Illinois Completes $73 Million Project to Protect State's Only Undeveloped Lake Michigan Shoreline

Illinois has completed a $73 million state-funded project aimed at stabilizing and protecting the last undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline within the state. Located in Lake County, the project at Illinois Beach State Park is a significant milestone in preserving the state's natural resources and ecosystems.

Project Overview

The Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project involves the construction of 22 breakwater structures along 2.2 miles of shoreline. These breakwaters are designed to mitigate erosion, which had been causing the beach to erode up to 100 feet per year. The project not only protects the beach but also renourishes the existing sandy beach and shelters it from incoming wave energy.

Environmental Benefits

The project includes several innovative ecological features. The breakwater structures will have built-in nests for migratory shorebirds such as the Caspian tern and the endangered common tern. Additionally, reclaimed concrete blocks and native plants will be used to create aquatic gardens under the lakes surface, providing habitats for species like mudpuppies and yellow perch. The project also protects the endangered piping plover and other local wildlife.

Recognition and Certification

The project has received recognition from the New York-based water infrastructure advocacy group, The Waterfront Alliance. It is the first freshwater project and the first in the Midwest to achieve verification under The Waterfront Alliances Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG). The project scored perfectly in the WEDG programs category of innovation, highlighting its ecological features and community benefits.

Public Access and Construction

To ensure minimal disruption, construction around the main swimming beach and conference center was limited to off-season months. The projects construction at the parks northern and southern ends is substantially complete, with the remaining work at the natural beach area expected to be finished by August. The breakwater structures are mostly submerged and spaced out to maintain views from the beach.

Governor Pritzkers Remarks

Governor JB Pritzker has praised the project, noting that the breakwaters at Illinois Beach State Park serve as a model for the country. The projects completion is seen as a significant achievement in balancing environmental protection with public access and economic benefits for local communities.