Date: 7/21/26 9:51 am From: Maureen Thomas-Murphy <00000670409ae320-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Help Save Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary from devastating hydroelectric proposal-comments needed by Monday July 27
Thanks for posting these steps to comment. They are straightforward and took me about 5 min to complete. I just copied and pasted items 1-4.Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
On Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 10:44:07 AM CDT, Schneider, Daniel <00000496ddbe8980-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Thanks for sharing Jim. I would urge everyone to take a moment to share a comment, it's very easy and takes little time to go on record. We need to protect the habitat as much as possible.
Luke Schneider
Eureka MO
On 7/21/26, 9:12 AM, "Missouri Wild Bird Forum on behalf of Jim W Bensman" <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of <00000ab9131110f6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
  Hope it is OK to post alerts on this list
  There is a proposed hydroelectric facility at the Mel Price Lock and Dam
  that will have direct, significant adverse effect on approximately 325
  species of migratory birds and will be a paddling hazard along with a major
  eyesore for the extensive educational and recreational use of the area. You
  can help prevent ill-planned transmission lines from crossing prime
  protected migratory bird habitat along the Mississippi river at the
  Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary on the Missouri side of the Mississippi
  River. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is soliciting comments on
  the Scoping Documents, with a 4pm deadline on Monday, July 27, 2026.
  Here are some items to consider when you submit comments:
  1. The Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Riverlands) is a protected
  area which helps resident birds and migratory birds, including endangered
  species. The Mississippi flyway is a major flyway which is essential to our
  country's natural heritage. This federally protected area includes bays,
  wetlands, riparian forests and grasses. Massive High-Power transmission
  lines would run from the Hydro project down Riverlands Way, cross over Ellis
  Bay, cross over Ellis Island, and head to Illinois. The towers and lines
  would destroy wetlands, degrade habitat, and expose birds to increased
  collision risks across the area.
  2. Modifications to the river, intended to direct flow to the turbines,
  will directly affect water levels in the prime habitat of Ellis Bay. This
  could impact shorebirds and waterfowl that rely on these levels, as well as
  recreational activities such as birding, fishing, and kayaking.
  Additionally, the "in-river" hydropower facility has the potential to alter
  the hydrology of nearby Ellis Bay, leading to broader impacts beyond the bay
  itself. The Riverlands wetlands and bays could experience increased risks of
  low water levels, threatening the overall ecosystem.
  3. If you recreate (birdwatch, hike, canoe, kayak, fishing, etc.) in or
  near Riverlands, mention that the transmission lines would mar your
  enjoyment of the area and diminish your appreciation of the protected
  natural habitat. Also, the reduction of an adjacent parking lot and boat
  landing would severely hamper recreational use.
  4. Key requests:
  a. Reroute transmission lines away from Riverlands to avoid habitat
  disruption or destruction and reduce bird risks.
  b. Protect the waters of Ellis Bay and all flows which now enrich the
  Riverlands area.
  c. Study the consequences of all proposed actions on current conditions
  BEFORE granting a license for the project. Conduct an Environmental Impact
  Statement, including new studies to assess current conditions and impacts.
  d. Reduce visual impacts and protect recreational access, including
  Maple Island Public Boat Access and adjacent parking lot size.
  e. Mitigate for any damage done to habitat, water flow, or wildlife.
  For individuals to comment on this important resource, follow this simple
  three-step process:
  1. Go to: https://ferconline.ferc.gov/quickcomment.aspx fill out the
  form and you will immediately get an email with a link to comment.
  2. Click on the link and enter P-15257 where it says "enter docket
  number."
  3. Then enter your comments for the 3rd choice: No. 15257-002
  For organizations to comment on this important resource, go to:
  https://ferconline.ferc.gov/eRegistration.aspx fill out the form and you
  will immediately get an email with further instructions
  ------------------------------------------------------------
  The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
