Environmental Enhancement of Infrastructure
Kaskaskia River Basin Modoc, Carlyle, and Shelbyville, Illinois, United States
Promoting revegetation through the use of drawdowns. With a total of 15,126 square kilometers of drainage and a presence in 22 counties, the Kaskaskia River Basin is the main tributary of the Mississippi River, flowing southwest through Illinois. The Jerry Costello Lock and Dam, previously called the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam, is located on the lower end of the basin, about one kilometer from the river. Lake Shelbyville and Carlyle Lake are two multipurpose reservoirs working cooperatively in the basin. Project purposes for each reservoir are flood control, recreation, navigation, water quality, fish and wildlife conservation, and water supply. Several years ago, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)–St. Louis District started to explore changes in waterlevel management that would continue to support flood control and navigation while enhancing wildlife conservation and recreational purposes. USACE St. Louis District successfully implemented 15-centimeter late-summer pool drawdowns at each of the locations in 2021 and 2022 to promote the revegetation of banklines, backwaters, and coves. The district will continue to work with agency partners and host public meetings to discuss project implementation and address questions.
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