Disappointing park news reinforces need to protect water and habitat

The Father’s Day flood of 2014 tore through the spillway of the dam at the Blue Mounds State Park, draining what had been the park’s Lower Lake.
Since then, park visitors and community members have been waiting for answers about what would be done about the flood damage.
Those answers were delivered last week: The dam will not be replaced and there will not be a lake feature at the park.
The Lower Lake, the beach and all it used to represent — swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and building sandcastles — are forever things of the past.
It may not have been the answer many of us were hoping for, but we’re learning it may be the answer that’s best for all of us.
All of us who need clean water, that is.
As it turns out, that area of the Mound Creek that winds through and around the north side of the state park is a critical part of the greater watershed that feeds the Rock River.
Restoring the creek back to its original stream channel will help filter water as it flows to the Rock River and at the same time protect and enhance wildlife habitat.
The waters of the Mound Creek are home to federally protected species, including the endangered Topeka shiner minnow.
Why do we care about a stupid minnow? (Many road and bridge contractors have asked that question when projects are delayed until after August spawning).
Because if we stop caring about one species, we can ask why our own species matters. We all play a role in the Earth’s ecosystem.
Without connecting all the interconnected relationships of ecosystems, it’s fair to say that keeping ecosystems as rich and diverse as possible is good for both humans and nature.
And hitting closer to home, protecting the environment and protecting our water just makes sense.
While it’s fair to be disappointed by the loss of our state park beach and lake, let’s focus on the really strong features that still make the Blue Mounds a great place to visit: the bison, the prairie, the Sioux Quartzite and the beautiful campgrounds.
And while we’re at it, let’s join the ongoing effort to protect our soil and water and to clean up all pollution sources — including those upstream that affect the state park water.