Rock Island District
Description
The Lake Odessa Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Project was designed to restore and protect backwater that had historically been protected. The project area was losing aquatic vegetation due to levee breaches and decrease in water level management capabilities. Prior management was unable to afford to manage the water levels and operate pumps, or to repair the levees that had been breached.
This project identified opportunities to preserve, enhance and develop habitat for migratory birds, fish and endangered species in more ways than one.
Quick Facts
- Acreage: 6,400
- Land Ownership: Federal
- Status: Completed in 2016
- Phase: Post Construction
Completed in 2016, the project was able to restore and protect wetland, terrestrial, and aquatic habitat. The project involved upgrading water control structures, deepening of access channels for species accessibility, constructing multiple spillways to aid in floodwater management, and major restoration and enhancement of the 9.5 mile perimeter levee.