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. 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.

62977 - This project entails the pouring of a concrete slab to be used as the base for a cabin. The location will be on an old camp pad 70' north of the shower building. A 6' wide sidewalk will also connect the cabin to the existing sidewalk along the west side of the parking lot. Project was submitted for review on 2-23-99.

62335 - This project will replace culverts along the 2 major ditches on the area. The purpose of the culverts is to provide drainage through the berms that are adjacent to the ditches and preserve the hardwood forest along the ditches. Project was submitted for review on 1-28-99.

SM-FB - This project provides for the construction of an approximately 40' x 10' footbridge on an existing earthen embankment which serves as a part of the Gridley Lake Fishing Trail. Concrete abutments at both ends and riprap protection will be required. Project was submitted for review on 3-1-99.

SP-CSB - This project will entail the construction of a small pre-fabricated storage building to the west of the existing concessions building. The building will be used to house supplies mostly related to the rental of paddle boats. Project was submitted for review on 2-24-99.

51641 - A small parking lot will be constructed at the northwest edge of the crop field at the north edge of the property. Berms will be constructed around the edges of two crop fields in order to create shallow water wetlands of approximately 35 acres in size. The current ditches around each crop field will be used to drain water from the wetlands via stop log structures for water level management purposes. Project was submitted for review on 3-10-98.

62863 - This project provides for the construction of a new 30' x 100' pole storage building to replace the one destroyed by a tornado several years ago. The new building will be located partially within the footprint of the old building with some fill required for leveling purposes. Project was submitted for review on 2-17-99.

62865 - This project provides for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the power sources for the existing wells at the site. In addition, two new wells are needed to flood the Firing Line Unit and the lower end of the refuge. Three aluminum stop log structures will be installed in existing levees for water control purposes along with the replacement of 6 deteriorating culverts. Project was submitted for review on 2-18-99.

62466 - This project provides for the riprapping of approximately 100' of shore line on the end of the point that extends into Beaver Dam Lake. The riprap will be brought into the area by water and no bank disturbance is required. Project was submitted for review on 2-2-99.

62465 - This proposed project will construct a water filtration system to remove iron from the existing park water supply. The improvements will be located adjacent to the Lodge parking area. Project was submitted for review on 2-2-99.

62607 - This project will involve Departmental staff treating the small intermittent tributaries in the Lake Site M basin with the piscicide Rotenone. The application will begin as soon as possible after impoundment begins. This process will remove any undesirable fish prior to stocking with bass, bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish. Project was submitted for review on 2-5-99.

62340 - This project will consist of the expansion of an existing parking lot on the canal reserve. The existing lot is approximately 250' x 400' in size and will be extended by another 250' x 400' of bituminus concrete. Project was submitted for review on 2-1-99.

62332 - This project will involve the construction of a new concession building at Mascoutin that will include connections to all needed utilities. Floating docks will be installed in the existing harbor area for boat rental. Project was submitted for review on 1-26-99.

62333 - This project will involve the extension of the existing fencing at the northwest end of the swimming beach approximately 150' to the northwest and then 75' to the southwest to the edge of the lake. Project was submitted for review on 1-26-99.

62334 - This project involves the following work within the area of the discharge flume at the site. 1.) A series of fish cleaning stations will be constructed in the drainage way on the south side of the flume. 2.) The existing fence on the south side of the flume will be extended approximately 500' to the edge of the lake. 3.) A new entrance road will be constructed to the area south of the flume for fishing access. 4.) A four car parking lot, two handicapped accessible waterfowl blinds and ½ mile of handicapped accessible hunting access trail will be constructed along the north side of the discharge flume. Project was submitted for review on 1-26-99.

62082 - This project involves the construction of an equipment shed that was destroyed by fire. The shed extension is to be a 36' x 56' polebarn type building. Project was submitted for review on 1-22-99.

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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