• Walnut Point State Park
  0101510 - This project involves the construction of a new 20' x 30' picnic shelter in the Hickory Grove Day Use Area at the site. A concrete walk connecting the shelter to the parking lot will also be included in the work. Project was submitted for review on 2-27-01.
  
  
• I & M Canal
  0100433 - This project involves the installation of a new water main across the canal. The method of installation will be by
  open cut with the canal restored to its original condition upon completion of work. Project was submitted for review on 1-18-01.
  
  
• Hidden Springs State Park
  0101506 - This project entails the installation of one new set of DNR standard play equipment in the Possum Creek campground. In addition to the play equipment, the project will include approximately 50' of new concrete sidewalk. Project was submitted for review on 2-28-01.
  
  
• Jim Edgar Panther Creek SF&WA
  0101505 - This project involves the construction of two low- water creek crossings. The streams
  involved are intermittent. The banks will be graded down for the approaches and a geo-web filled with gravel will be installed flush with the natural creek bed. Project was submitted for review on 2-28-01.
  
  
• Eagle Creek Resort
  0101507 - This project involves the deposition of spoil that will be dredged from Berry Pond. The area of deposition will be graded and seeded when the project is completed. Project was submitted for review on 2-28-01.
  
  
• Wolf Creek
  0005670 - This project includes the installation of one set of the new standard play equipment at the site. In addition, a concrete sidewalk will be necessary in order to make the equipment accessible for use by children with disabilities. Project was submitted for review on 7-31-00.
  
  
• Green River SWA
  0101511 - This project involves the rehabilitation of firebreaks at three different locations the site. The work will involve the removal of successional and exotic species that are currently encroaching on the edges of the existing firebreaks. The removal will be accomplished by using a brush mower driven on rubber tracks. Project was submitted for review on 2-23-01.
  
  
• Kinkaid Lake
  0101512 - This project entails the placement of 700 tons of R4 stone riprap along 250 feet of shoreline in the Southwest corner of the Paul Ice Recreational Area. This will connect to the existing riprap and complete the shoreline protection in this area. In addition, 70 tons of R4 stone riprap will be placed at the end of the existing concrete boat ramp where a 1.5' to 2.0' hole has developed at the end of the ramp. Project was submitted for review on 2-28-01.
  
  
• Golconda Marina
  0101341 - This project involves the construction of a 10' wide gravel driveway on the north side of the marina entrance road. This will allow an adjacent landowner to access a private residence he is constructing adjacent to the marina. Project was submitted for review on 3-3-01.
  
  
• Wildlife Prairie Park
  0101508 - This project will involve the construction of a 18'- wide trail linking the main park with land west of Taylor Road. The trail will be approximately 1200' in length and will include a 120' x 14' bridge over Taylor Road. Also included in the work will be the development of a 20-car parking area at the trail head and signage along the trail. The development of a small wetland will result by the crossing of a ravine. Project was submitted for review on 2-28-01.
  
  
• Illinois Beach State Park
  0101519 - This project includes the reconstruction of the parking lot and drainage swales at the Main beach parking lot. A portion of Wadsworth Road will be resurfaced and parking spaces will be restriped at the Old Beach Road parking area. A new access road and sidewalk will be constructed at the resort and conference center to replace the old service road. Project was submitted for review on 2-21-01.
  
  
• Des Plaines Conservation Area
  9904081 - This project will involve the rehabilitation of approximately 44 acres of the originally constructed waterfowl area to the east of the Grant Creek cutoff. A new levee will be constructed to an elevation of 512 to provide the north and east boundary of this site. The proposed water impoundment will be at elevation 510. The existing pump station and water control structures will be removed and a new portable pump station will be used to flood the area and a new water control structure will be provided as required. Project was submitted for review on 12-3-99.
  
  
• Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
  0101009 - This project includes the clearing of 5 fields totaling 16 acres of low quality woody vegetation that has drastically reduced the quality of nest and brood habitat over the areas. Native warm season grassed and cool season grasses will be planted to provide suitable nesting and brood habitat. Project was submitted for review on 2-6-01.
  

Statewide Public Lands Habitat Grant Proposal
(W-76-D; Segments 36-41)

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has prepared a new six-year plan for development and maintenance of wildlife habitat on 64 IDNR-managed sites across the state. This plan will become the foundation for annual grant applications to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act funds. The first Segment of this proposal will cover State Fiscal Year 2002 (July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002). The award is expected to be $2.2 million. The primary objectives of the grant will be to annually operate and maintain access, structures, and facilities on 161,289 acres and improve, enhance, protect, and maintain wildlife habitats (including wetlands, grasslands, and forests) on about 22,200 acres of publicly-owned lands. The W-76-D project has been in existence since 1962 and has been the primary funding source for development of new wildlife habitats on state-managed lands.

Federal grant awards require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).The IDNR has initially determined that the activities funded by this grant fit the criteria as Categorical Exclusions (USFWS, 516 DM 6, Appendix 1) under NEPA and will not require the preparation of an Environmental Assessment. However, project activities funded through this grant will be subject to the Department's Comprehensive Environmental Review Process (CERP) and will be individually reviewed on a project by project basis and announced in future issues of the Environmental Reporter.