Project reviews completed from February 15 to March 15 are listed below. These projects have been screened through the internal environmental review process for potential impacts on wetlands, threatened and endangered species, and cultural and archaeological resources etc. These projects do not meet the criteria for significant actions as defined in the environmental review process and may proceed.

33038 - This project entails the construction of low levees across swale areas at several locations at the site. These levees will capture rainfall and run-off and create several small impoundment 1-3 feet deep. All disturbance will be limited to existing agricultural fields and no woody vegetation will be disturbed. Project was submitted for review on 9-4-96.

50669 - The trail that presently runs through the campground at the site will be realigned to avoid damage to the campground and user group conflicts. The 4' wide trail will make use of existing fire lanes with approximately 1000' of new construction that will not affect any woody vegetation over 4" in diameter. Project was submitted for review on 2-6-98.

50677 - With this project, invasive Autumn Olive will be removed by mechanical means from 26 wildlife openings at the site. The opening range from 1/4 to 1.0 acres in size. The cleared vegetation will be piled to form brush piles for wildlife and the areas will be disced and seeded to native grasses. Project was submitted for review on 2-9-98.

50590 - This project involves the installation of a new septic field and tanks to serve the new concession buildings at the site. The new concession building will replace the existing buildings in the same location. Project was submitted for review on 2-3-98.

50589 - A 18' x 13' concrete slab will be constructed for the base of a new propane tank. The slab will be located at least 25' south of a storage building and west of the staff parking lot at the visitors center. Project was submitted for review on-2-98.

50676 - This project will make improvements to the existing trail system by converting an existing hiking trail to a combined equestrian/hiking trail. Improvements will include filling gullied sections of the trail, installing water diversions, and reinforcement of the existing tread way. No tree removal is anticipated with the 1.1 mile project. Project was submitted for review on 2-9-98.

50461 - This project entails the installation and replacement of an existing water line at the park to service the IDNR and the Department of Corrections. Project was submitted for review on 2-2-98.

50458 - This project will replace a 24" galvanized culvert with a 30" arched tube on the northern boundary of the park. The approaches will be terraced and lined with rip-rap and the retaining walls will be replaced. Some small trees located in the eroded area will be removed. Project was submitted for review on 1-28-98.

50457 - This project involves the construction of two foot bridges across ravines on the existing trail system at the site. The only surface disturbance will be the digging of 8 post holes per bridge. Project was submitted for review on 1-28-98.

47360 - This project will recontour the existing driving range at the resort golf course. The contouring will create more even slopes and berms along the sides and bottom end of the range. Project was submitted for review on 10-6-97.

49773 - This project will replace two existing vault toilets at the site with two ADA approved concrete block units. In conjunction with the replacement, 30 lf of 5' wide sidewalks will be constructed and the area graded and seeded upon completion of the work. Project was submitted for review on 1-6-98.

49855 - Two degraded prairie wetlands totaling approximately 7.0 acres in size will be re-created and enhanced as part of this project. The work will include limited earth work and reshaping of the existing wet areas. Existing field tile will be eliminated and/or incorporated into the functioning wetland system. Project was submitted for review on 1-7-98

46917 - Portions of the existing local and county road system at Site M will be upgraded to accommodate traffic that will be using the scenic loop established in the northern area of the site. In most cases the road will be widened and 90 degree turns eliminated for safety reasons and ease of driving. Project was submitted for review on 9-22-97.

The Director has reviewed the project as it has been proposed and also the comments received from the public during the 45 day response period. It has been decided to defer the decision on the proposal pending further investigations. A decision by the Director on the proposal will be published in the May edition of the Environmental Reporter.

Questions and Comments

All questions and comments about the environmental review process or this newsletter should be directed to:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Div. of Natural Resource Review & Coordination
One Natural Resource Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
Phone: 217/785-5500

Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 362-6/97

IDNR Homepage | |