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* The Tribune in March…
A $73 million state-funded project in Lake County aims to stabilize the last undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline in Illinois and help protect native endangered species.
Illinois Beach State Park in Zion on the state’s northern border contains about 10 percent of Illinois’ Lake Michigan shoreline, with 6.5 miles. But the undeveloped shoreline can erode up to 100 feet per year, according to the state’s Capital Development Board, which is partially overseeing the stabilization project.
To mitigate the erosion, the Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project seeks to build 22 breakwater structures along 2.2 miles of shoreline. The breakwaters will protect the beach, maintaining it for human and animal use while providing natural habitats for local wildlife.
CDB spokesperson Lauren Grenlund said without intervention the beach “would continue to slowly migrate and erode.” The project, she said, “renourishes the existing sandy beach and shelters it from incoming wave energy.”
* Yesterday, Governor Pritzker cut the ribbon to celebrate the project’s completion. From the press release…
Governor JB Pritzker and local and state officials gathered today to celebrate the completion of the Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project in Lake County. The $73 million investment provided for the preservation of several miles of natural shoreline in three areas of the park. […]
Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project marks the first project in the Midwest to achieve WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) Verification, a national rating system that recognizes resilient, ecological, and accessible waterfront projects. External specialists in engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture determined that the project exceeded the requirements for WEDG Verification, earning the gold standard under guidelines outlined in WEDG’s Version 3.0.
The project was also selected for the 2024 Best Restored Beach award through the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The national recognition acknowledged the project for protecting the critical infrastructure of the park while maintaining its character and recreational user experience.
The Illinois Beach State Park in Zion on the state’s northern border contains about 10% of Illinois’ Lake Michigan shoreline, or 6.5 miles. Lawmakers dedicated $73 million to the project from the state’s capital infrastructure plan to protect the shoreline from erosion, which can claim up to 100 feet of shoreline annually. […]
Gov. JB Pritzker said because of the erosion at the park, “there was a very real possibility that we could lose it forever.” […]
Some of the structures will have built-in nests for migratory birds, including the endangered piping plover and common tern. Under the lake’s surface, reclaimed concrete blocks from the site and native plants will be used to foster aqua gardens and create habitat spaces for species such as mudpuppies and yellow perch.
Phelps Finnie said she expects the completion of the project to increase the number of visitors to the site as well.
posted by Isabel Miller
Tuesday, Oct 1, 24 @ 10:18 am
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This is Adeline Geo-Karis erasure.
Comment by The Opinions Bureau Tuesday, Oct 1, 24 @ 10:39 am
That’s where I proposed to my wife. Glad to see it’s being preserved.
Comment by Proud Papa Bear Tuesday, Oct 1, 24 @ 11:10 am
It was renamed the Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois State Beach Park in honor of the late State Senator Adeline Jay Geo-Karis shortly after her death. A bill sailed past both the Senate and the House confirming the renaming, which was sponsored by then Senator Susan Garrett.
Well that didn’t last very long.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Tuesday, Oct 1, 24 @ 3:44 pm
My boy scout troop went to Illinois Beach State Park many times for our monthly camp outs. Good memories, camping out year round, even in the dead of winter.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Oct 1, 24 @ 4:15 pm
IDNR (then IDOC) acquired a small subdivision, lot by lot, to expand the park back in the ’70’s. By the time the acquisition project was completed, several of the lots were underwater. All the breakwaters in Illinois and Wisconsin screwed up the natural migration, and replenishment, of sand around the lake. Hope this project works.
Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, Oct 1, 24 @ 4:34 pm