Home to the last stretch of natural shoreline in Illinois, the park has been hit hard in recent years by intense winter storms and record high lake levels, with parts of the coastline having receded by as much as 100 feet in one year.
In an effort to protect the last stretch of natural shoreline in the state, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will spend $73 million to combat erosion at Illinois Beach State Park, the department announced last month.
To combat further loss of roads, dune ecosystems and beaches, the department will construct a series of islands and underwater reefs beginning this spring. by signing up you agree to our terms of service After testing more than 100 variations, consultants settled on a design that looks to minimize wave damage, redirect nearshore currents and provide new homes to both aquatic and avian species that live along the shoreline.
"The Illinois Beach State Park plays a major role in our community's unique connection with the environment," state Rep. Joyce Mason, a Gurnee Democrat, said in a prepared statement."In recent years, we have seen the shoreline recede, rising water levels curtail beach access and habitats become unusable for native species. Essential financial support like this will help us to sustain the last remaining natural shoreline in Illinois.
Over the next five years, researchers from the Illinois State Geological Survey and the Illinois Natural History Survey will monitor the installments to measure the effect the ridges have on the landscape, lakebed and habitat usage.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
R. Kelly Won’t Face State Charges in Illinois Following Dual Federal ConvictionsThe state attorney said charges will be dropped to preserve “limited resources” in light of R. Kelly’s 30-year sentence in New York and pending sentencing in Illinois.
Read more »
Pickup truck driver killed in I-294 crash, Illinois State Police sayOne person was killed in a pickup truck crash on I-294 near milepost 33 in Cook County, Illinois State Police said.
Read more »
Illinois State University Student From Libertyville Died in Drowning: AuthoritiesA Illinois State University student whose body was found near a creek after disappearing last week died from drowning, authorities said.
Read more »
Illinois State Fair Announces New Main Headliner for 2023Country music fans, this one's for you.
Read more »
Illinois assault weapons ban: Court expands restraining order to cover entire stateAn appellate court has upheld a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Illinois’ assault weapons ban, and expanded it to cover the entire state.
Read more »
2 Illinois State Troopers Suffer Injuries After Stolen Vehicle Swerves at Them During Traffic StopTwo Illinois State Police troopers suffered injuries after a driver of a stolen vehicle tried to run them over on the Dan Ryan Expressway on Tuesday evening.
Read more »