In 2002, DU completed the Baldwin Marsh and Wood Duck Management Unit projects at Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area (SFWA). These projects, completed in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, enhanced 39 acres of wetland habitat. Both projects were then used to secure matching funds from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and the Illinois Duck Stamp Program to improve 55 acres of additional habitat at Beaver Lodge and Reily Lake, two other DU project sites along the Kaskaskia River.

As part of the new scope of work, DU has purchased a portable pump and power unit that can be used to better manage water levels at Beaver Lodge, Reily Lake and other wetland units at Kaskaskia SFWA. DU also completed the design of a project that would allow the IDNR to pump and flood up to 31 acres of additional habitat at Beaver Lodge.