Project reviews completed from January 15 to February 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.

62080 - Argyle Hollow Barrens Nature Preserve contains a wooden staircase along the trail. Visitors do not remain on the trail, resulting in trampling of vegetation and erosion of soils. This project will replace an existing staircase and construct a viewing platform to minimize or eliminate soil erosion problems. Project was submitted for review on 1-19-99.

62078 - A bulldozer will be used to remove fence rows that contain brush. Grassland birds, especially prairie chickens, inhabit landscapes that are not obstructed by wooded fence rows. Previous projects at this site have been very beneficial for these birds. The brush will be burned on site , and any remnants (stumps, wire, debris) will be buried. Project was submitted for review on 1-19-99.

61779 - This project will upgrade existing facilities at the site to be accessible for use by people with disabilities as outlined in the ADA plan for the park. The work will include providing surfaced walks to toilets, water hydrants and other amenities. One mile of hiking trail, the Valley Mill bank fishing area and the archery range will be improved, one new accessible vault toilet and one new fish cleaning station provided, a new hunter access trail and camper dump station will be added and twelve campsites upgraded. Project was submitted for review on 12-29-98.

58462 - The City of Rock Falls is applying for a DNR grant to construct a new boat ramp on property leased to them at the head of the feeder canal. The canal inlet has silted in making the existing ramp unusable. The proposed ramp will be on the river channel proper, and approximately 600 feet upstream of the hydro plant and dam. Project was submitted for review on 9-24-98.

60585 - This project is an interim pedestrian/bicycle bridge and trail on the historic tow path. The proposed bridge will be similar to the lock 3 span and the bridge located in the vicinity of the Gaylord Building in Lockport. No work is proposed within the canal prism. Project was submitted for review on 11-18-98.

61782 - This project entails the installation of a 1,000 gallon vault in the ground to be used with a Pawnee style outhouse. The vault will be located west of parking lot 1 and will receive use from hunters, dog trainers, and those using the equestrian trail. Project was submitted for review on 1-8-99.

61774 - This project will upgrade existing facilities within the site to be accessible for use by people with disabilities as outlined in the ADA plan for the park. The work will include providing surfaced walks to toilets, picnic shelters, water hydrants and other facilities. The hiking trail along the north side of the harbor will be improved, eight accessible vault toilets provided and four campsites upgraded. Two sets of play equipment and the fishing pier will be replaced. Project was submitted for review on 12-28-99.

61780 - This project entails the construction of 3 grain bins on the site to dry and store prairie grass seed. The seed will be harvested at Site M and will be used to expand native grass populations at Site M and other DNR projects. Project was submitted for review on 1-6-99.

49770 - This project entails the construction of a 14,000 sq. ft. building that will serve as a DNR regional office and visitor center. The building will be placed on DNR land fronting Ill. Rt. 40 and the Hennepin Canal on the south side of Rock Falls. The new facility will provide outside covered storage for equipment, and parking for visitors and employees. The project will include all visitor displays, office furniture and equipment. Included in the project is the construction of an access road from Ill. Rt. 40, a boat launch, paved trail, picnic areas with toilets, shelter, and water. Project was submitted for review on 1-6-98.

57792 - The IEPA is seeking to get permission to install a Sodar/RAS weather radar system just to the north of the Agency Air Monitoring Station at the Camp Logan site. The station will require the installation of another prefabricated shelter approximately 8 ft. wide by 20 ft. long and 10 ft high. This station will sit on a 30 x 14 ft. concrete slab. An unobstructed 60 x 60 meter zone for proper operation will be required. Project was submitted for review on 9-3-98.

The Department has reviewed the comments received from the public during the 45 day comment period for this project. It has been determined that the decision regarding the construction of the lodge will be deferred pending further review.

Any decision reached by the Department concerning this project will be published in a future monthly edition of the Environmental Reporter. The public will then be granted an additional 15 day comment period to respond to that decision.

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

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