22 Sep 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seeks Public Input for Mississippi & Illinois River Habitat Restoration

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with state and federal partners, announces the launch of the Mississippi & Illinois River Experience Tool, a new initiative to gather public input to inform future restoration efforts under the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP).

25 Aug 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Encourages Safe Boating Practices on Illinois Waterway

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, issues a reminder to all recreational boaters regarding the restricted use of mooring cells along the Illinois Waterway. These large, circular concrete structures, located near each lock and dam, are essential for commercial navigation and are not intended for recreational activities.

25 Jul 2025

High Water Causes Boat Ramp Closures at Saylorville Lake

For public safety, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has closed the Cherry Glen Lower Boat Ramp and Oak Grove Beach Access at Saylorville Lake due to rising water levels caused by heavy rains in the Des Moines River watershed. These closures will remain in effect until lake levels recede, and the areas can be cleaned and safely reopened.

5 Jun 2025

Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday and Juneteenth Celebration

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,600 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of the USACE birthday, June 16, and Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19.

22 May 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Nationwide Recreation Operational Status Website Launched

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched its Recreation Operational Status website to keep the public informed about the operational status of USACE recreation areas nationwide.

7 Apr 2025

Temporary Closure of Neal Smith Trail at Saylorville Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, will close a portion of the Neal Smith Trail at Saylorville Lake beginning April 17 for trail reconstruction work. The affected section of trail extends from Red Feather Prairie Access North to the Cherry Glen Recreation Area. Work is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete and includes time for the new concrete to properly cure. For public safety, trail users are reminded to stay out of marked construction zones and to observe all posted signage and fencing throughout the project duration. For further questions, contact the Saylorville Lake Administration Office at 515-276-4656.

2 Apr 2025

Power Failure Impacts Cherry Glen Picnic Area

Due to a power failure at the Cherry Glen Picnic Area at Saylorville Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is temporarily modifying operations within the park. Repairs are pending, but a completion date is not yet known.

6 Mar 2025

Temporary Art Exhibit on Display at Illinois Waterway Visitor Center

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is hosting a temporary art exhibit at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center located at 950 N. 27th Road in Ottawa, Illinois, now through June 1. The exhibit is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to the public. Reversing Course: The Illinois River in 1900 and Today compares black-and-white photos from 1894 to 1928 with color photographs created by Watershed Cairns® artists Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan from 2018 to 2022. Historic and contemporary maps pinpoint the locations of the photos at eleven sites along the Illinois River. Labels placed between the paired images help to highlight the economic and ecological changes along the river over the past 120 years.

22 Jan 2025

Starved Rock Eagle Watch Weekend Scheduled for Jan. 25-26

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Starved Rock State Park, LaSalle County Tourism, Heritage Corridor Destinations, Starved Rock Lodge and Village of North Utica are hosting Eagle Watch Weekend, Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26.

4 Dec 2024

USACE Rock Island District awards first construction contract for Brandon Road Interbasin Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, awarded the first construction contract for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project on November 27. The $15.5 million contract was awarded to Miami Marine Services for site preparation and riverbed rock removal for the engineered channel. Miami Marine will partner with Michels Construction, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for completion of this contract.