Project Title: Gilbert Lake Cleanout (FFS #R3GW)

State: Illinois

Project Description: The Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois will receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to clean out the Gilbert Lake outlet channel and restore aquatic habitat on the refuge. Gilbert Lake is a backwater lake on the lower Illinois River that provides important habitat for an abundance of fish and wildlife species. The funding will provide needed restoration of two channels that allow drainage of Gilbert Lake. The lake and natural channels have filled with silt over the years and habitat conditions have declined. Cleaning out the channels will restore habitat conditions and reestablish water control. Water levels can then be managed to mimic more natural conditions and provide important feeding, nesting and resting areas for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife.

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

News Release: Secretary Salazar Announces $200,000 for Infrastructure Repairs and Habitat Restoration at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

Originally posted 08/10/2009