A Look to the Future

These programs alone will not solve all of the problems facing the Illinois River basin. More needs to be done. Something must be done with the sediment filling the backwater lakes, and habitat must be restored. Two projects that can leave us with hope for the future include the “Mud to Parks” project and the Emiquon restoration effort near Havana. If these projects are successful, they can be replicated elsewhere in the river basin. It is possible that we will see an improvement in water quality, an increase in habitat, and a healthier Illinois River.