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"Property that was an eyesore now becomes an asset,
benefiting the southern Illinois economy," the governor said. "Here
in the heart of Illinois coal country, this project proves that
mining is compatible with natural resource stewardship." Funding
for Sahara Woods includes $325,000 in capital funds and $800,000
from the Illinois Department of Transportation Park Road Program.
The capital funding for Sahara Woods will allow the state to take
the next steps toward developing the site. That will include road
improvements, building boat ramps and posting informational signs on
the property. The department will also provide funding to upgrade
the existing loop roads with an oil-chip surface, grade and reshape
ditches, reshape pipe culverts, and build new parking lots.
"This land has been vacant, doing nothing to spur southern
Illinois' economy," said Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg. "With
the governor's help this grant will bring in tourists and money to
the surrounding area."
Sahara Woods State Fish and Wildlife Area will attract tourists
to southern Illinois as it is developed into a premium fish and
wildlife area. Opportunities such as fishing, deer and turkey
hunting, and bird watching will be emphasized.
The site encompasses approximately 4,000 acres in Saline County.
The Sahara Coal Company of Harrisburg donated the land for
development in 1999. It includes a 100-acre lake, several smaller
ponds, wetlands and wooded areas.
"This grant will go a very long way in moving along the
transformation of this abandoned strip mine into a place where local
residents and tourists will be able to enjoy the many opportunities
southern Illinois has to offer, like hiking, hunting and fishing,"
said Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton. "As our economy struggles, these
dollars are all the more important as they will help us improve
local infrastructure and build upon our efforts to increase tourism
in the area."
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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Abandoned Land
Reclamation Division has been working since the state acquired the
site to address problems that resulted from the former mining
activities on the property. Engineering and construction crews have
eliminated mine refuse piles and dilapidated mine buildings. Trees
have been planted to control erosion and improve wildlife habitat.
The department has also supervised treatment of ponds damaged by
mine refuse runoff. In addition to state funding, the Federal
Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Trust is investing $9 million in
trust funds for cleanup of Sahara Woods to prepare the site for
public use.
"This is a site with tremendous potential on the verge of being
realized, thanks to the hard work of IDNR scientists and engineers,"
said Joel Brunsvold, director of the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources. "The lakes provide a myriad of opportunities for those
who enjoy fishing. The terrain is ideal for backpacking, horseback
riding and hiking. The development of habitat is literal groundwork
for great opportunities for hunters and those who enjoy watching
wildlife, especially birds.
"This is a great example of effective partnerships at work. We
will accomplish so much at this site because of the investment of
state and federal dollars coming on the heels of a donation of
property by a private company."
Sahara Woods State Natural Area is located in Saline and
Williamson counties in southern Illinois, along Illinois Route 13
and Carrier Mills Road. No date has yet been scheduled when the
Sahara Woods State Fish and Wildlife Area will be open to the
public. The site was open for archery deer hunting on a limited
basis in the fall of 2003.
[News release from the governor's office]
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