NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
The project involved restoration of a 25-acre wet-mesic prairie at the Cowles Bog Wetland Complex of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore at the southern tip of Lake Michigan in Porter, Indiana. Significant alteration occurred at the site over the last century. Hydrology of the area was modified with a series of ditches. Once drained, the area was gradually taken over by trees, resulting in a change in flora and fauna.L&A was responsible for preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for restoration of the prairie. L&A coordinated all activities for the project with representatives of the National Park Service (NPS), including public involvement. L&A utilized NPS’s Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) system to categorize and respond to comments. The EA resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).