SierraScape October 2018 - April 2019
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by Caroline Pufalt
Conservation Committee Chair

Many St Charles residents were appalled at the recent approval of a controversial housing project overlooking the Katy Trail, despite an unfavorable recommendation from the zoning board. Unfortunately, there is another questionable project underway, this one is called the Bangert Island Transformation project. Bangert Island is in the Missouri river south of I70 bridge. The island is close to the city side of the river. It is a mostly natural area with trails and provides some diverse fisheries habitat away from the main river channel. The Island is currently leased to St Charles County Parks but it is owned by the city.

The "Transformation" project plans for extensive development on the St Charles side of the river and would likely include some fill and/or dumping at Bangert Island. This would of course damage fisheries habitat, alter the island and result in more development close to the river. We would like to see more restoration than so called transformation of the river. If you are interested in learning more, see information on Eastern Missouri Group, Sierra Club's web page or contact Caroline at emg.missouri.sierraclub@gmail.com.