has ignored their own testimony and concerns regarding these beautiful natural areas. It is becoming clear that construction along this route violates federal laws that protect the bald eagle. The bald eagle, while no longer endangered, is still heavily protected. This construction project clearly disturbs Bald Eagles in their natural habitat and needs to be stopped on both legal and moral grounds.