Emiquon Preserve Opens
for Public Fishing and Boating
PEORIA, ILLINOIS — April 1, 2009 — The Nature Conservancy announced today that boating and fishing will be permitted at the Emiquon Preserve on a limited basis. The wetland restoration project is located near Lewistown, Illinois, and will be open to anglers and boaters with permits between sunrise and sunset beginning April 20, 2009.
The Emiquon Preserve is part of the Conservancy’s restoration work throughout the Illinois River watershed. Goals include the conservation of ecological processes and the plant and animal communities in the watershed. Through a cooperative fisheries management agreement, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has stocked Emiquon with 1.7 million fish of 30 different species.
“Boating and fishing opportunities will be offered as a public service and to share some of the many multiple-use benefits provided by restored wetlands,” said Jason Beverlin, Director of the Conservancy’s Illinois River Program.
Interested parties may request a permit and complete list of rules between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. after April 3 at the Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown at 10956 North Dickson Mounds Road. There is no fee for this access to Emiquon. No gas powered motors are permitted, and bank fishing is not allowed. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult while on the Preserve. Those interested in financially supporting the Conservancy’s work are encouraged to become a member of the organization.
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide.
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