The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been ordered to stop work on the $319 million Grand Prairie Irrigation project until it makes a more thorough study of its possible impact on the ivory-billed woodpecker.

Federal Judge William R. Wilson today issued a preliminary injunction in a suit filed by the National Wildlife Federation and the state Wildlife Federation against the Corps and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wilson said the defendants “failed to properly follow recommended procedures” set out in the Endangered Species Act when they agreed to monitor the project as work was ongoing rather than study the impact in advance. The irrigation project will will pump water out of the White River for farmers who are tapping out the aquifer.

Advertisement

The judge’s order requires that impact studies be made at the area around the pump site and along waterways that will affected by lowered water levels, and the inspection of trees for evidence of ivory-billed nesting and foraging evidence.

Both the Corps and FWS stipulated to the existence of the bird, rediscovered in 2004 in the Bayou de View area of the Cache River Wildlife Refuge.

Advertisement

PS — Coincidentally, we understand the Legislative Council is going to take up the Grand Prairie project tomorrow on account of burgeoning costs and unanswered questions.

Wildlife Federation news release on the jump

Advertisement

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Quickie review: Ministry preaches to the masses Next article Appeal in Paron case