IDNR Expands Conservation and Recreational Opportunities in Southwestern Illinois

Acquisition key piece to Choteau Island Master Management Plan which will include bike trails, camping, hunting and fishing opportunities

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced the acquisition of an 89-acre parcel of land in Southwestern Illinois that will expand recreational opportunities and conservation efforts in the region.

IDNR joined with Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development in the acquisition. The 89-acre parcel, located in Madison County, was acquired from the Trust for Public Land with financial support from the State of Illinois and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and will be managed and maintained by the IDNR.

“This acquisition is another great example of the value of partnerships among landowners, dedicated conservation organizations like the Trust for Public Land, Southwestern Illinois RC&D and state agencies like IDNR,” said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood.

The Master Plan for the Chouteau Island includes a network of multi-use and bike/hike trails that connects the Confluence Bikeway in Illinois and the Riverfront Trail in Missouri, and is at the crossroads of The Great River Birding Trail, The American Discovery Trail, The Mississippi River Trail, The Mississippi River Flyway and Historic Route 66. Other activities in the Master Plan include primitive and tent camping, hunting, fishing, a boat ramp, dock landings for visitor excursion boats, canoeing, picnicking, birding and a host of other outdoor educational and recreational activities.

The plan also includes an extensive ecosystem restoration that will include the development of native grasslands, woodlands and restored wetlands. These restoration projects will provide enhanced habitat, additional natural water purification, soil stabilization, increased recreation opportunities, increased interpretive learning, enhanced biodiversity and improved views and vistas.

“The Southwestern Illinois RC&D is excited about the opportunity to partner on this acquisition as it brings much needed public open space to the Metro East. We look forward to working with the Department of Natural Resources in restoring native habitat on this property, as well as other lands within the island complex, as this will lead to improved wildlife populations and provide additional recreational opportunities to residents of the region,” said Southwestern Illinois RC&D chairman Steven Gonzalez.

Chouteau Island is located in the center of the Confluence Greenway – a public/private partnership of non-profit organizations, local, state and federal agencies, civic organizations, educational and cultural institutions, business groups and local citizens-which all work to reconnect people to the great rivers in the bi-state St. Louis metropolitan area through a system of conservation areas, heritage sites and recreational opportunities.

“This acquisition is an important piece of the Master Plan in that it allows the IDNR to begin habitat development at the north end of the island and opens this land for public use. The IDNR staff is now developing a restoration plan for the currently owned land to best determine the appropriate types of restoration and activities that can be supported,” Connie Waggoner, Illinois Department of Natural Resources manager, division of realty and planning.

Total cost for the acquisition was $307,000, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources contributing $207,000 along with a $100,000 contribution from Southwestern Illinois RC&D.

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