Little River Wetlands Project

8315 W. Jefferson Blvd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46804

260-478-2515

Contact: Cammy Sutter

Release date: April 3, 2026

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Little River Wetlands Project Position Statement on the Proposed Quarry Project along Homestead Road

 

FORT WAYNE, IN – The Little River Wetlands Project is a non-profit land trust with a mission “to restore and protect wetlands in the historic watersheds associated with the Little River, and to provide educational opportunities that encourage good stewardship of wetlands and other natural ecosystems.” We envision “a network of natural and restored wetlands in the Little River and associated watersheds, protected in perpetuity to provide cleaner water, better flood control, more contiguous wildlife habitat, wetland education, and open natural spaces that people value and enjoy.” That developing network includes our properties in the Little River Valley, not only Eagle Marsh, but also lesser-known holdings to the southwest, such as Arrowhead Marsh and Buttonbush Bottoms. Collectively, the valley provides an unmatched opportunity to restore ecosystem functionality, provide wildlife habitat and ecosystem services, and educate the community about the benefits of wetlands.

 

The proposed quarry, and any material processing and infrastructure associated with it, are contrary to our mission and vision, and thus, we are unable to support it. While many more details are needed to better understand the quarry project, the proposed development raises significant concerns about consequences to local water resources, human health and well-being, and wildlife.

 

Proposals such as this highlight the importance of proactively conserving wetlands before the opportunities to do so are lost. We welcome the community to partner with Little River Wetlands Project and other land trusts of the region, whose work to protect land in perpetuity benefits us all.

 

Should the development proceed, we would strive to collaborate with all parties to continue to pursue our mission and vision. Namely, we seek to restore and protect wetlands to maximize their benefit for our community now and into the future.

 

Approved by the LRWP Board of Directors on 4/3/26