Project reviews completed from November 15 to December 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. Through the review process it was determined that environmental impacts have been kept to a minimum and mitigated as necessary and that they do not meet the criteria for significant actions as defined in the environmental review process and may proceed. All of these projects are in compliance with the Endangered Species Protection Act, Natural Areas Preservation Act, Interagency Wetlands Policy Act and cultural resource statutes.
57621 - This project provides for the replacement of the entire water distribution system at the park. Development items include: new water meter, valves and concrete vault at the park entrance, new 2" water line, new 1 ½" water line and laterals, 2 new drinking fountains, 4 yard hydrants, dump station renovation, connections to all existing use areas and facilities, connection to the citys 4" water main and the seeding and mulching of all disturbed areas. Project was submitted for review on 8-24-98.
57037 - This project calls for the making of all facilities within the park ADA accessible according to the Department Compliance Plan. Project was submitted for review on 8-12-98.
60558 - Same as above. Project was submitted for review on 11-18-98.
59594 - Same as above. Project was submitted for review on 10-29-98.
58858 - Same as above. Project was submitted for review on 10-2-98.
60562 - This project will enhance the high quality wetland areas within the site by the removal of invasive and exotic brush by cutting all stems greater than 1" dbh with chain saws, brush cutters, and/or hydroaxe. The work will be accomplished during the winter months when freezing conditions allow access to the sites and damage to the sensitive substrates will be minimal. Project was submitted for review on 11-20-98.
60118 - Same as above. Project was submitted for review on 11-16-98.
60563 - Same as above. Project was submitted on 11-20-98.
60559, 60560, 60561 - Same as above. Projects were submitted for review on 11-20-98.
59742 - Since the existing vault toilets at the swim beach are subject to flooding creating a public health hazard they will be removed and replaced by new vault toilets on higher ground. They will be located next to the existing parking lot at the beach. Project was submitted for review on 11-2-98.
59593 - This project involves the relocation of two segments of the equestrian/mountain biking trail at the site. The construction of the two segments will involve small tree and brush removal, grade dips, gravel surfacing of the trail tread, three low water crossings, a culvert extension and signing. Some of the abandoned trail will be brushed in to discourage use. Project was submitted for review on 10-29-98.
59743 - This project involves the installation of a 750 gallon septic tank within 300 sq. ft. of septic field at the site. A 3/4" water line will also be installed to the camp store building located in the launch lot area of the campground. Project was submitted for review on 11-4-98.
59745 - This project entails the construction of a 40' x 80' steel building adjacent to the existing maintenance building at the site. Project was submitted for review on 11-4-98.
59382 - This project entails the expansion of the existing shop yard at the site 60' x 100' to the west. Project was submitted for review on 10-20-98.
59441 - The Village of Bartlett, via a long term lease with IDNR, will develop sports fields such as baseball, football, and soccer on a minimum of 20 acres located along the east side of Ill. Rt. 25. The area is currently a farm lease and is in row crops. Development will involve grading, seeding, and other facilities as needed for particular sports, e.g., fences, backstops, etc. Initial or eventual development may include driveways, parking lots, and night lighting. Project was submitted for review on 10-27-98.
56786 - This project provides for the design and construction of a new and expanded State owned concession facility at Eldon Hazlet. The new building is to be sited in the same location as the previous structure and is to contain approximately 1800-2000 sf. of operating space. Associated site development items include: existing facility removal, LP tank relocation, surfaced access road and parking lot re-design, underground utilities, concrete sidewalks and curbing, security lighting, benches, trash receptacles, signage and landscaping. Project was submitted for review on 8-3-98.
59747, 59746, 59383, 59744 - Activities at these four sites involve the installation of new play equipment units within a 35' x 65' foot print. Work will require soil excavation up to 12" deep to be replaced with play surface. Included with the units will be 5' wide sidewalks up to 160' in length. Projects were submitted for review from 11-22 to 12-4-98.
58873 - This project will provide a new primary and secondary electrical system for the campground. The project will also include adding three RV sites, lengthening and adding impact areas to the existing gravel RV pads, improving area lighting, constructing two new vault toilets and removing three existing sets, relocating two existing water hydrants and adding three new hydrants, and constructing two new cabins to match the existing cabin. Three new paved parking areas will be added at the cabins along with sidewalks. Site drainage will be improved and the area will be landscaped with trees and shrubs. Project was submitted for review on 10-6-98.
58874 - The work at this site includes the construction of a new shower building with all amenities. The five leaching fields will be abandoned and the septic tanks removed. One large system with septic tanks and seepage field will be constructed and the existing facilities connected to it. Other work includes: construction of eleven new vault toilets, replacement of two set of play equipment, addition of handicapped parking, drinking fountain and sidewalks, new parking at the concession, and addition of electrical service to three shelters. Project was submitted for review on 10-6-98.
57031 - This project will extend the trail by approximately 2.2 miles by converting a section of the abandoned Union Pacific Railroad from Karnak to White Hill. Construction may include developing the aggregate trail, decking and railing of existing bridge structures, culvert cleaning or replacement, slope stabilization, and sign installation. Project was submitted for review on 8-5-98.
58872 - This project will construct two small gravel visitor access parking lots at the site. The lots will not be more than 25' x 45' in size with gravel access provided. No grading will be needed for either lot. Project was submitted for review on 10-6-98.
51531 - During the winter drawdown at the lake, approximately 30 trees along the shoreline of Three Fingers Cove will be fell with a chain saw perpendicular to the shoreline to create fish habitat. The trees will be anchored by leaving a hinge at the trunk and by cable and screw anchors. Without the felling it is estimated that the trees would be lost to erosion in 1-10 years depending on pool levels. Project was submitted for review on 2-26-98.
60564 - This project will involve the extension of the existing trail system on the west side of Brandenburg Road. The extension will add approximately 2.25 miles to the existing loop. The alignment avoids entry into any dedicated nature preserve of nature preserve buffer and remains in the resource zone most intensively impacted by past agricultural practices. Project was submitted for review on 11-20-98.
60116 - This project involved the emergency repair of a section of canal levee that was washed away by a 6.4" rain fall event. Only sections that were washed away by the flood were replaced and the canal prism was restored to its original contour. Project was submitted for review on 11-4-98.
57620 - This project involves the widening of portions of the existing roads from 24' to 31' to allow the travel lift to transport boats between Skipper Buds main building and the new boat storage building now in construction. The additional width will be paved with asphalt. Project was submitted for review on 8 -21 98.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has proposed to initiate the development of a lodge/resort facility through private financing at South Shore State Park. The DNR's concept for this project is to construct this facility to provide high quality experiences for both the tourist and business markets. The resort facility will create an atmosphere of openness, a direct relationship of the facility to the environment that surrounds it, and the opportunity for the guests to directly experience the lake and natural resources of the park.
It is intended that the facility include guest rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant, pool, and boat docking facilities. As bids and specific plans are received from the private sector the details of the projects concept will become more clear.
The location of the proposed facility is delineated on the attached map of South Shore State Park.
Wetland resources have been identified along the shoreline at the project site. The area of wetland has been delineated and consists of the shoreline proper. A wetland compensation plan will be developed for any impacts that may occur to this resource.
The Massasauga Rattlesnake, an Illinois Endangered Species, has been identified as using this part of the Lake Carlyle area for foraging and hibernating. The site selected for the facility is expected to impact a portion of these use areas for the snake. In recognition of this, and the understanding that the Massasauga currently occupies virtually the entire Lake Carlyle shoreline and immediate vicinity, the Department, in cooperation with the Natural History Survey and the USCOE is in the process of developing a Massasauga management plan for the area.
This plan will address the topics that are considered most critical to the survival of the Massasauga at the lake. Included in the plan will be (1) areas identified in advance for any future development at the lake that would avoid impacting critical Massasauga habitat, (2) areas to be permanently set aside and protected as essential habitat for the snake, (3) a protocol for the handling and protection of Massasauga by the site staff in the event of encounters in public use areas, and (4) an educational effort designed to inform the public and guests of the area about the Massasauga, its endangered status, and what to do if an encounter takes place. It is anticipated, through this management plan, that development can still take place at South Shore but in a manner that will secure the protection of this species.
In addition, land clearing restrictions will be in place between March 15 and November 15
The proposed development of a lodge at South Shore Park will have an adverse effect to archaeological site 11ct 466. This site has been deemed eligible for the national Register of Historic Places. The site contains both a prehistoric component (ca. AD 700-1000) and an early historic component (ca. AD 1820). Coordination among IDNR, IHPA, and the COE has resulted in the development of a data recovery plan that will mitigate the adverse effect through sample excavation of the archaeological site.
The archaeological field work will consist of hand excavation of approximately 200 square meters and mechanical blading of about 2500 square meters. It is anticipated that the field work will occur between January 4, 1999 and June 30, 1999. At the conclusion of the field work the materials will be analyzed, a report will be submitted and all documents and artifacts will be curated at the Illinois State Museum.
The Department is inviting comments and any questions from the public on this proposal. Comments or questions may be sent to:
All comments must be received by the close of business on Monday, February 15, 1999.
Questions and Comments
All questions and comments about the environmental review process or this newsletter should be directed to:
All public meetings conducted by the Department of Natural Resources will be accessible to handicapped individuals in compliance with Executive Order No. 5 and pertinent state and federal laws, upon notification of the anticipated attendance. Handicapped persons planning to attend and needing special accommodations should inform the Department of Natural Resources at least five days prior to the meeting by telephoning or writing the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resource Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone (217) 782-7616.
Department of Natural Resources information is available to the hearing impaired by calling DNR's Telecommunications Device for the Deaf: 217/782-9175. The Ameritech Relay Number is 800/526-0844. Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 362-6/97
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