Project Titles:

• Chautauqua Lake Perimeter Repair (FFS #R3GG)
• Employ YCC Enrollees (FFS #R3NB)

State: Illinois

Project Description: The Illinois River National Wildlife Refuges in Illinois will receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to repair damage to the Chautauqua Lake levee and provide employment opportunities to local youth. The funding will provide needed repairs along nearly 4,000 feet of the more than 47,000 foot long Chautauqua Lake perimeter levee. The levee protects some 3,500 acres of the refuge from flooding during key times of the year. These dikes, levees and other water control structures allow the refuge to manage water levels to provide moist soil vegetation and invertebrates needed by migrating waterfowl. The refuge provides feeding, nesting and resting areas for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The refuge will also use some of the funds to hire youth to work on the refuge as part of the Youth Conservation Corps. This program provides summer employment for youth between the ages of 15 and 18 and provides them an opportunity to work, earn, and learn by completing projects that further the development and conservation of our nation’s natural resources.

For additional information about Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, visit the Chautauqua NWR website.

News Release: Secretary Salazar Announces $676,000 for Infrastructure Repairs and Youth Employment at Illinois River National Wildlife Refuges

Originally posted 08/07/2009