In a noticeable stride toward coastal preservation, Illinois Beach State Park's Shoreline Stabilization Project has snagged the prestigious Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG) Verification. Officials, including Governor JB Pritzker, proudly announced the achievement, highlighting the project's success in battling the persistent issue of lakeshore erosion.
With $73 million backing from Governor Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the efforts aim to protect over two miles of coast at the state park. The initiative is touted not only for its environmental impact but also for its engineering prowess, reaching a milestone as the first WEDG-verified project in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and on an inland freshwater body. "Our historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan ensures we can protect the park from shoreline erosion and dune loss, maintaining this dynamic resource for Illinois residents," Pritzker stated, as per an announcement on Illinois' official website.
The shore of Illinois Beach State Park, the state's last untouched lakefront, faces a tough battle against the elements. Extreme weather and shifting waves have led to significant land loss, with some areas receding up to 100 feet within a single year, as aerial visuals and maps alarmingly reveal. The stabilization project is not only an infrastructural undertaking but also a safeguard for the home of endangered species and vital ecosystems.
"Future generations will be able to enjoy this unique and beautiful Great Lakes shoreline because of the important work we're doing today," shared IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie, hinting at the preservation's significance for biodiversity. The Capital Development Board (CDB) is at the helm of the project, adhering to meticulous state protocols. CDB Executive Director, Jim Underwood, underscored the department's dedication, saying: "By defending against the natural shoreline transitory processes, we are protecting, preserving, and enhancing the existing infrastructure."
Firms such as SmithGroup and Edgewater Resources have crafted the primary blueprint, while Michels, Inc. spearheads the construction, laying hundreds of thousands of tons of stone and sand. With Moffatt & Nichol and Collins Engineering providing specialized services, the project initiated in the early spring of 2023 is on its way to completion. The anticipated completion of breakwaters is around the corner, and habitat restoration is set to commence this coming spring.
