ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS COMPLETED

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 the projects 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.

• Hennepin Canal Parkway
  9903569 - This project involves the stabilization of the eroding hillside north of Lock 18. The increasing erosion will be controlled by the use of erosion netting. Project was submitted for review on 11-10-99.

•  Hennepin Canal Parkway
  38626 - This project entails the construction of a 13.2 mile oil & chip/limestone screened bike trail along the tow path of the canal. The south embankment will be raised approximately 2' above the 100 year flood of Bureau Creek, the prism cross section will be restored, guard rails will be added to several bridges, and various sections of the embankment exterior will be stabilized with rip rap. Project was submitted for review on 2-10-97.

• Ten Mile Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area
  0000781 - This project will include the removal of encroaching brush and hanging limbs along the edge of agricultural fields at the site to restore the original size of the fields farmed by the tenants. The limbs and brush will be placed along the fence rows or wood edges to provide wildlife escape cover. Project was submitted for review on 2-8-00.

• Des Plaines Conservation Area
  0000306 - The Department is initiating a pilot program to build a shooting range at the site. The facility will allow hunters and recreationists to practice with their fire arms in a safe and controlled environment. Project elements will include a bermed target shooting range with internal baffles to insure all shot is kept within the confines of the berms, a series of trap and skeet ranges, a concession building and parking lot. Project was submitted for review on 1-18-00.

• Dixon Springs State Park
  0000443 - This project will provide an additional 8 car parking spaces on either side of the existing entrance road at the swimming pool at the site. The total area to be impacted by new construction will be less than 1/10 acre in size. Project was submitted for review on 1-24-00.

• Pyramid State Park
  0000312 - The local water district has requested permission to install a water main on DNR property at the site. The construction activity will occur within a 30 foot corridor requiring a license agreement between DNR and the water district. If funds are available, an extension of the water line will be made south on the north entrance road into the park to provide potable water to the campground. Project was submitted for review on 1-11-00.

• Fort Massac
  9903356 - This project will remove a few select trees adjacent to the interior park road. The removal is needed at sharp turns in the road that restrict fire fighting equipment from using the road and to create safer public access. Project was submitted for review on 11-1-99.

• North Point Marina
  0000444 - This project involves the dredging of silt and sand accumulations in the charter basin which is preventing deep draft boats from safely navigating between the launch ramps and the harbor entrance. Approximately 4-6,000 cubic yards of material will be removed by use of hydraulic dredging equipment and deposited offshore at a site to be approved by the Corps of Engineers under the terms of a Corps dredging permit. Project was submitted for review on 1-24-00.

• Johnson Sauk Trail
  9904706 - This project will provide for the construction of walkways for accessibility to both floors of the barn. The sidewalk will continue to the vault toilet and electricity will be run to the barn for exhibits and displays. Project was submitted for review on 12-15-99.

• Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
  4401480 - This project will expand the existing conference room at the resort by up to 4500 sf., construct between 30-45 lodging rooms in the form of boatel units, add approximately 50 courtesy boat docks, reconfigure existing parking lots, extend and modify existing utilities and add an emergency generator. Project was submitted for review on 8-30-99.

• Eagle Creek State Park
  9904707 - This project will provide for the expansion of the day use area at the existing gazebo. It will provide an area for groups to set up a tent and an area for games. Project was submitted for review on 12-20-99.

• Wolf Creek State Park
  9904708 - The project entails the replacement of the existing rental toilets currently in use at the equestrian area with a new vault toilet building. Project was submitted for review on 12-20-99.

• Beaver Dam State Park
  0000310 - This project provides for the identification of a new spoil area for silt that is going to be mechanically removed from the boat ramp area. The new spoil area is in the existing tent camping area. Project was submitted for review on 12-9-99.

• Beaver Dam State Park
  0000022 - This project involves the removal of brush and debris from drainage ditches on the site. A cat hoe will be used to clean and clear the debris from the bottom and sides of the ditches. The material will be spread along the ditches and the brush burned. Project was submitted for review on 1-5-00.

• Beaver Dam State Park
  9904703 - This project provides for the installation of a new recirculation system and will be added to the existing underground sand filter within the vehicular campground. Construction items include the setting of a new manhole, installation of two pumps, grading, and seeding. Project was submitted for review on 12-9-99.

• Beaver Dam State Park
  9904704 - This project provides for the construction of a silt retention basin northwest of the existing boat ramp. Borrow material from a previously approved borrow site will be used to construct the impoundment. Project was submitted for review on 12-9-99.

• I & M Canal
  9904710 - This project entails the construction of a 1.5 mile trail along the Canal. Work to be performed includes clearing vegetation, minimal grading, aggregate trail surfacing, signage and the installation of a bridge across the canal. Project was submitted for review on 12-18-99.

• I & M Canal
  9902489 - This project involves the construction of a roadway across the Canal and reserve. The entrance would be approximately 24' in width. The crossing would consist of earth and gravel fill and four 36" culverts. Project was submitted for review on 10-6-99.

• I & M Canal
  9902001 - This project will involve the installation of a 15" diameter storm sewer within the canal reserve property with an outfall into the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The work will try to alleviate flooding problems within the Village of Utica. Project was submitted for review on 9-14-99.

• Des Plaines

  9902931 - This item implements the various work items within the use areas of the site to bring the various facilities into compliance with ADA guidelines. Project was submitted for review on 10-18-99.

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
524 S. Second Street,
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217/785-5500

All public meetings conducted by the Department of Natural Resources will be accessible to persons with disabilities 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