Completed for Coordination Team (CICT)

and the St. Louis District Corps of Engineers

In conjunction with Southwestern Resource Conservation & Development, Inc.

December 20 0 2

Parsons in association with The Rivers Studio A cknowledgements

Chouteau Island Coordination Team (CICT) The Trust For Public Land St. Louis 2004 Larry Levin, St. Louis Office Director Honorable John C. Danforth, Former United States City of Madison, Illinois Mike Fries, Consultant Senator - , Chair Honorable John Hamm III, Mayor Peter Sortino, President Steve Hampsey, Alderman U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District Patrick E. O’Donnell, Project Manager Metro-East Park & Recreation District Confluence Greenway Michelle Brown, Project Manager Laura Cohen, Project Director Kenneth Dalrymple, Biologist Metropolitan Park & Recreation District John Hoal, Planning Design Consultant (H3 Studio) Brian Markert, Project Manager Laura Lyon, Planning Design Consultant (H3 Studio) Karen Watwood, Rivers Project Office - Riverlands Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Ralph Rollins, (Greenway Network) Recreation/Visitor Assistance Manager Chris Cahnovsky, Environmental Protection John Cannon, Rivers Project Office - Riverlands Specialist Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist Todd Strole, Region IV Resource Manager Missouri Department of Natural Resources Dick Westfall, Supervisor, Greenways & Trails Mary Donze, Division of State Parks Section Contributors to the Master Plan Ray Coleman, Horseshoe Lake State Park U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Site Superintendent Honorable George H. Ryan, Governor of Illinois Dick Steinbach, Refuge Manager Diane Tecic, Region IV Natural Heritage Biologist Michael Louie, Peace Corps Fellow, Division of Honorable Jerry Costello, Congressman - Illinois, Waste Management Corporation Planning United States House of Representatives Joe Durako, Division Vice President, St. Louis RDF’s Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Honorable Christopher Bond, United States Brad Winn, Site Manager, Lewis & Clark Senator - Missouri U.S. Environmental Protection Agency State Historic Site Thomas Glatzel, Environmental Protection Honorable Evelyn Bowles, Illinois State Senator, Retired Specialist Diana Allen, Conservation Planner, Rivers, Trails & Honorable William H. Haine, Illinois State Senator Conservation Assistance Program The Chouteau Island Coordination Team would like to Honorable James Clayborne, Illinois State Senator acknowledge the many federal, state and local officials, Southwestern Illinois Resource, Conservation & agencies, coalition groups and members of the general public Development, Inc. Honorable Frank Watson, Illinois State Senator for their support, cooperation and valuable information in Ed Weilbacher, Coordinator the development of the Master Plan for Chouteau Island. Dave Polivick, Chouteau Island Project Manager Honorable Steve Davis, Illinois State Representative GIS Resource Center Honorable Thomas Holbrook, Illinois State Trailnet, Inc. Representative Ted Curtis, Executive Director Dan Cross, Project Manager Madison County, Illinois, Rudy Papa, Chairman, Retired Peter Clarkson, Project Manager Master Plan C houteau Island The Confluence Greenway : A Conservation Heritage and Recreation Corridor T able of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY APPENDICES (Appendices Under Separate Cover) Appendix D - Resource Suitability

D.1 Description of the Process SECTION 1 – Introduction Appendix A - Project Context D.2 Habitat and Natural Resource Enhancement D.3 Resource Interpretation 1.1 Project Context A.1 Influencing Factors D.4 Passive Recreation 1.2 Master Plan History A.2 Interpretive Potentials D.5 Active Recreation 1.3 Chouteau Island Coordination Team D.6 Development 1.4 Project Description Appendix B - Plan Coordination and Input 1.5 Purpose Appendix E - Program Statement Development B.1 Initial Public Input SECTION 2 – Planning Framework B.2 Key Stakeholder Interviews E.1 Introduction B.3 Interview Responses E.2 Program Statement Development 2.1 Introduction B.4 Chouteau Island Coordination Team (CICT) E.3 Concept Diagrams 2.2 Vision Statement B.5 Public Input 2.3 Planning Goals Appendix F - Cost Estimate Detail 2.4 Planning Principles 2.5 Resource Evaluation Appendix C – Resource Evaluation 2.6 Resource Key Facts 2.7 Resource Suitability C.1 Introduction C.2 Soils and Geology SECTION 3 – Master Plan C.3 Flood Character C.4 Wetlands 3.1 Introduction C.5 Habitat and Land Cover 3.2 Program Statement Development C.6 Threatened and Endangered Species 3.3 Program Statement C.7 Land Ownership 3.4 Program Statement Decisions C.8 Zoning 3.5 Concept Diagram Formulation C.9 Utility Information 3.6 Master Plan Description C.10 Access and Circulation C.11 Cultural and Historic Data SECTION 4 - Implementation Plan C.12 Views and Visual Quality

4.1 Priority Projects 4.2 Cost Estimate Summary The continuing efforts to preserve and enhance Chouteau Island will stand out over time as one of this region’s most important conservation and recreation efforts, forever preserving and protecting open space for future generations in the heart of our urban community. Master Plan C houteau Island The Confluence Greenway : A Conservation Heritage and Recreation Corridor E xecutive S ummary

A rare and historic opportunity exists in the Bridge. The 10 miles of that borders the Master Plan include primitive and tent camping, hunting, fishing, Saint Louis metropolitan area to return Chouteau Island complex to the west is the only natural stretch a boat ramp, dock landings for visitor excursion boats, 5,500 acres of land to the general public of river without barge traffic between St. Paul and New Orleans. canoeing, picnicking, birding and a host of other outdoor for conservation and recreation use. This The Mississippi River here contains some of the cleanest educational and recreational activities. A visitor center has vision to create one of the largest water in the river system as evedanced by a high quality fish been proposed that would be a re-creation of the original toll conservation and recreational areas in community. The island complex is rich in cultural and historical booth on the Old . The $2.4 million southwestern Illinois is now underway and resources as well. Lewis & Clark camped on the southern tip Toll Booth Visitor Center would be located at the Illinois includes a diverse mix of outdoor recreation of Gabaret Island, December 11, 1803, the night before entrance to the bridge and provide meeting rooms, offices, opportunities and expansive restorations of establishing their winter camp at Wood River. restrooms, concessions, parking, and serve as a trail head to wetlands, woodlands and prairies. Thanks the network of trails on the island. to the assistance and tremendous support Chouteau Island is accessed from Illinois by the Canal Bridge, from the local community as well as the region, the successful a vehicular bridge that crosses the Chain of Rocks Canal. It The Master Plan for Chouteau Island includes 2,455 acres of preparation of the Chouteau Island Master Plan is now complete is accessed from Missouri via the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, proposed ecosystem restoration. The ecosystem restoration and presented herein. This cultural, conservation, recreation a former vehicular bridge associated with historic U.S. Route improvements consist of 670 acres of native grasslands and interpretive opportunity has been embraced and guided 66 that was recently renovated and dedicated for bike and restoration; the conversion of 880 acres of agricultural fields into reality by numerous stakeholders, citizens and the pedestrian use only. Presently, this is the only bridge spanning and open space to woodlands; the reestablishment of 3 miles Chouteau Island Coordination Team (CICT). The CICT is a the Mississippi River and the second largest bridge in the of Chouteau and Gabaret Sloughs; and approximately 430 collaboration of local, state and federal agencies and non- United States dedicated to pedestrian and bike traffic only. acres of restored wetlands. These restoration projects will profit organizations, with a common interest in the future of provide enhanced habitat, additional natural water purification, Chouteau Island. Formed in 2000 with a vision to make the Over 60% of the island complex is in public ownership. soil stabilization, increase recreation opportunities, create living Chouteau Island project a reality, the CICT has been dedicated Presently, the Army Corps of Engineers owns 1,300 acres, classrooms, increase interpretive learning, enhance biodiversity to creating a master plan and implementing the long-term and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources now owns and improve views and vistas. Currently, the COE and IDNR management and operation of Chouteau Island. 2,200 acres. Soon, the City of Madison, Illinois, will own are preparing plans to restore 245 acres on Chouteau Island. 780 acres. The last project of comparable size was in 1932, The restoration will include the establishment of prairie grass The area known as Chouteau Island is actually comprised of when 8,000 acres were dedicated to the public, establishing and tree plantings that will create higher quality habitat, stabilize three islands, Mosenthein, Gabaret and Chouteau, which totals Pere Marquette State Park, in Grafton, Illinois. soil conditions and improve visual quality on Chouteau Island. 5,500 acres of land. Chouteau Island is located within the This project may be expanded by as much as 500 acres to Island District of The Confluence Greenway, a forty-mile open The Master Plan includes a network of trails consisting of 13 include other restoration plans within the Master Plan. space network currently under development in the region. miles of multi-use trails that can be used for horse, bicycle or The Chouteau Island complex is bounded by the Mississippi foot; 20 miles of bike/hike trails that will be used for walking The total implementation cost of the Master Plan River to the west and the Chain of Rocks Canal to the east. and bicycling; over 19 miles of combined horse trails; and 6 recommendations is approximately $26.1 million. Twelve The island is directly across the canal from the new Lewis and miles of nature trails. Chouteau Island connects the Confluence priority projects have been identified as essential to continue Clark Center, approximately one mile south of the confluence Bikeway in Illinois and the Riverfront Trail in Missouri and is at the implementation of the vision for Chouteau Island. The of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and two miles north of the crossroads of The Great River Birding Trail, The American priority projects total approximately $12.5 million and consist the Saint Louis Arch. Almost five times larger than Forest Discovery Trail, The Mississippi River Trail, The Mississippi of $3.2 million for trails and roads; $5.5 million for Park in Saint Louis, the island complex is rich in wildlife such as River Flyway and Historic Route 66. environmental restoration; and $3.8 million for visitor deer, turkey, coyote, dove, quail, songbirds and various orientation and comfort. species of duck, herons, egrets and much more. There have The Master Plan includes a comprehensive list of been regular sightings and nesting of Peregrine Falcons on recommendations. A green viewshed corridor will parallel The continuing efforts to preserve and enhance Chouteau Island Chouteau Island, and of course, the American Bald Eagle is the alignment of I-270 through Chouteau Island for the will stand out over time as one of this region’s most important frequently observed in the winter months. Excellent fishing purpose of preserving and enhancing the green views and conservation and recreation efforts, forever preserving and exists in the Mississippi River near the Old Chain of Rocks vistas experienced by passing visitors. Other activities in the protecting open space for future generations in the heart of our urban community. Chout eau Isl and Mast er Pl an

1 Green Viewshed Corridor Area 4 Green Use Area 7 Wetland & Prairie Mix Area 10 River Access Area 13 North Reforestation Area Vision Statement Green Gateway to The Confluence Preservation of Views & Vistas Mesic / Semi-Moist Prairie Interpretive Overlook Hardy Plantings Greenway Open Space Compatible Uses Dry Prairie Bank Fishing Access Canal Sign Chouteau, Gabaret and Mosenthein Islands will provide new Preservation of Views & Vistas Land Fill Compatible Uses Wet Prairie / Marsh Small Craft Access Hunting opportunities for preservation and outdoor recreation through Restricted Commercial Development Interpretive Overlook Reforestation Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Interpretive Overlook restoration, facility improvements and interpretation of the Island’s Reforestation Wetland Restoration 11 Recreation Area 14 Off-Site Commercial Use Area resources. Perennial Zones 5 Equestrian Staging Area Water Flow From Canal to Slough Picnic Areas Chouteau Island Gateway Open Space Bank Stabilization 2 Orientation & Interpretive Area Group Camping Compatible Theme Development Access & Staging Levee Stabilization From the founding of Saint Louis, the Chouteau Island complex Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Primitive Camping Trail Connection to Confluence Open Structures Hunting has been recognized as a great river landmark. Lewis and Clark Toll Booth Visitor Center Day Camping Bikeway Primitive Camping Hike/Bike Across Canal Connection camped on Gabaret; Route 66 and the fabulous 50s passed Connection to North Riverfront Trail Open Space Interpretive Overlook through Chouteau Island; river navigation hazards required Connection to Chouteau Island 6 Slough Restoration Area Fishing Pier (pond) engineered solutions; and the Great Flood demonstrated nature’s Connection to Confluence Bikeway Chouteau Slough South Reforestation Area Small Craft Access (pond) Other 8 superiority. Gabaret Slough Hardy Plantings River Dock P Parking Environmental Education Area 3 Water Flow From Canal to Slough Interpretive Overlook Boat Ramp M Multi-Use Trail Interpretive Overlook Wetland Restoration Lewis & Clark Campsite 12 Habitat Restoration Area B Bike/Hike Trail New opportunities for open space preservation, environmental Environmental Restoration Day Use Hardy Plantings E Equestrian Trail restoration and connecting communities will continue to bring Trails & Signage Interpretive Overlook 9 Mosenthein Island Area Bank Fishing Access N Nature Trail visitors to Chouteau Island. The challenge will be in the coexistence Outdoor Classrooms Canal Dock Preservation Preservation of Views & Vistas of visitors and wildlife habitat while addressing sustainability and Hunting recognizing the cultural and environmental significance of the “place Public Access apart” that is Chouteau Island.

Master Plan C houteau Island The Confluence Greenway : A Conservation Heritage and Recreation Corridor S ection 1 - Introduction

1.1 PROJECT CONTEXT 1.2 MASTER PLAN HISTORY

Chouteau Island is located within The Confluence Greenway. In the summer of 2000, a local coordination team was formed The Confluence Greenway is a 200-square mile system of to help with planning, implementation and governance for a parks, conservation and recreation areas with trails along nature and recreation area located on Chouteau Island in 40-miles of both banks of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers Madison, Illinois. This group included the City of Madison, from Downtown St. Louis/East St. Louis, past Alton to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Trust confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and then for Public Land, the National Park Service (the Rivers, Trails across to St. Charles. The Confluence Greenway will invite and Conservation Assistance Program), Waste Management, visitors and the community to build a stronger connection Inc., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Southwestern with the history and environment of the Great Rivers through Illinois Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. multiple interpretive centers and activity zones. (SWIRC&D), American Bottom Ecosystem Partnership, and The Confluence Greenway Project. Many entities of this Totaling approximately 5,500 acres, Chouteau Island is group formed what later became the Chouteau Island within the Island District of The Confluence Greenway Master Coordination Team (CICT). They quickly organized and Plan and because of its location and proximity to Interstate developed a strategy to prepare a plan for Chouteau Island. 270, is considered to be a primary gateway to The Initial efforts included numerous site tours, public relations Confluence Greenway. events, public input sessions, a design charrette and identification of revenue sources for the planning process. The Confluence Greenway

In October 2001, the St. Louis District of the Army Corps 1.3 CHOUTEAU ISLAND COORDINATION TEAM of Engineers negotiated a professional services contract with Parsons, in association with The Rivers Studio, to The CICT is a collaboration of state and federal agencies continue the planning process for Chouteau Island. The and non-profit organizations, with the common interest in planning process began on December 19, 2001, with a the future of Chouteau Island. The CICT Master Plan workshop strategy session with the CICT. The planning participants include: process concluded with a presentation of the Master Plan to the CICT and the public on October 23, 2002. During  Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & the time in-between, an enormous amount of coordination, Development, Inc. (SWIRC&D) data collection, and public input went into the formulation of  National Park Service (NPS) the Master Plan.  Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)  St. Louis District, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)  The Trust For Public Land (TPL)  City of Madison, IL  Confluence Greenway  Trailnet, Inc.  Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA)

Confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers

1-1 Three of these organizations, the City of Madison, IDNR Since their inception in 2000, the CICT’s achievements to and the Corps of Engineers, currently own land on Chouteau date include: Island. Approximately $5 million raised and committed to the This informal partnership, comprised of the organizational conservation of Chouteau Island entities listed above, will take on a more formal character  Two grants from the Grand Victoria Foundation for after signing a Memorandum of Agreement to provide future project manager position planning and management of the island complex.  Corps of Engineers Planning Assistance to States Program, funding for the Master Plan The purpose of the proposed Memorandum of Agreement  IDNR and SWIRC&D matching funds for this Master Plan reads as follows:  Corps of Engineers initiated a study for Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration on Chouteau Island. “This Memorandum of Agreement is made and entered into  IDNR, The Trust for Public Land, McKnight Foundation by the signatories below who represent the Chouteau Island and SWIRC&D funded land acquisition Coordination Team (CICT), for the purpose of establishing a partnership agreement to plan, develop and provide long- Over 60% of Chouteau Island in Public Ownership term management of the area known as Chouteau Island.”  IDNR has purchased a total of 2,220 acres of land North Tip of Chouteau Island  Corps of Engineers owns over 1,300 acres of land The members of the CICT have determined that it would be to their mutual benefit to cooperate their efforts, pool their Received official designation from the National Park Service resources and form a partnership team called the Chouteau as a certified site of the Lewis & Clark Historic Trail Island Coordination Team, for the purpose of establishing a  Lewis & Clark camped on the southern end of Gabaret plan and developing the area known as Chouteau Island for Island, December 11, 1803, the night before recreation and conservation for the benefit of public interest. establishing their winter camp at Wood River, Illinois

In an effort to carry out the goals and objectives stated in Substantial Increase in Public Commitment, Interest and the agreement, the CICT will support and implement the Participation recommendations, findings and objectives contained in the  2001 Chouteau Island Clean-Up - 400 people - Master Plan and agree to revise it, as needed, throughout 164,000 pounds of trash time with available agency funds and technical assistance.  2002 Chouteau Island Clean-Up – 200 people – 3 million pounds of trash (an extended period of time compared to 2001)  Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge – 1130 elementary students from Illinois and Missouri attended and 6500 people attended the weekend program The CICT will Support and Implement the Plan

1-2 Master Plan C houteau Island The Confluence Greenway : A Conservation Heritage and Recreation Corridor

1.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Several key projects within The Confluence Greenway that directly relate to Chouteau Island are: The Chouteau Island complex is made up of three islands in the Mississippi River, Mosenthein Island, Gabaret Island The Great Rivers Resource Center - In addition to an and Chouteau Island. This area, commonly referred to as interpretive center of physical, cultural, economic and Chouteau Island, is located one mile south of the confluence historical contributions of the two rivers, this center is of the and approximately two miles north of proposed as a welcome center and information hub to the St. Louis Arch. The islands are bound by the Mississippi the confluence. Prominently located on I-270, this River to the West and the Chain of Rocks Canal to the project would serve as a gathering connection to East. The total land acreage is approximately 5,500 acres Columbia Bottom to the north, and North Riverfront which is roughly 4.5 times larger than Forest Park at 1,200 Park and Maline Creek trail systems to the south. This acres. center will also serve as the gateway to Chouteau Island, with easy pedestrian access via the Old Chain of Rocks Mosenthein Island is approximately 1,000 acres and lies Bridge and vehicular access via I-270 and Chain of in the middle of the Mississippi River. It is undeveloped and Rocks Canal Bridge. accessible only by boat. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources purchased this island in November 2001. It is • Trail Loop Development - Extending the Riverfront Trail View of Bridge Complex Looking North now all publicly owned. north from Chouteau Island, connecting to the Katy Trail, Alton and The Confluence Bikeway. Extending the Gabaret Island is approximately 1,300 acres and lies Confluence Bikeway south from Chouteau Island to East directly adjacent to Chouteau Island, separated by Gabaret St. Louis, to St. Louis, tying back to the North Riverfront Slough. It is approximately 70% agricultural land and 30% Trail, back to Chouteau Island. wooded. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources purchased approximately 1,000 acres on Gabaret Island in • Downtown St. Louis to Chain of Rocks Bridge Water November 2001. The US Army Corps of Engineers owns Taxi Connection - This would connect visitors to St. approximately 300 acres. Gabaret Island is 100% publicly Louis and citizens to the resources offered on Chouteau owned. Island.

Chouteau Island is approximately 3,200 acres. Several • Old Chain of Rocks Bridge - This restored bridge is private landowners, IDNR, USACE, Waste Management now one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the U.S., Corporation, Illinois American Water Company and the City connecting visitors from Missouri to Chouteau Island of Madison, IL, own land on the island. Property ownership across the Mississippi River. consists of 40% private ownership; 34% state and federal government; 24% City of Madison, Illinois (includes Waste • The National Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Locks Management); and 2% Illinois American Water Company. and Dam.

Over 60% of the Chouteau Island complex is currently owned • The Lewis & Clark Visitor Center - open December by state and federal agencies. 2002.

View of Locks 27 Looking North 1-3 • Chouteau Island is at the crossroads of The American 1.5 PURPOSE Discovery Trail, The Mississippi River Trail and part of Historic Route 66. The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide the CICT with a long term vision for the Chouteau Island complex. The • Chouteau Island will be a part of the Great River Birding Master Plan provides clear direction for the ultimate usage Trail - a trail corridor parallel to both sides of the of the project area. With private property ownership Mississippi River from the headwaters down 1,366 miles continuing in the future, the existing land uses, as well as to the confluence with the Ohio River. future land uses of Chouteau Island, may not be consistent with the long term Master Plan vision. Despite the potential Chouteau Island is accessible by using the Canal Bridge on for non-compatible land uses, the CICT should continue to the Illinois side and by the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to promote the vision statement, goals, design principles and the Missouri side. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is design concepts contained in the Master Plan as restricted to pedestrian and bicycle use only. opportunities arise.

Chouteau and Gabaret Islands’ area averages approximately one mile wide, narrowing in width near the ends, and is 7.5 miles long, running the entire length of the Chain of Rocks Canal.

The effort to return nearly 5,500 acres of land to the general public for recreation and conservation is historic in the southwestern Illinois region. This is the largest such effort since the creation of Pere Marquette State Park in 1932.

Appendix A contains additional, detailed information regarding project context collected during the Master Plan process.

Intermediate Influences 1-4 Master Plan C houteau Island The Confluence Greenway : A Conservation Heritage and Recreation Corridor S ection 2 - Planning Framework

2.1 INTRODUCTION 2.2 VISION STATEMENT

A key step in the planning process was the development of Chouteau, Gabaret and Mosenthein Islands will provide new a vision statement, planning goals and planning principles opportunities for outdoor recreation through preservation, to guide the planning team’s efforts. These important restoration, facility improvements and interpretation of the statements were developed through coordination and input islands’ resources. from the CICT, as well as through key stakeholders and public input. The CICT discussed the content of these Since the founding of Saint Louis, the Chouteau Island complex points at various meetings from December 2001, to May has been recognized as a great river landmark. Lewis and 2002. Participants at the March 2002 public meeting Clark camped on Gabaret; Route 66 and the fabulous 50s commented on the content of the vision statement, planning passed through Chouteau Island; river navigation hazards goals and planning principles in a small group workshop required engineered solutions; and the Great Flood format. Each group shared their compilation of comments demonstrated nature’s superiority. with the other groups. New opportunities for open space preservation, Throughout the planning process, the CICT sought input to environmental restoration and connecting communities will the Master Plan formulation. Over twenty one-on-one continue to bring visitors to Chouteau Island. The challenge interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and the will be in the coexistence of visitors and wildlife habitat while CICT sponsored four public input sessions designed to addressing sustainability and recognizing the cultural and Outdoor Recreation on Chouteau Island engage the public in the planning process. Each session environmental significance of the “place apart” that is yielded direction for the CICT in preparing the Master Plan Chouteau Island. to best serve the interest of the metropolitan area, the region and visitors from all over the world.

Comments from the interviews and public input sessions are included in Appendix B.

Public Input was a Key Component of the Planning Process July 30, 1993 - The Great Flood - Aerial Photo Showing “High Ground” 2-1 2.3 PLANNING GOALS 3. Improve hiking, biking, equestrian, recreational and 8. Preserve and enhance Chouteau Island’s role as a water-based access to and within Chouteau Island. green gateway. The following goals have guided the planning process and will provide future guidance for policy decisions concerning the implementation of the Master Plan concepts. The goals were established in conjunction with the CICT and refined through a public input process. The planning goals include:

1. Capitalize on Chouteau Island’s hydro-geological features, environmental significance, habitat expanse and cultural and historic resources.

4. Protect, restore, improve and expand animal, plant and river habitat to enhance biodiversity. 9. Provide for a diversity of uses and users while balancing competing interests and habitat requirements.

2. Provide educational and interpretive opportunities that emphasize the site’s current and potential resources.

5. Emphasize passive recreational uses and provide suitable support services, security and infrastructure for site visitors. 10. Preserve and restore the island complex in a manner that is environmentally and economically sustainable. 6. Ensure synergy with and promote linkages to adjacent park jurisdictions, open spaces, amenities, 11. Minimize the impact of uses and users on the site’s neighborhoods and communities. resources.

7. Encourage an environment that is beneficial to wildlife, 12. In pursuit of these project goals, property acquisition interpretation, education and recreation. on Chouteau Island should occur between willing buyer and seller, minimizing the use of eminent domain.

2-2 Master Plan C houteau Island The Confluence Greenway : A Conservation Heritage and Recreation Corridor

2.4 PLANNING PRINCIPLES 3. Improve and expand non-vehicular links to and from 4. Retain the green viewshed to Chouteau Island from Chouteau Island. the Illinois shoreline, St. Louis Riverfront Trail, Old Chain The planning principles represent various themes echoed of Rocks Bridge, Mississippi River, and Interstate 270. at workshops, charrettes, public meetings and key stakeholder interviews conducted from September 2000 to March 2002. The planning principles were formulated as tools to guide the planning process and preparation of the master plan.

1. Restore, enhance and expand naturally occurring riverine and terrestrial habitats.

Enhance Habitats

2. Provide vehicular access to Chouteau Island only from the historic “Route 66” Canal Bridge and restrict vehicular access to defined corridors.

Retain Green Viewsheds

Improve Linkages Potential

Restricted Access 2-3 5. Minimize the amount of fill, placement of structures 7. Avoid habitat impacts. 9. Provide environmentally sensitive visitor access to a and activities within the entire island complex to variety of common and complex natural resource practical use and flood plain compatible enhancements. experiences.

No Impact Zones Access to Natural Resources

8. Buffer differing land uses and environmentally sensitive areas. 10. Create opportunities for consumptive and non- consumptive recreational uses.

Flood Plain Compatible Uses

6. Improve and expand non-vehicular access to the river’s edge.

Variety of Uses

Improved Non-Vehicular Access Buffers to Separate Uses 2-4 Master Plan C houteau Island The Confluence Greenway : A Conservation Heritage and Recreation Corridor

2.5 RESOURCE EVALUATION 2.6 RESOURCE KEY FACTS undertaken in the southwestern Illinois region. The last project of comparable size was in 1932, when 8,000 acres were dedicated to the public, establishing Pere The planning process encompassed an analysis of regional In addition to the technical resource data collected during Marquette State Park, in Grafton, IL. and site studies, the development of a vision statement, the planning process, a number of key facts emerged that • Chouteau Island is 4.5 times larger than Forest Park in planning goals and planning principles, with the input of the have further promoted the uniqueness of Chouteau Island, St. Louis. CICT, as well as an analysis of the following resource confirming its distinction as a place apart. As with other • Chouteau Island is directly across the Chain of Rocks categories: technical data, the planning team utilized the following key Canal from the new Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. facts in preparing the Master Plan: • Chouteau Island is directly across the Mississippi River • Soils and Geology from the proposed Great Rivers Resource Center. • Flood Character • Chouteau Island will forever preserve open space in • Chouteau Island is directly downstream from the National • Wetlands the heart of the urban region for future generations. Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Locks and Dam. • Plant and Animal Habitat • Chouteau Island is located within The Confluence • Lewis & Clark camped on the southern tip of Gabaret • Land Ownership Greenway, a forty-mile open space network currently Island, December 11, 1803, the night before • Zoning under implementation in the region. establishing their winter camp at Wood River, Illinois. • Land Cover • A rare and historic opportunity exists at Chouteau Island • The island is approximately one mile south of the • Land Use to return 5,500 acres of land to the general public. confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. • Utility Information • Over 60% of the island complex is currently in public • Chouteau Island is two miles north of the St. Louis Arch. • Access and Circulation ownership. The City of Madison, Illinois, owns 780 • Chouteau Island is rich in wildlife. • Cultural Resources acres (includes Waste Management property), the COE • There have been regular sightings and nesting of • Views and Visual Quality owns 1,300 acres and IDNR owns 2,220 acres of Peregrine Falcons on Chouteau Island. land on Chouteau Island. • There have been regular sightings of the American Bald A more detailed analysis of the implications of each resource • Over seventy years have passed since a recreation Eagle during winter months on Chouteau Island. category on master plan uses is included in Appendix C. and conservation project of this size has been

In addition to these analyses, numerous reviews by stakeholders, including the general public, the project management team and the CICT, were conducted to continue the consensus building process started by the CICT. Using this interaction, as well as the vision statement, goals, planning principles and general data analysis, the planning team developed various program opportunities for use in developing the Master Plan.

Resource Key Facts 2-5 • Excellent fishing exists in the Mississippi River near the 2.7 RESOURCE SUITABILITY Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. • The 10 miles of Mississippi River that borders the Once program opportunities were established, the suitability Chouteau Island Complex to the west, is the only natural process began. Resources were judged as suitable or stretch of river without barge traffic between St. Paul unsuitable (high and low suitability) for five program and New Orleans. opportunities: • The Mississippi River at Chouteau Island contains some of the cleanest water in the river system and is a very • Habitat and Natural Resource Enhancement high quality fish habitat. • Resource Interpretation • The Chouteau Island complex contains one of the largest • Passive Recreation (later combined with active sand bars on the Mississippi River. recreation) • Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a former vehicular bridge • Active Recreation (later combined with passive with a toll booth, is associated with historic U.S. Route recreation) 66. • Development • Old Chain of Rocks Bridge has been renovated and dedicated for bike and pedestrian use only. Suitability maps were then “overlaid” on top of one another • Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is presently the only bridge to reveal composite suitability for each program opportunity. spanning the Mississippi River, and the second largest For example, this process tells the planning team what site bridge in the United States, that is dedicated to soils, wetland areas, land cover areas and other resource pedestrian and bike traffic only. categories are suitable for a specific program opportunity. • Chouteau Island connects the Confluence Bikeway in A more detailed description of the resource suitability Illinois and the Riverfront Trail in Missouri. process is included in Appendix D. • Chouteau Island is at the crossroads of The Great River Birding Trail, The American Discovery Trail, The The development of a program statement closely followed Mississippi River Trail, The Mississippi River Flyway and the resource analysis and resource suitability process. The historic Route 66. ultimate goal was to derive more detailed uses (a program statement) based on a consensus of uses within each of the program opportunities. CICT member input led to the final program statement described in Section 3.

Once the resource evaluation and resource suitability tasks were complete and the program statement perfected , the planning team prepared multiple concept diagrams leading to formulation of the Master Plan.

Graphic Illustration of Resource Evaluation and Suitability Maps

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Master Plan C houteau Island The Confluence Greenway : A Conservation Heritage and Recreation Corridor S ection 4 - Implementation Plan

4.1 PRIORITY PROJECTS 4.1.4 Priority Project List 6. Aesthetic Enhancements $ 1,350,000 Aesthetic enhancements including lighting, banners, 4.1.1 Introduction The following priority project list totals $12.5 million, which plantings, public art, signage, etc., to the roadway represents 48% of the total recommended Master Plan corridor, from the Canal Bridge to the Toll Booth The costs of the recommended improvements contained in cost. These proposed improvements provide the essential Visitor Center. the Master Plan for Chouteau Island total approximately components of trails and roads at a cost of $3.2 million; $26.1 million. The cost includes construction of the environmental restoration at $5.5 million; and visitor 7. South Loop Road $ 1,537,890 circulation systems, environmental restoration and facility orientation and comfort at $3.8 million. South Loop Road from Canal Bridge to The Toll improvements. Booth Visitor Center to Chouteau Slough vehicle The numerical order of this list does not imply priority. bridge, south of the existing landfill then back to A 35% contingency has been added to all estimated costs Old Chain of Rocks Road. Includes spur road to Toll to account for miscellaneous items, unknown items, planning 1. Toll Booth Visitor Center $ 2,412,450 Booth Visitor Center and to Dam 27 parking area. plus design fees and construction administration fees. The Development of a Visitor Center fashioned after the Project dependant upon levee right-of-way costs do not include maintenance, operations, acquisition, original tool booth at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. acquisition. escalation or administrative costs. The costs are based on Project includes Phase I parking area (100 spaces) mid-year 2002 and on construction carried out by a general located atop the old landfill. Cost includes an 8. Gabaret Island Multi-Use contractor selected by competitive bid. accessible pedestrian ramp linking the parking and Trail $ 370,660 the toll booth. Gabaret Island levee top, loop trail. Initially this 4.1.2 Costs Distribution trail will be used as a multi-use trail, sections will be 2. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration $ 622,350 converted to bike/hike trails in the future. Approximately seventy-two (72%) or $18.9 million of the The environmental restoration of 245 acres in Areas Master Plan’s estimated construction cost is allocated to 6 and 10 sponsored by the COE and IDNR. 9. Chouteau Slough Restoration $ 1,377,000 improvements on land currently in public ownership. Publicly held land (COE, IDNR and the City Of Madison) accounts for 3. Gabaret Island Access $ 202,500 10. Gabaret Slough Restoration $ 918,000 76% of the total land area in the Chouteau Island complex. Road access and gravel parking in Area 6 near Gabaret slough. 11. Wetland & Prairie Mix Area 4.1.3 Priority Project Formulation Restoration (Area 7) $ 2,610,900 4. Canal Bridge Conversion $ 611,000 In addition to determining the overall cost of recommended Convert existing bridge to one lane pedestrian/bicycle 12. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Marker $ 67,500 improvements contained in the Master Plan, a list of priority traffic, other lane to bi-directional roadway traffic. Designation of the Lewis & Clark Campsite on south projects have been identified and formulated on the Gabaret Island including marker, display, trail and following criteria: 5. Bike/Hike Trail $ 460,835 signage. • Connectivity between Illinois and Missouri trail systems Asphalt bike/hike trail from the Canal Bridge to the • Projects implemented on publicly held land Toll Booth Visitor Center with connection to the • Visitor orientation and comfort Confluence Bikeway. • Visitor access to public land • Habitat enhancement

4-1 4.2 COST ESTIMATE SUMMARY CIRCULATION SYSTEMS COST Bike/Hike Trails $ 1,813,952 The following is a cost summary of the Master Plan Multi-Use Trails $ 1,039,301 recommendation and is organized by Circulation Systems, Equestrian Trails $ 548,244 Area Restoration and Area Improvements. Appendix F Nature Trails $ 588,030 contains detailed cost estimates used to formulate the total Vehicular Circulation (not including parking areas) $ 4,274,432 cost summary. Canal Bridge Improvements $ 611,010 Subtotal Circulation Systems $ 8,874,970

AREA RESTORATIONS ACRES RESTORED 1. Green Viewshed Corridor Area 250 $ 660,150 2. Orientation and Interpretive Area 40 $ 178,200 3. Environmental Education Area 115 $ 476,550 4. Green Use Area 0 $ - 5. Equestrian Staging Area 20 $ 45,900 6. Slough Restoration Area 460 $ 3,743,550 7. Wetland & Prairie Mix Area 620 $ 2,610,900 8. South Reforestation Area 60 $ 189,000 9. Mosenthein Island Area 200 $ 432,000 10. River Access Area 285 $ 768,150 11. Recreation Area 265 $ 965,250 12. Habitat Restoration Area 110 $ 402,300 13. North Reforestation Area 30 $ 124,200 14. Off-Site Commercial Use Area 0 $ - Subtotal Area Restorations 2,455 $ 10,596, 150

AREA IMPROVEMENTS 1. Green Viewshed Corridor Area $ - 2. Orientation and Interpretive Area $ 2,479,950 3. Environmental Education Area $ 840,780 4. Green Use Area $ 145,170 5. Equestrian Staging Area $ 273,362 6. Slough Restoration Area $ 1,225,422 7. Wetland & Prairie Mix Area $ 180,981 8. South Reforestation Area $ 67,500 9. Mosenthein Island Area $ 1,620 10. River Access Area $ 187,920 11. Recreation Area $ 1,145,259 12. Habitat Restoration Area $ 15,120 13. North Reforestation Area $ 49,410 14. Off-Site Commercial Use Area $ - Subtotal Area Improvements $ 6,612,493 Total Circulation, Restoration & Improvements $ 26,083,613

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