To the Editor:
I am writing this as a public service to those in Minooka and Channahon who will fish in the soon-to-be-opened quarries on U.S. 6, known as the Rock Run Rookery.
The east lake in the rookery — which was separated from the river in 1970, when the Leland Hills committee for protection of water resources had the Illinois EPA sample the quarry, the river, and wells in Leland Hills and McClintock Acres — has since eroded away, allowing DesPlaines River water and river fish access to the east lake.
The Will County Forest Preserve has decided to leave the opening to the river, which means any fish caught out of the east lake could be from the DesPlaines River and will fall under the Illinois fish consumption advisories.
The advisories for eating fish out of the DesPlaines River can be found in the 2010 Illinois fishing information pamphlet, on pages 56 through 59.
Other than the restrictions for pregnant and nursing women, the restrictions for DesPlaines River fish are found on page 59 and restrict fish to one meal a month for some fish and a do not eat at all carp advisory for carp over 18 inches. I assume this means Asian carp as well.
Otherwise, the access and parking at Rock Run Rookery is going to be a very nice facility.