The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District will recognize local, state and federal partners on an innovative habitat rehabilitation and enhancement project in Illinois that has earned national recognition.
The Batchtown Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project was recognized by Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the 2014 Chief of Engineers Environmental Honor Award Recognition. The Corps will hold a recognition Ceremony Wednesday, March 4, at Pere Marquette State Park Visitor Center in Grafton, IL.
The Chief of Engineers Design and Environmental Awards Program recognizes excellence in sustainability, design, and construction achievement in military, civil works, and environmental projects and programs. The Batchtown Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project has received the 2014 Chief of Engineers Environmental Honor Award because of its innovative features and designs that serve as a model in future ecosystem restoration projects.
The Batchtown Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project broke ground in the late 1990’s and completed the last major component in 2013 at a total cost of $19 million. The project restores habitat diversity for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The project protects wildlife areas from fluctuating water levels which increases acres of plant production, mudflats, and use of the areas by migratory birds, shore birds, and the public. The local economy also benefits from the project through recreational activities and eco-tourism.
The Batchtown Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project is a partnership between the U.S Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District, Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“The Batchtown project is a great example of the success that can be achieve when multiple organizations and agencies work together,” said Brian Markert, Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program Project Manager, St. Louis District Corps of Engineers. “The features, designs, and progressive partnerships of the project are already a model for future ecosystem restoration projects.”
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