Several DU projects are “in the queue” for construction in 2007. First up is a major renovation project at Crane Lake at Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area in Mason County. A contractor has been hired for this 1,000-acre project and work will begin as soon as conditions at the site are suitable for construction. Funds for construction are being provided by the Illinois Duck Stamp Program and Crane Lake Game Preserve.

Next in line is the restoration of Wightman Lake. This project will use water from Gimlet Creek to restore three wetland units on prior converted cropland with funds from the Illinois C2000 Program, the Buchanan Family Foundation, Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and other donors or partners.

If all goes according to plan, the Salt Creek waterfowl management unit project at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in DeWitt County also will be constructed this year. This 40-acre project is a partnership with the Illinois Waterfowl Alliance, Clinton Lake Waterfowl Association, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Exelon with funding provided by the Lumpkin Family Foundation, Illinois Duck Stamp Program and a grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Last but not least, potential exists to implement a portion of the wetland and bottomland forest restoration work planned for Rockwood Island using funds provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Illinois Habitat Stamp Program.