Rezoning Threatens Rare Oak Savanna
The INPS Council has issued the following statement in support of efforts to preserve a threatened savanna in northern Indiana.
“The Indiana Native Plant Society supports the effort to protect the South Bend Motor Speedway Savanna, a globally rare black oak savanna ecosystem, from rezoning and development that threatens its existence. This savanna is 34 acres and represents one of the last of its type in Indiana, hosting over 85 species of native plants and a diverse range of wildlife. We urge the St. Joseph County Planning Commission and Council to reject the rezoning application and prioritize the preservation of this irreplaceable ecological resource.”
Indiana’s state ecologist Scott Namestnik says of the place, “”I want to see the sand barrens at the South Bend Speedway protected. I’ve wanted to see it protected since the first day I saw it back around 2000.” The Speedway wishes to sell the land contingent on it being rezoned to commercial and obtaining a special use permit for an “auto wrecking yard.”
In a September 17, 2024, hearing, the area plan commission voted unanimously to send an unfavorable recommendation for the zoning changes and the special use permit to the St. Joseph County Council. The County Council is likely to vote on the zoning change and special use permit at its September 24 meeting.
County Council Committee Link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83435059638?pwd=B0JPSRw2PrGctTAiW6bY8pbGR5mazu.1#success
Meeting ID: 834 3505 9638 Passcode: 525323
For more information and how you can help, visit https://www.indiananature.net/pages/speedway.php