Southwestern Illinois RC&D, Inc.
resource
conservation & development
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Southwestern Illinois RC&D, Inc.resource
conservation & development |
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Southwestern Illinois RC&D Chouteau Island |
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Identifying Invasive Plants Brochure Conservation Subdivision Design Handbook
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A rare opportunity exists in Madison County, Illinois to return nearly 5,500 acres of land to the general public. Enough land will be available to provide recreation while allowing clean and protected land for wildlife, wetlands, woodlands and prairie ecosystems. Since this rare, historic opportunity may never come again, it should be embraced and guided into reality. This vision, the idea to create one of the largest conservation and recreational areas in Southwestern Illinois and the region, is now underway. Fact
Sheet Chouteau Island The island is accessed from Illinois by the Canal Bridge, a vehicular bridge that crosses the Chain of Rocks Canal. It is accessed from Missouri via the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a former vehicular bridge associated with old U.S. Route 66 that was recently renovated and dedicated for bike and pedestrian use only. Presently this is the only bridge spanning the Mississippi River and the second largest bridge in the United States that is dedicated to pedestrian and bike traffic only. Chouteau Island is located within the Confluence Greenway, a forty mile open space network currently under development in the region. The Confluence Greenway includes both sides of the Mississippi River; from St. Louis, MO to St. Charles, MO, and from East St. Louis, IL to Pere Marquette State Park. On November 6, 2001, Governor George Ryan announced that the state of Illinois had acquired an additional 2,000 acres of property within the Chouteau Island complex. "We are preserving open space in the heart of an urban area for the benefit of our children and future generations,' said Governor Ryan. All of Mosenthein Island, which is 1,000 acres, and all of Gabaret Island, which is also 1,000 acres will now be added to the 185 acres of land owned and maintained by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on the island complex. With continued assistance from local, state, and federal legislators, IDNR and the Governor's office, it is anticipated that additional land on Chouteau Island will be acquired by the IDNR within the next few years. Presently, the remaining privately owned property is primarily used for agricultural purposes. Only willing sellers will be entertained. There is enough land for everyone to enjoy. Waste Management is presently operating a landfill on approximately 600 acres on the island, but is expected to begin the process of closing the landfill. The City of Madison, IL has been advised that Waste Management will donate the property to the City. Madison has also been given approximately 135 acres of land that was awarded to Madison County by FEMA. This FEMA property was once occupied by homes but vacated after the flood of 1993. At this time it is believed that the City of Madison will own a total of 600-700 acres on Chouteau Island. Presently, the Army Corps of Engineers owns 1,100 acres, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources now owns 2,200 acres. It is envisioned that nearly all of the island's 5,500 acres will be returned to the public for recreation and conservation purposes. This would be the largest area of land in Southwestern Illinois and the region in recent history, to be dedicated for the purpose of recreation and conservation. Chouteau Island is four and one half times the size of Forest Park. In our immediate area only Pere Marquette State Park with 8,000 acres is larger than Chouteau Island. Here are some comparisons of other parks and conservation areas in Southwestern and Southern Illinois and the St. Louis area;
Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. has agreed to administer to the planning process of the project. As an employee of RC & D, and project manager of Chouteau Island, it is my responsibility to assist and work in the best interest of the Chouteau Island Coordination Team, property owners, stakeholders, surrounding communities, counties, park districts and residents of the region. Listings of the partners of Chouteau Island Coordination Team (CICT) members are:
A master plan is essential to realize the potential and capabilities of Chouteau Island to support recreation and natural resource opportunities. Some funds have been received to assist with the planning, land acquisition and restoration. Additional funding is required in these areas as well, and is being sought at this time. Future funding for eventual development of the park will enable residents to take advantage of dramatically increased recreational opportunities along the Mississippi River. As we proceed with a master plan, our planning will be regional and national in its approach. Some of the recreational activity that has been proposed thus far are; a golf course, a network of hiking and biking trails, equestrian trails, campgrounds, hunting, fishing, boating, birding, and a host of other outdoor recreational activities. |
Mosenthein, Gabaret and Chouteau Island, which total nearly 5,500 acres
of land. The area is surrounded by the Mississippi River to the west and
the Chain of Rocks Canal to the east. The Island is directly across the
canal from the new Lewis and Clark Center now under construction, approximately
one mile south of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers,
and about four miles north of the Eads Bridge. The area is rich in wildlife
such as deer, turkey, coyote, and numerous foul such as dove, quail, songbirds
and various species of duck, herons, egrets, etc. There have been regular
sightings of Peregrine Falcons and of course, the American Bald Eagle
in winter months. Excellent fishing exists in the Mississippi River near
the old Chain of Rocks Bridge. 