Natural Resource Management Plan Outline

River Bend Forest Preserve Management Plan

-by-

Michael Daab and Daniel Olson Natural Resources Department February 2010

Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Board of Commissioners Ruth Wene Ed Herricks Bob Toalson Brenda Molano-Flores Christopher White

Executive Director Jerry Pagac

Director of Natural Resources Daniel Olson

Assistant Director of Natural Resources Michael Daab

River Bend Forest Preserve Management Plan Acknowledgements

We thank the following individuals for contributing their time and expertise on the River Bend Forest Preserve Management Plan. The 2004 River Bend Recreation Area Sub-committee of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), lead by Steve Buck and Sally Prunty. Our technical review committee for the Management Plan consisted of Mike Garthaus (Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries), Jeremy Shafer (University of Illinois and the CAC), and Adam Rex and Nathan Hudson (both from the Champaign County Forest Preserve District Natural Resources Department). The editorial review committee was led by Andee Chestnut,Champaign County Forest Preserve Public Relations Director. We also thank Trent Thomas of the IDNR Division of Fisheries for input and review.

Front cover pictures by: Michael Daab Left to Right: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), a view of Shadow Lake, Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

River Bend Forest Preserve Management Plan 2010

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...... 4

Part One: Property Overview I. Introduction ...... 5 II. Original and Existing Conditions ...... 5 III. Natural Resource Base Profile and Inventory ...... 7 A. Climatology ...... 7 B. Geology and Soils ...... 7 C. Terrestrial Natural Communities ...... 10 D. Aquatic Natural Communities ...... 11 E. Listed Species ...... 13 F. Flora ...... 13 G. Fauna...... 13 IV. Cultural Resource Profile and Inventory ...... 14 V. Infrastructure Impacting Natural Resources ...... 14

Part Two: Management Approach VI. Resource Base Critical Issues ...... 15 VII. CCFPD Natural Resources Department Management Goals, Objectives, and Tasks…………………………………………… 17 VIII. Individual Project Plans A. Direct Seeding Maintenance ...... 19 B. Exotics Control ...... 21 C. Fisheries Improvement ...... 22

Executive Summary

As part of a strategic planning process, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District staff met in May of 2006 to consider the most critical issues and needs of the District. Goals and objectives were later developed to address these issues. One goal for the Natural Resources Department, as stated in the Strategic Plan, is to “preserve, manage, and increase all of CCFPD’s natural resources.” The first objective under this goal is to “develop a resource management plan for each preserve.” This document is the first realization of that first objective, with the other preserves’ plans to be completed over the next two years.

The River Bend Forest Preserve was evaluated for management strategies soon after its acquisition. The 2004 “Site Planning and Management Strategies for the River Bend Forest Preserve” document prepared for the CCFPD by the Citizens Advisory Committee (River Bend Recreation Area Subcommittee) contains a wealth of information from a summary of the acquisition process, to historical information and recommendations for management. The subcommittee, chaired by Steve Buck of the University of Illinois Committee on Natural Areas, completed such a thorough report, that it served as a guiding document to the present management plan. Experts from such agencies as the U.S. Geological Survey, Illinois Natural History Survey, and Soil and Water Conservation Service contributed to the 2004 document. The time and effort these experts put into the original plan will be respected in the current plan, as much of the original report is either expanded upon or repeated here verbatim, merely incorporating the information into a format that will be a standard for management plans for all preserves. There is no need to completely rewrite the static history of the preserve when attempting to focus on the dynamics of future management.

There have been many changes at River Bend since the original plan was submitted in 2004, so an updated plan is warranted. While the current plan includes much of the information from the 2004 document, assessments of the state of River Bend and its attributes have been updated, and specific project plans are detailed. Project plans are congruent with recommendations from the 2004 site planning document, and these project plans are the vision of what the Natural Resources Department sets as goals for improving River Bend over the next five years. Opportunities, on the other hand, are a vision of what we may be able to accomplish over a longer term. Once again we have called upon a number of natural resource experts in the Champaign County area to help us visualize immediate and future management of River Bend.

Part One. Property Overview

I. Introduction

The 275-acre River Bend Forest Preserve is located in Mahomet, Illinois (T20N, R7E, Sections 16, 20, 21). The preserve features 2.5 miles of Sangamon River frontage that has been designated as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve since February 2002. It also features two lakes, the 145-acre Sunset Lake, the largest lake in Champaign County, and 28-acre Shadow Lake (see Appendices A & B).

River Bend officially became the fourth Champaign County forest preserve in December 2001. The parcel, with an appraised value of $3.6 million, was purchased with a combination of funds, including a $1.8 million Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Lands Trust (OLT) grant and $1.8 million matching land value donation from Mid America Sand and Gravel Company (MASG), the owner of the land until the time of purchase. Much of the development at River Bend took place between 2003 and 2005 and included an access road, restrooms, a 1.2-mile multi-use trail, picnic shelter, boat ramp, accessible dock and fishing pier, parking area, and interpretive pull offs and associated signage. Native perennial plants were chosen for the landscaping around the parking lot and shelter. Vegetated buffer strips and swales were included in development in order to minimize any threats to lake water quality. Development costs were in large part covered by an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant totaling $222,350.00.

River Bend provides many recreational and research opportunities. Anglers are able to fish from the bank of the Sangamon or secluded Shadow Lake. Sunset Lake offers fishing from shore, dock, and boat. Those hiking the trails at River Bend are able to see a variety of wildlife, including many bird species.

II. Original and Existing Conditions

Prior to settlement in the 1800s, the land that is now River Bend was primarily floodplain forest that transitioned to tallgrass prairie to the south (Appendices C & D). Cultural artifacts of Amerindian populations have been found and verify their existence on the site. Upon settlement, much of the area was cleared and used as row-crop agriculture. Mining on the site began in the 1950s and continued until 2008. The outwash terraces are a prime source of sand and gravel aggregates that have been utilized in the construction of local infrastructure such as buildings, roads, sidewalks and bridges. Excavation of sands and gravels 40-to-50 feet below the water table has created deep lakes that make up much area of River Bend (Kemmis and Mehnert 2004).

When the CCFPD took ownership of the land at River Bend, evidence of heavy commercial use was scattered throughout the preserve. Initial effort focused on clean up and disposal of materials left on the site. Scouting groups, CCFPD staff, and other volunteers removed tons of trash from the site. Metals were recycled and industrial solvents were properly disposed of or recycled. Evidence of earthmoving activities was highly visible. Vegetation and topsoil were stripped from areas prior to mining and moved elsewhere. Piles of miscellaneous fill materials used as backfill in mined areas were prevalent throughout the preserve. Because of this, low soil quality continues to be a limiting factor in restoration of the site.

Several areas were still in row-crop agriculture when the CCFPD acquired the site in 2001. Small tree whips and tree seeds were planted in these areas in 2002 and 2003, but unfortunately due to flooding, poor soils, and the timing of some plantings, most of these plantings failed, with areas that were planted with whips having the largest failure rate. For example, the dogleg field takes on much of the flow of the Sangamon in flood events and shows the potential to eventually become the main channel, forming an oxbow lake to the north. The direct seeding that was done in the 9-11 Memorial Woodland area is an exception, and the original direct seeding is doing well, with a variety of trees, including oaks, hickories, and walnuts, persisting. Although the seedlings are surviving well, the poor soils have impeded their rate of growth. The dogleg field was last direct seeded in 2006, and the upper and lower tiers were seeded in 2008. The maintenance of these areas is described as an individual project plan later in this document, and a map highlighting these areas is seen in Appendix E.

During the active mining period, dike works were also constructed around the north and east sides of Shadow Lake to prevent flooding from the Sangamon River. This allowed much of the floodplain area to be mined nearly to the dike-reinforced riverbanks. Shadow Lake is also separated from Sunset Lake to the west by a causeway dike. This narrow strip of land was not mined and was used for a roadway. Additional fill material and soil have been added to widen the causeway.

The dikes around Shadow Lake have been a concern since before the acquisition of River Bend. During high water, the Sangamon flows into Shadow Lake from the east and flows out to the north. The dikes that separate Shadow from the Sangamon River and Sunset Lake are subject to erosion. The dike on the north side of Shadow Lake is especially vulnerable because a riverside cut bank has formed where the high water flows out of the lake causing erosion from both sides. At this cut bank, the dike has lost approximately 20 feet of width in the past 10 years. At the time of purchase, vehicles were able to transverse the dike between Shadow and the river. Access from the northwest is currently deemed unsafe for vehicles, and the path has been shut off by barricade. The lake can still be accessed from the southeast by entering through Mid- America’s entrance.

At the time of acquisition, natural habitat restoration was considered the most valuable use of the upland area at River Bend. Because the nearby Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve provides a wide variety of multi-use areas and open green spaces, the focus at River Bend has been on establishing a rich and diverse plant community with minimal planned public usage away from the lake fringe. This policy is in keeping with the restrictions on development and use detailed in the Land and Water Reserve agreement, and has led to the ecological enhancement of the site and the Mahomet area.

III. Natural Resource Base Profile and Inventory

A. Climatology

All climate data was recorded by the Urbana Weather Station 118740 from 1901 to 2008.

Over the 108 years of recorded data, the average yearly precipitation was 37.9 inches. The record high year was 1993 when 58.5 inches fell. The record low year was in 1914 when 24.7 inches fell. The mean yearly temperature was highest in 1931 at 55.4 degrees Fahrenheit while the lowest was in 1917 at 48.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

The highest recorded temperature was 109 degrees Fahrenheit on July 13, 1954, while the hottest month on average was July 1936 at 95.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest recorded temperature was -25 degrees Fahrenheit, measured on both January 19, 1994, and February 13, 1905. The coldest month on average was January of 1977 with an average temperature of 2.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest monthly snowfall was also in 1977 at 51.9 inches. Although not captured by the weather station, there is written history that in February 1830 it snowed for four days and nights until the snow was four feet high and drifts topped out at 25 feet (History of Mahomet, 1955, Mahomet Methodist Church Centennial, Isabelle S. Purnell.)

In Champaign County, the last frost of the spring is typically between April 25 and April 30, with a 50% chance the frost will fall outside of these dates. The first frost of the fall is typically between October 15 and October 20, with a 50% chance the frost will occur outside these dates.

Prevailing wind in Champaign County is from the southwest, except from January to March when it prevails from west-northwest.

B. Geology and Soils

Geologic Setting

“The River Bend Forest Preserve and lakes, the production of sand-and-gravel aggregate that has taken place there, and the Sangamon River all owe their existence to the work of glaciers during the last glacial period in Illinois, a period which geologists refer to as the Wisconsin Episode.

The Mahomet area around River Bend Forest Preserve is underlain by a complex sequence of glacial and glacially-related deposits nearly 300-feet thick (Piskin and Bergstrom, 1975). This sequence … includes a deep aquifer, the Mahomet Sand, at or near the base of the sequence….

The uppermost deposits in this sequence, the ones of immediate interest to the River Bend Forest Preserve, were deposited by repeated glacial advances into the area during the last glacial period in Illinois, the Wisconsin Episode (e.g., Wickham, 1979; Hansel and Johnson, 1996).

At times during glaciation, the edge of the glacier stabilized: the amount of melting at the ice front balancing the flow of ice and debris from the north. When this occurred, debris melted from the glacier and formed ridges called end moraines. The looping sequence of end moraines across the Midwest records the history of glacial advances and retreats in the region. In Illinois, end moraines (and the low-relief upland plains behind them called ground moraines) are composed primarily of glacial diamictons: fine-grained sediments that contain interspersed gravel of various sizes.

When these end moraines formed, glacial meltwater in streams that drained the glacial front carried, sorted, and deposited sand, gravel and finer debris. These sorted sands, gravels, and other materials, which geologists call outwash, were deposited in plains in front of the moraines and in terraces along river valleys.

River Bend Forest Preserve is located on an outwash terrace bordering the Sangamon River in front of two end moraines, the Cerro Gordo Moraine immediately to the east and south and the younger Champaign Moraine to the north. The northeast-southwest trending Cerro Gordo Moraine is a relatively narrow belt of ridges and knobs rising about 40 to 50 feet above the adjacent uplands. The younger, northwest- southeast trending Champaign Moraine is a wide, massive ridge rising nearly 100 feet above uplands to the south.

The sand-and-gravel deposits mined in the forest preserve area owe their existence to glacial meltwaters related to the Cerro Gordo and Champaign moraines. Anderson (1960) concluded that the outwash terrace was most likely deposited when the Cerro Gordo Moraine formed, based on observations that the sand and gravel became finer to the west away from this moraine.

During the latter part of the Wisconsin Episode when glaciers had retreated north out of Champaign County, windblown silt, called loess, was deposited, mantling the upland glacial landscape and the outwash terraces. Loess in this area is typically 3- to 5 feet thick (Kemmis and Mehnert 2004).”

Area Soils

“The Soil Survey of Champaign County (Mount, 1982) shows that the soils of the outwash terrace are part of the Drummer-Kendall-St. Charles Soil Association consisting of nearly level to gently sloping, poorly drained to moderately well drained, silty soils formed in loess overlying outwash. Drummer soils developed under grassland vegetation, whereas the Kendall and St. Charles soils developed primarily under forest vegetation. Also mapped in the immediate site area and comprising part of this soil association are Elburn and Plano soils formed under grassland vegetation.

The surrounding upland soils developed under grassland vegetation in loess over glacial till. The soils on the Cerro Gordo and Champaign moraines include the Dana-Parr-Drummer Soil Association that consists of sloping to nearly level, moderately well drained, well drained, and poorly drained silty soils. Soils on the low-relief ground moraine west of the Sangamon River south of the Champaign Moraine are mapped as the Drummer-Flanagan Soil Association which consists of nearly level, poorly drained and somewhat poorly drained silty soils (Kemmis and Mehnert 2004).”

Specifically, the Sangamon River corridor floodplain at River Bend, as identified in published soil surveys, is dominated by well-drained Rossburg silt loam in higher positions. These soils have been highly altered through past activities on the site. Poorly drained Sawmill silty clay loam, developed under mixed prairie grasses and scattered hardwoods, dominates the lower positions. Establishment of hardwoods in the Sawmill soils will be limited by plant competition, seedling mortality, windthrow hazard, and equipment limitations. These areas are not suitable for grain and seed crops due to high flooding frequency, but are fairly well-suited for other wildlife habitat elements such as native tree and shrub plantings. Managing for hardwood establishment is addressed in the first individual project plan of this document.

The west side of the preserve (from the entrance through the 9-11 Memorial Woodland) has Campton and Camden Series silt loams. These moderate- to well- drained soils are typical of outwash plains and stream terraces and consist of loess and underlying outwash. The native vegetation was hardwood trees, therefore the area has been planted to native trees. Reestablishment of hardwood trees on these soils will mostly be limited by plant competition.

The Upper Tier area is a well-drained Alvin series of fine sandy loam, also typical of outwash plains and stream terraces. The parent material is Eolian deposits. Native vegetation is hardwood trees and reestablishment will be limited by plant competition. A soil map is presented in Appendix F, and flooding frequency is presented in Appendix G.

The area immediately surrounding the lakes is classified as gravel pits.

Hydrogeologic Setting

“Groundwater in Champaign County is recharged primarily by precipitation. Some of the precipitation runs off directly to streams and drainageways, the majority infiltrates the rooting zone and is returned to the atmosphere by plant transpiration and evaporation, and a minor amount seeps through the ground to recharge groundwater.

The River Bend Forest Preserve is located close to the Sangamon River where not only is groundwater recharged from precipitation, but groundwater flows laterally from the adjacent uplands, discharging at (replenishing) the river.

Regional geologic maps of the River Bend Forest Preserve area show the area as underlain by generally sandier deposits that have the potential to transmit water. The terrace sands and gravels on which the forest preserve is developed and the river sediments in the adjacent Sangamon River bottoms have fairly high hydraulic conductivity, meaning they transmit water readily, and they overlie glacial diamictons with lower hydraulic conductivity. Consequently, groundwater will flow easily through the terrace sands and gravels and river sediments, and local groundwater (and forest preserve lake levels) will have water levels similar to the river level.

River levels can be estimated from past stream gage information for the Sangamon River at the U.S. 150 bridge in Mahomet, although more accurate estimates would require hydraulic analysis, such as HEC modeling. The stream gage information shows that the river elevation varies about 8 feet during a typical year, but may vary up to 20 feet in extreme flood conditions. The forest preserve lakes may be expected to vary over a somewhat similar range, although, unless there is overflow from the river into the lakes, the water level for the lakes may change less than the river because the flood peak may pass faster than the water level can equilibrate through the sediments between the river and the lakes (Kemmis and Mehnert 2004).” . Contamination Potential of Surface Runoff into the Lake and Its Possible Effect on Groundwater

“River Bend Forest Preserve is located in an area underlain by permeable sand and gravel, an area susceptible to groundwater contamination from any contaminants introduced from the surface. However, based on expected land use and the limited surface water runoff to the site, the potential for groundwater contamination from activities at and adjacent to the site are expected to be minimal. Recreational use of the forest preserve would not be expected to introduce significant contaminants to the site area. Furthermore, surface runoff to the site from adjacent areas is expected to be negligible, as the site is located in a nearly level terrace area far from any slopes or drainageways, significantly restricting the potential for introduction of off- site contaminants (Kemmis and Mehnert 2004).” . C. Terrestrial Natural Communities

The banks of the Sangamon River at River Bend are wet to wet-mesic floodplain forest typical of the stretch from Mahomet to Decatur, IL. The predominant trees are sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), cottonwood (Populus deltoids), soft maple (Acer spp.), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), with oak (Quercus spp.), hickory (Carya spp.), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), honey locust (Gleditsia tricanthos) and black walnut (Juglans nigra) higher on the banks. Among the smaller trees there are many redbuds (Cercis canadensis) and some black locust (Robinia pseudocacia). Several native shrubs inhabit the undergrowth, including wafer ash (Ptelea trifoliata), bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and spicebush (Lindera benzoin). A few

10 native burning bush, or wahoo, (Euonymus atropurpureus) have also been noted on site. There is a severe problem in many places with bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) and some Japanese vine honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). These exotic invasive shrubs often grow so thick as to crowd out native forbs and grasses.

Rick Phillippe and Rick Larimore of the Illinois Natural History Survey conducted a plant census in 2002 and catalogued 85 species. No state threatened or endangered species were found, and the general assessment of the vegetation was one of a remnant bottomland forest community and succession vegetation of a disturbed site. Appendix H includes the original species list as well as species that have been observed at River Bend in subsequent years. Presumably, the list will continue to expand with future surveys.

Mining activities left some areas in a highly-disturbed state with compacted soils, sand overburden, and exposed subsurface material. Some of these disturbed areas provide microhabitats that are a positive addition, particularly those that hold water.

D. Aquatic Natural Communities

River Bend’s aquatic natural communities are primarily the Sangamon River and two artificial lakes, Sunset and Shadow. There are ephemeral pools throughout the preserve. Some of these are the result of water persisting in depressions in the forest following a flood, and others are the result of compacted soils from the sand and gravel mining operation. The lakes and bottomlands of River Bend are listed with the National Wetlands Inventory of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Appendix I).

Sangamon River

The Sangamon River basin encompasses 5419 square miles and is the largest watershed contributing to the Illinois River. The Sangamon at River Bend is classified as a medium-grade, small river, with a width of 30-70 feet. The river is designated as biologically significant by IDNR. It is rated as a “B” in diversity in the stretch through River Bend, and as an “A” immediately upstream and “C” immediately downstream. The river received a “C” for integrity (IDNR 2008), which is a measure comparing tests of the river to what would be expected in a natural or undisturbed river. The river supports many species of mussels, and a survey of those occurring at River Bend is in Appendix J.

Shadow Lake

Shadow Lake is the smaller of the two lakes at the River Bend Forest Preserve and is located in the eastern section of the site. The surface area of the lake is approximately 28 acres, the maximum depth approximately 52.5 feet (see Appendix K, Sunset and Shadow Lakes Bathymetric Map). Following the suggestion of the original site management strategies, Shadow Lake’s fishing accessibility has been minimized in order to maintain a low level of fishing pressure.

Upon CCFPD’s acquisition of the preserve, the IDNR had expressed an interest in using Shadow Lake as a passive fish breeding lake for native Sangamon River fish species deemed in decline. Rock Bass, Warmouth, and Brown Bullheads have

11 been released into the lake, with plans for additional species. Unfortunately, these efforts to date have not resulted in any measurable success. These species have not been observed in subsequent surveys, and the IDNR biologist suspects this may be due to the abundant and well-established populations of largemouth bass and bluegill and the relative lack of fish habitat in the lake (Trent Thomas, pers. comm.).

The frequency of flooding has not greatly impacted the nutrient levels within the lake or affected water quality in general. The inflow of new sediment from the river, seasonal water level fluctuations affected by river and ground water levels, and the occasional inflow of river water will create mud flats and shore habitats suitable for a rich variety of emergent and wetland plant life and associated invertebrates. This type of habitat is very beneficial to an array of wildlife, including migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammal species.

The dikes separating the Sangamon from Shadow Lake were built for the purpose of mining. The future integrity of the dikes is in question and was addressed in the 2004 report:

“The dike structures along the Sangamon River, along the east and north sides of Shadow Lake, will deserve continued discussion and investigation. The comments in this section are based upon assumptions and expectations about the frequency of river floodwaters into the lake and the long-term integrity of the dike structures. It would be prudent for the forest preserve to monitor annual river levels closely and investigate the legal aspects of potential remedial actions to strengthen or modify the dikes. Sooner or later, portions of the dikes will fail. The resulting impacts on the lake's aquatic life and recreational opportunities could be significant. There are many issues that need to be discussed and researched further. A few of these include increased sediment dumping in the lake, a shift of the river channel through the lake, river water gaining access to deeper levels of the underground water table, and increased stresses on the causeway dike, that separates the lakes, due to currents and uneven lake levels.”

Sunset Lake

Sunset Lake, at 145 acres, is the largest lake in Champaign County and has a maximum depth of 54 feet with an average of 19 feet. Water clarity is better than most lakes in east central Illinois. Sand and gravel mining came to an end on Sunset Lake in 2008. Mining activities from further downstream still impact the lake because the separating operation is located on Sunset Lake. Lake water quality assessments began in 1999 under the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program through the efforts of Forest Preserve District staff members. Overall, the water quality can be described as very good and represents a unique and healthy ecosystem (Appendix L). Barring redirected surface water from the housing development to the south/southeast, the lake is well-buffered from outside sources of water contaminants. An assessment of the macro invertebrate community was undertaken in June 2003 by Dave Soucek, INHS (Appendix M).

Informal aquatic plant assessments find the lake to have a number of beneficial species. Owing to the nature of the lake’s creation, there are a relatively small

12 percentage of shallow water habitats suitable for submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation growth. The lake is also relatively poor in biotic nutrients. The lake, with many potential unfilled ecological niches and/or underutilized nutrients, is vulnerable to invasive species brought in with fishing boats. This was a key factor in the decision to exclude boats with gas engines and live wells from the lake. Noise and wake were additional factors. Wave action created by the wind is already contributing to shoreline erosion, and use of gas motors would greatly increase this phenomenon.

The latest Lake Management Status Report, filed by IDNR Fisheries Manager Mike Garthaus in 2009, states that the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fisheries are of high quality. White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) populations were dramatically less represented in the latest survey compared to previous years, raising concerns about overharvest. The issue of crappie overharvest has been addressed by imposing limits on this species. Before 2007, no limit was in place, but in 2007 a catch limit for all crappie in both lakes at River Bend was approved by the CCFPD Board of Commissioners. This new restriction of 9-inch minimum length and 15 fish daily was further limited to 10 fish daily in 2008.

In order to improve fishing success, fish structure has been added to the lake in the form of discarded evergreen trees through the CCFPD Treecycle program, PVC structures provided by the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League, and large tree stumps that were removed from Lake of the Woods Golf Course (Appendix N). Artificial pond weeds have been attached to a new fishing pier in the lake. While these elements provide some cover for fish, fish habitat could be greatly improved with the addition of native aquatic vegetation. Establishment of aquatic vegetation is addressed as a project plan within this management plan.

E. Listed Species

There is currently no record of a state or federally listed threatened or endangered species permanently residing at River Bend. However, the presence of threatened and endangered species has been noted in the vicinity of the preserve. The state-endangered Salamander Mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua) has been recorded upstream at Lake of the Woods (Chris Phillips 2000). Sangamon phlox (Phlox pilosa sangamonensis) is present in adjoining and nearby sites. State-listed birds have been known to utilize the lakes of River Bend during the spring migration (B. Chato, R. Capel pers. comm.). Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), and least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) have been observed at the site.

F. Flora

The notable flora of River Bend is covered in the Terrestrial Communities section of this document. A list of observed flora of the site can be found in Appendix H.

G. Fauna

River Bend is home to typical fauna of the area. Species lists for birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates can be found in the appendices. Lists are not considered absolute. The presence of eight reptiles and nine amphibians was recorded 13 in a 2003 field survey of the site (Olson 2004) (Appendix O). Frogs have been further monitored at through the volunteer Frog Call Survey program, confirming the presence of frog species through subsequent years (Appendix P). The two lists of birds observed at River Bend include the historic records of Robert Chapel (Appendix Q) as well as a one-day snapshot provided by Beth Chato (Appendix R). Bird and bat boxes have been installed at River Bend over the years. Dedicated volunteers have monitored bluebird nest boxes throughout the preserve, taking note of the bluebirds, tree sparrows, and house wrens that inhabit them.

For a thorough review of mammals that may be found at River Bend, see Donald Hoffmeister’s “Mammals of Illinois” (1989). Of the mammals present, deer may play the greatest role in resource management activities at River Bend. Deer browse on the foliage of young trees is a management concern in areas which have been direct seeded. Planted trees require protection from deer rubbing for several years following placement.

IV. Cultural Resource Profile and Inventory

Cultural components from several time periods, including Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian, have been found at River Bend. Artifacts originating from the site include several projectile points and grooved axes. A state-recognized memorial mound sits near the 9-11 Memorial Woodland. Care has been taken to avoid planting on the mound, and natural regeneration is currently taking place.

V. Infrastructure Impacting Natural Resources

River Bend has had minimal development, and therefore has little infrastructure impacting natural resources. Interpretive signs will need to be prepped prior to any prescribed burns in the vicinity. Outflow pipes from Sunset Lake and Shadow Lake to the Sangamon River will need to be maintained in order to ensure consistent water levels in the lakes. Bioswales and buffers in the boat ramp area will also need to be maintained to ensure proper function.

The Illinois State Geological Survey have installed monitoring wells on the south side of the dogleg field. The wells are used for geological and hydrogeological research of the Mahomet Aquifer. CCFPD and the Natural Resources department are not involved in the research beyond hosting the well site, but the monitoring wells will have to be accounted for when any management activities are planned near them.

Part Two: Management Approach

VI. Resource Base Critical Issues

A. Strengths

The large size and exceptional water quality of Sunset Lake make it stand out in Champaign County. The land along the Sangamon River hosts a diverse floodplain forest that benefits from the extra layer of protection provided through its registration as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve. The Sangamon itself is listed as a Biologically Significant Stream and is known for its high mussel diversity. Trees directly seeded into areas of past agricultural use are growing well and will eventually increase the diversity and quality of forested land on the site, and will potentially increase Sangamon River water quality.

Volunteers currently help with monitoring efforts at River Bend. The previously mentioned frog call surveys and bluebird box monitoring and maintenance previously mentioned are valuable volunteer contributions to the preserve. Volunteers have also reliably shared bird sighting information with CCFPD staff.

B. Weaknesses

The disturbance resulting from mining activities has left poor soil conditions that impede desired native plant establishment in many areas. The lakes are low in quality native aquatic vegetation. Exotic invasive plant species are prevalent at the site. The River Bend Preserve would not exist without a generous donation by the sand and gravel company, nor would the largest lake in the county exist without the activities of mining. So, some of the greatest strengths of River Bend are also part of its greatest weaknesses.

C. Opportunities

Opportunities exist for many monitoring, census, and inventory projects at River Bend. Forest inventories would allow for a better understanding of existing conditions and aid in management decisions to improve the quality and diversity of the current forested resource. A systematic or random inventory could be done in order to get a better idea of what species are present at what size classes and at what density.

Any additional information the Forest Preserve District could gather on fishermen habits, preferences, or daily catches would be useful in management decisions. A long- term creel survey of the area would be best. Staff within the IDNR and Illinois Natural History Survey would be able to help the CCFPD establish a creel survey protocol.

The steep banks along the lakes at River Bend present a threat to safety and limit access to the lake. Decreasing the grade of many of these banks will increase the area available for safe recreation, including fishing and wildlife watching. It will also increase the areas available to establish native shoreline vegetation that will benefit water quality and aquatic habitat

Much of the land surrounding River Bend remains forested, in agriculture, or in additional sand and gravel mining operation. All of these land uses are compatible with preservation and restoration goals of the CCFPD, and any properties surrounding River Bend should be considered for future purchase. Additional properties along the Sangamon also increase recreation opportunities including fishing and canoeing or kayaking.

For several years the lakes of River Bend were enrolled in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Volunteer Lake Management Program. Monitoring has declined in recent years. Reinstatement of the program should be a priority so that long-term data can be accumulated.

D. Threats

At the property level there is a major concern for the further spread of existing exotics or the introduction of new exotic invasive species.

Beyond the property, threats exist in the form of development near the preserve as well as any development upstream that might impact the quality or quantity of the Sangamon River as it passes through River Bend. As mining of sand and gravel discontinues in the areas surrounding River Bend, land will be available for altered use. As stated in the Opportunities section, one desired use would be to add to the preserved land of River Bend. However, the possibility of subdivision or other development is high. With increased development comes the threat of increased stormwater runoff, air and water pollution, invasive species introductions, and encroachment. All efforts should be made to minimize over-land run off into the lake from urban areas. Further, restrictions should be made banning any storm water runoff into the lake in any form.

The stretch of the Sangamon River that runs through River Bend is downstream from several wastewater treatment sites that discharge into the river. This has resulted in many exceedences of fecal coliform in the river at all levels of flow; therefore the Sangamon is impaired for recreational use as listed in IEPA’s 2006 303(d) list.

The dike structures, being in such close proximity to the Sangamon River, create unique management concerns for the Forest Preserve District. The east and north edges of the lake and dikes fall within the Sangamon River Land and Water Reserve zone. This restricts the development of roadways, other infrastructure, or designed public usage. The integrity of the dike structures and possible future scenarios are discussed in the Aquatic Resources section of the management plan.

VII. CCFPD Natural Resources Department Management Plan Goals, Objectives, and Tasks

Goal 1: Increase Biodiversity

Objective 1.1 - Restore habitats to the high quality ecosystems that were originally represented. Task 1.1.1 - Identify and prioritize areas to be restored. Task 1.1.2 - Determine restoration type based on historical data. Task 1.1.3 - Use local ecotype plants and seed during restoration.

Objective 1.2 - Create habitats that are vital to biological sustainability Task 1.2.1 - Identify areas that crucial habitat types that can be created. Task 1.2.2 - Ensure that created habitats will be sustainable in identified areas.

Objective 1.3 - Remediate damaged or lost habitat and wildlife populations due to development or overuse. Task 1.3.1 - Implement best management practices to restore flora and fauna to damaged areas. Task 1.3.2 - Reintroduce feasible extirpated species.

Goal 2: Reinstate Natural Processes

Objective 2.1 - Restore and maintain continuity of surface water systems. Task 2.1.1 - Identify and lawfully remove artificial drainage in restoration areas. Task 2.1.2 - Protect and enhance existing aquatic natural areas. Task 2.1.3 - Where appropriate construct or enhance aquatic systems for habitat.

Objective 2.2 - Continue to use and re-establish natural habitat disturbance regimes to enhance floral and faunal diversity. Task 2.2.1 - Develop burn, mowing, or grazing plans for habitats District property. Task 2.2.2 - Implement land management practices that mimic natural disturbance regimes.

Goal 3: Minimize Negative Impacts on Biological, Cultural, and Geological Features

Objective 3.1 - Eradicate exotic plants and animals and control invasive native plants and animals that have a negative impact on biodiversity. Task 3.1.1 - Identify and map invasive and exotic flora and fauna. Task 3.1.2 - Establish a work plan for exotic and invasive reduction. Task 3.1.3 - Develop and maintain up to date public information and educational materials on invasive and exotic plants and animals. Task 3.1.4 - Develop ordinances, guidelines and public requests to help alleviate the negative impacts of invasive and exotic species.

Objective 3.2 - Manage development and use of landholdings. Task 3.2.1 - Control visitor access to sensitive areas by utilizing appropriate structures, signage, conservation designations and public education. Task 3.2.2 - Decrease habitat degradation and fragmentation through sound operation and development practices. Task 3.2.4 - Develop an in-house environmental impact assessment to be carried out prior to the development of any infrastructure.

Task 3.2.5 - Make management plans and pertinent biological information available to staff and public. Task 3.2.6 - Explore additional conservation designations for environmentally sensitive areas if they afford appropriate protections. Task 3.2.7 – Define and protect archaeological and cultural aspects. Task 3.2.8 - Compile and protect known geological attributes on CCFPD lands.

VIII. Resource Management Plans By Project

Individual Project Plan

Project Title: Direct Seeding Maintenance Project Number: 290-10 Location: River Bend

Description: Please refer to the map in Appendix E.

The authors of “Site Planning and Management Strategies for the River Bend Forest Preserve” (2004) suggested that much of the preserve be reforested:

“Considering the relative small size of the site, and the presence of the Sangamon River forming the north boundary, the most logical direction would be toward steering the whole area toward forest. This path would be appropriate for most of the soil types and fits with the region’s current and historical role of a forested river corridor.”

Approximately 20.5 acres have been direct seeded with hardwood trees and shrubs at River Bend. Direct seeded areas include the dogleg field (8 acres planted), the lower tier (2.85 acres planted), the upper tier (2.75 acres planted), and the 9-11 Memorial Woodland and surrounding fields (7.0 acres planted). The 9-11 Memorial Woodland and surrounding fields were seeded in 2004, left to grow with minimal maintenance, and are currently in competition with old field succession weeds. The dogleg field was planted in the spring of 2006, was sprayed prior to budbreak the first year, was mowed between rows to decrease weed competition in the summer of 2007, and is currently in competition with old field succession weeds. The upper and lower tiers were direct seeded in fall of 2008 and were mowed between rows in the summer of 2009.

Mowing between rows should continue for the upper and lower tier until trees are sufficiently tall enough to out-compete weeds. Invasive woody species such as bush honeysuckle (Lonicera sp). and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) should be removed from rows. A reticulating saw could be used to shorten weeds above seedlings and prevent them from seeding as well. Rows are more difficult to identify in the remaining areas.

Herbicide treatments will be necessary to control weeds for several years, and use will be dependent on spring flooding. Several herbicides are available for pre- and post-emergent control of grasses and broadleaf weeds, including oxyfluoron and sulfometuron methyl. Herbicide treatments should vary in order to reduce the proliferation of herbicide-resistant weed biotypes and to address any changing weed species composition (e.g. mixed broadleaf and grass weeds transitioning to grass dominance). Broadcast spraying of the dogleg field may result in better visibility of seedlings and enable at least some mowing to curb weedy competition. Honeysuckle, autumn olive, and Siberian elm will need to be cut out or foliar sprayed in all areas to ensure that the rapid growth of these exotic invasives does not shade out seedlings.

Many tree plantings are of sufficient height ( about 6’) by year three to be left on their own until thinning is necessary in year nine or ten. However, due to the poor quality of soils in the direct-seeded areas at River Bend, treatment will most likely be necessary throughout the five years covered by this management plan.

Annual inspection of direct-seeded areas will follow the guidelines provided in the Illinois Direct Seeding Handbook, Section 8-10. The current Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Practice Standard for a woodland direct seeding is 652 seedlings/acre. The 9-11

Memorial Woodland and dogleg field were inspected in 2008 and found to be in compliance with the standard. Inspection of the two tiers will begin in 2010.

The major costs for this project include fuel and herbicide.

Resource Management Goals and Objectives that Apply to Project:

Goal 1: Increase Biodiversity Objective 1.2 Create habitats that are vital to biological sustainability.

Goal 3: Minimize Negative Impacts on Biological, Cultural, and Geological Features Objective 3.2 Manage development and use of landholdings. .

Impact assessment Minimum impact is expected. No known cultural attributes are noted for the area.

Individual Project Plan

Project Title: Invasive Plant Control Project Number: 270-10 Location: River Bend

Description: Please refer to the map in Appendix S.

More than 50 acres of floodplain forest at River Bend is critically threatened by bush honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.). The initial area of management (~12.5 acres in Phase 1) extends from the wooded area off the northeast tip of the dogleg field southwestward along the Sangamon to the bend back north. This area is lightly infested in the extreme northeast. Moving toward the southwest there are areas thick with native shrubs, including paw paw (Asimina triloba), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), and bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia).

Once honeysuckle has been controlled in the initial area, management will continue to the west (~9.5 acres in Phase 2) and cover all the forested area south of the Sangamon River and north of the boat ramp area, including the woods encompassing the two tiers that have been direct seeded with a variety of native tree and shrub species (~30 acres in Phase 3).

Due to the uneven terrain and presence of some high quality native shrubs and forbs, much of the honeysuckle removal will have to be done manually. There is a possibility of using the forestry mower in some of the flatter and less diverse areas. Stumps should be treated with an appropriately-mixed glyphosate product approved for use near water. Much of the cut brush may be left where cut, as removal will be difficult. Where feasible, brush may be piled for burning. Follow-up treatment of foliar spraying, mowing or burning of any resprouts will be necessary for up to three years following initial management. After control is established, locally-collected native shrub, grass, and wildflower seed should be incorporated in areas where honeysuckle infestation was thick enough to decimate native flora. In areas of light infestation, native flora should be able to expand its coverage of the forest floor. Monitoring will be ongoing. The project will be deemed successful when each management unit can be monitored and eradicated of honeysuckle in one day annually.

Other exotic invasive species that may be controlled in the process of this project include autumn olive (Eleagnus umbellata), osage orange (Maclura pomifera) tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Major costs will include staff hours, fuel, and herbicide.

Resource Management Goals and Objectives that Apply to Project:

Goal 1: Increase Biodiversity Objective 1.1 Restore habitats to the high-quality ecosystems that were originally represented.

Goal 3: Minimize Negative Impacts on Biological, Cultural, and Geological Features Objective 3.1 Eradicate exotic plants and animals and control invasive native plants and animals that have a negative impact on biodiversity.

Impact assessment Removal and careful herbicide use will have minimal impact on native flora and fauna.

Individual Project Plan

Project Title: Fisheries Improvement Project Number: 280-10 Location: River Bend

Description: Please refer to the map in Appendix T.

The lakes of River Bend are an important fishery resource for Champaign County, with good water quality and healthy ecosystems. However, improvements are desired and will be pursued. In keeping with the original 2004 plan for the site, the following information should be noted:

“Owing to the nature of the lake’s creation, there is a relatively small percentage of shallow water habitats suitable for submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation growth. The lake is also relatively poor in biotic nutrients. Efforts to introduce additional plant species are strongly recommended. Increased diversity of wetland and aquatic plants could accomplish a number of benefits. These would include acceleration of nutrients through the food chain, improved fish breeding and rearing habitat, bank stabilization, and aesthetics. A sampling of species, suggested for various purposes, includes sweet flag (Acorus calamus), blue flag iris (Iris virginica shrevei), bulrushes (Scirpus spp.), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), spatterdock (Nuphar advena), and wild celery (Apium graveolens), to name a few. A robust and diverse native plant species community would also help protect the system from a rapid infestation by invasive/alien aquatic plant species, or even from beneficial, intentionally-introduced species becoming too successful, hence a nuisance. The lake, with many potential unfilled ecological niches and/or underutilized nutrients, would be quite vulnerable to invasive species brought in with the expected influx of fishing boats.”

Efforts to improve the aquatic habitat at River Bend will be in cooperation with IDNR. Mike Mounce and Mike Garthaus have experience in aquatic vegetation establishment, have provided valuable information, and will remain partners throughout the process.

Introduction and establishment of emergent and submergent plants will begin in the cove west of the boat ramp. An early step in the process of establishing emergent plants is to remove undesirable Phragmites from the shoreline using a glyphosate product. After control of Phragmites has been established on CCFPD land, it would be prudent to contact the mining company to discuss controlling Phragmites on sections of the lake we have not taken ownership of yet so that source populations are not left. Following control, emergent plants such as iris, swamp dock (Rumex verticillatus), three-square bulrush (Scirpus americanus), and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) can be planted. Due to the abundance of steep banks on the lakes, locations will have to be carefully scouted and chosen. Enclosures may be necessary to protect some plants from deer browse. Submergent plants such as wild celery should be protected by enclosures to shelter them from browse by turtles and carp until they are robust enough to persist.

Floating islands will be created to provide habitat, improve water quality, and protect shores from wave action and erosion. Islands will be created using PVC, coconut fiber, and landscape fabric. Islands will initially be planted with sedge species, with additional species added after establishment. Many of the techniques used in vegetation establishment are still in the early phases of development, and so some trial and error may be needed in order to obtain desired results.

Major costs for this project will include staff hours and materials.

Resource Management Goals and Objectives that Apply to Project:

Goal 1: Increase Biodiversity Objective 1.2 Create habitats that are vital to biological sustainability.

Goal 3: Minimize Negative Impacts on Biological, Cultural, and Geological Features Objective 3.2 Manage development and use of landholdings, .

Impact assessment Given that minimal habitat reestablishment has occurred throughout the project area, minimum impact is expected. No known cultural attributes are noted for the area.

References for Site Geology and Soils Section

Anderson, R.C., 1960, Sand and Gravel Resources of Champaign County, Illinois; Illinois State Geological Survey Circular 294, 15 p.

Hansel, A.K., and Johnson, W.H., 1996, Wedron and Mason Groups: Lithostratigraphic Reclassification of Deposits of the Wisconsin Episode, Lake Michigan Lobe Area: Illinois State Geological Survey Bulletin 104, 116 p.

Kemmis, T. and Mehnert, E., 2004, The Geology and Hydrology of the River Bend Forest Preserve Area, Mahomet, Champaign County, Illinois: Site Planning and Management Strategies for the River Bend Forest Preserve, 100 p.

Mount, H.R., 1982, Soil Survey of Champaign County, Illinois: United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, 178 p. plus 144 map sheets.

Piskin, K., and Bergstrom, R.E., 1975, Glacial Drift in Illinois: Thickness and Character: Illinois State Geological Survey Circular 416, 35 p.

Wickham, J.T., 1979, Glacial Geology of North-Central and Western Champaign County, Illinois: Illinois State Geological Survey Circular 506, 30 p.

Appendix A – Champaign County Forest Preserves River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix B – River Bend Map River Bend Forest Preserve

Property Boundary*

*Substantial effort has been made to ensure accuracy. The Champaign County Recorder of Deeds is responsible for accurate recording and indexing of land records.

Sangamon River

Sunset Lake

Shadow Lake Appendix C – 1820 Plat Map River Bend Forest Preserve

US Surveyor General’s Records for Illinois, “Federal Township Plats,” Record Series 953.012, Illinois State Archives. Digital images originally developed with a Library Services and Technology Act grant awarded to the Illinois State

Archives and administered by the Illinois State Library.

Appendix D – 1857 Plat Map River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix E – Direct Seeded Areas River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix F – Soil Survey River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix G – Flooding Frequency River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix H – Flora of River Bend River Bend Forest Preserve

Scientific Name Common Name(s) Acer saccharinum Silver maple Alianthus altissima Tree of heavenIS Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustardIS Allium canadense Wild garlic Arabis shortii Rockcress sp. Arisaema dracontium Green dragon Asarum canadense Wild ginger Asimina triloba Paw paw Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s purse Carex amphibola Eastern narrowleaf sedge Carex blanda Common or Eastern woodland sedge Oval-headed sedge, short-headed bracted Carex cephalaphora sedge, wood-bank sedge Carex cristatella Crested sedge Carex davisii Davis' sedge Carex glaucodea Blue sedge Carex grayii Gray's sedge Carex grisea Wood gray sedge, narrowleaf sedge Carex jamesii James' sedge, grass sedge Carex stipata Awlfruit sedge Celtis occidentalis Hackberry Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush Cercis canadensis Redbud Chaerophyllum procumbens Carrot sp. Coronilla varia Crown Vetch Crataegus mollis Downy hawthorn Cryptotaenia canadensis Honewort Dactylis glommerata Orchard grass Dipsacus syvestris, D. laciniatus Teasel sp.IS Elaeagnus umbellata Autumn oliveIS Ellisia nyctelea Aunt Lucy, waterpod Elymus canadensis Canada wild rye Erigeron philidelphicus Common fleabane Euonymus atropurpureus Eastern wahoo Eupatorium altissimum Tall boneset Festuca obtusa Fescue Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash Galium aparine Cleavers, bedstraw, goosegrass Gaura biennis Gaura Geum canadense White avens Gleditsia triancanthos Honeylocust Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky coffee tree Hydrophyllum appendiculatum Great waterleaf, appendaged waterleaf Appendix H – Flora of River Bend River Bend Forest Preserve

Hydrophyllum virginianum Virginia waterleaf Iodanthus pinnatifidus Purple rocket Isopyrum bitternatum False rue anemone Juglans nigra Black walnut Leersia oryzoides Rice cutgrass Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckleIS Lonicera sp. Bush honeysucklesIS Lysimachia nummularia Moneywort, creeping Jenny Maclura pomifera Osage-orange Melilotus alba, M. officinalis Sweet clover Menispermum canadense Common moonseed Mertensia virginica Virginia bluebells, Virginia cowslip Morus alba White mulberry Osmorhiza claytonii Sweet cicely Osmorhiza longistylis Aniseroot, longstyle sweetroot Pastinaca sativa Wild ParsnipIS Perideridia americana Wild dill, thicket parsley Phalaris arundinacea Reed canary grassIS Phlox divaricata Wild blue phlox, woodland phlox Phragmites australis Common Reed Physostegia virginiana Obedient plant, false dragon head Plantago virginica Virginia plantain, dwarf plantain Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poa sylvestris Woodland bluegrass Polygonatum commutatum Solomon’s seal Populus deltoides Eastern cottonwood Prunus serotina Wild black cherry Ptelea trifoliata Wafer-ash Quercus imbricaria Shingle oak Quercus muhlenbergii Chinkapin oak Quercus rubra Red oak Kidneyleaf buttercup, smallflower buttercup, Ranunculus abortivus littleleaf buttercup Ranunculus septentrionalis Swamp buttercup Ratibida pinnata Yellow coneflower Ribes missouriense Missouri gooseberry Rosa multiflora Multiflora roseIS Rubus occidentalis Black raspberry Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed susan Rudbeckia triloba Brown-eyed susan Salix exigua Sandbar willow Salix nigra Black willow Sanicula gregaria Clustered or gregarious black snakeroot Appendix H – Flora of River Bend River Bend Forest Preserve

Sedum ternatum Wild stonecrop Senecio glabellus Butterweed Smilacina stellata Starry false Solomon’s seal Smilax ecirrhata Upright carrionflower, greenbriar Smilax hispida Bristly greenbriar Smilax lasioneura Blue ridge carrionflower, greenbriar Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod Sphenopholis sp. Wedge grass Staphylea trifoliata American bladdernut Thlaspi arvense Field pennycress Tilia americana American basswood Toxicodendron radicans Poison ivy Trillium recurvatum Prairie trillium, bloody butcher Ulmus americana American elm Ulmus pumila Siberian elmIS Ulmus rubra Slippery elm Verbena hastata Blue vervain Verbena stricta Hoary vervain Vernonia sp. Ironwood species Veronica peregrina Purslane speedwell, neckweed Viburnum prunifolium Black haw Viola pratincola Common blut violet Viola pubescens Downy yellow violet Vitis vulpina Frost grape, winter grape Zizia aureus Golden alexanders IS = Invasive at River Bend Appendix I – National Wetlands Inventory River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix J – Mussels of the Sangamon River River Bend Forest Preserve

( Cummings and Mayer 2003)

Appendix K – Lakes of River Bend Bathymetry River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix L – Lake Monitoring Results River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix M – Invertebrates River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix N – Fish Structure Maps River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix O – Herpetofaunal Survey River Bend Forest Preserve

Technical Report # 002‐04

2003 Summary of Activities for ‘A Herpetofaunal Survey of the River Bend Forest Preserve’

Made possible from 2002 Small Wildlife Preservation Fund Grant #03‐044W

Presented by:

Daniel J. Olson

Presented to:

Champaign County Forest Preserve District

The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Appendix O – Herpetofaunal Survey River Bend Forest Preserve

2003 Summary of Activities for ‘A Herpetofaunal Survey of the River Bend Forest Preserve’

OVERVIEW

Over the past decade there has been increasing concern over the worldwide decline and extinctions of

amphibians. Several causes have been cited for the declines, but controversy still exists because there is limited

historical data on amphibian populations. However, most studies cite human influenced habitat loss, degradation, and

fragmentation as the leading causes of the declines and extinctions. Recently, similar trends have been recorded for

several species of reptile. Therefore, it has become vital to collect current data on the status of reptiles and amphibians

from pristine areas as well as areas impacted by human activity. In 2001, I received permission from the Champaign

County Forest Preserve District to do a herpetofaunal survey at the River Bend Forest Preserve District in Mahomet,

Illinois, U.S.A. In 2002, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded a Small Wildlife Preservation Fund Grant

for a one‐year survey of reptiles and amphibians. Later that year, a preliminary survey, and map were completed. In

2003, trapping and search efforts were increased and standardized. A summary report for the Illinois Department of

Natural Resources was completed at the end of the granting period in June of 2003.

The newly acquired River Bend Preserve has many natural features that make it an ideal area to survey reptiles and amphibians. First, the geology of the area consists of gravel and sand loam substrate, which is somewhat unique to central Illinois. Second, the Preserve has been actively mined for sand and gravel for several decades. This activity has produced two very large and exceptionally clean lakes. Third, the Sangamon River borders the Preserve to the north. This stretch of river has been enrolled in the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission’s Land and Water Reserve Program. All of these features make it an ideal area to conduct surveys for reptiles and amphibians.

There were two main objectives for this survey. The first objective was to collect current biodiversity data in order to determine if species of special concern occur at this site, to establish new geographic distributions, and to provide baseline data for future studies. The second objective was to find and map biologically important areas for reptiles and amphibians in order to make sound future management decisions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The majority of the survey occurred during the spring and summer of 2003. We sampled lentic and lotic

aquatic habitat, woodlands, and old fields throughout the Preserve. We implemented five capture methods for the

animals. 1). Hoop nets were used to capture aquatic turtles and smaller bait nets for the capture of larval amphibians,

2). Dip nets for all species, 3). Frog call surveys, 4). Visual encounter surveys (VES), 5). Artificial cover objects (ACO)

for capturing snakes. A subset of individuals were examined for physical deformities, measured, weighed, and marked.

All individuals were immediately released at the point of capture. Where possible, the results are

Appendix O – Herpetofaunal Survey River Bend Forest Preserve

presented in a number of individuals captured per trap hour or per panel check for comparisons with other studies.

RESULTS

General

We found a total of eight species of reptile and nine species of amphibian in 2003 (Table 1). We did not find any threatened or endangered species during the survey.

Anurans

Most of our Anuran records are from VES and Frog Call Surveys. We observed eight species of frogs and toads

on all areas surveyed (Table 1). In addition, we observed several thousand frog and toad larvae in breeding pools. We

also used small bait nets in one ephemeral pool for the capture of Anuran larvae. We captured 17 second year bullfrog

tadpoles and 7 first year bullfrog tadpoles (0.18 captures / trap hour).

Table 1‐ Species of Frogs and Toads Surveyed at the River Bend Forest Preserve in Champaign County Illinois in 2003.

Common Name Species

American Toad Bufo americanus

Fowler’s Toad Bufo woodhouseii fowleri

Bullfrog Rana catesbieana

Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans

Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala

Plains Leopard Frog Rana blairi

Western Chorus Frog Pseudacris triseriata

Spring Peeper Hyla crucifer

Caudata

During our survey, we did not find evidence of any salamanders. However, not recording them on this survey is

not surprising. Salamanders are a very secretive and fossorial animal, and the most common salamander (smallmouth

salamander, Ambystoma texanum) breeds very late in the winter. Our search efforts were not during the height of

salamander breeding when they would most likely be seen. However, we recently received word that an adult

smallmouth salamander was found at the site by Steve Buck (Natural Areas Manager for the University of Illinois) and

John Bouseman (Retired Illinois Natural History Survey). This salamander is common in other areas in the county and

likely has a breeding population at River Bend.

Appendix O – Herpetofaunal Survey River Bend Forest Preserve

Serpentes

River Bend is home to at least four species of snakes. The majority of our snake captures were from artificial cover objects. The only species not captured using ACO was the northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon). These objects are 10’ X 2’ sheets of corrugated barn roofing that lay flat to the ground. Snakes take refuge under the ACO as they are heated by the sun, or slowly cool down at night. We captured three species of snake using ACO (Table 2). Specifically, captures of snakes per panel per check equaled 0.44. The average snout‐vent lengths (SVL) are given for comparison to other studies. We did not capture any snakes during our VES, but we did anecdotally see all four species while working at River Bend.

Table 2‐ Species of Snakes Surveyed at the River Bend Forest Preserve in Champaign County Illinois in 2003.

Common Name Scientific Name # Captured Mean S.V.L. (cm)

Brown Snake 14 25.12 Storeria dekayi

Common Garter Thamnophis sirtalis 14 38.81

Fox Snake Elaphe vulpina 4 77.50

Northern Water Nerodia sipedon 3 observed ‐‐‐‐

Testudines

We captured a total of 29 individuals of four different species of turtle at River Bend (Table 3). The number of turtle captures per trap hour (hoop nets) on the Sangamon River and Shadow Lake was 0.06. All but one of the turtles were captured by hoop nets. Interestingly, we had no captures of turtles along the steep banks of the lakes. All of our captures came from areas that have shallow habitat such as the mud flats found on the southeast side of Shadow Lake. Shallow areas are more suitable habitat for many of the turtles found there. The mean carapace length (CL) and weight of turtles are given for comparison.

Table 3‐ Species of Turtles Surveyed at the River Bend Forest Preserve in Champaign County Illinois in 2003. Common Name Scientific Name # Captured Mean C.L. (cm) Mean Wt. (g)

Red‐eared Slider Trachemys scripta 20 19.50 1220

Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta 6 14.00 401 Common Snapping Chelydra serpentina 2 29.50 ‐‐‐‐

Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera 1 26.20 1678

Appendix O – Herpetofaunal Survey River Bend Forest Preserve

DISCUSSION

In general, River Bend has the most common species that are typically found in central Illinois. However,

there is a lack of suitable breeding areas for many of the species that reside there. Although we found several

thousand toad larvae, they were all found in essentially the same area. Toads, like many other amphibian species,

are strict ephemeral pool breeders. In the absence of these pools they will often lay eggs in marginal habitat and

often the brood is lost. Many species of frogs, toads, and salamanders would benefit from having several more

ephemeral pool areas in which to breed. Due to the physical nature of the lakes, most of the shoreline is extremely

steep and unstable. This poses a particular problem for reptiles (especially turtles). Turtles need easy access to

upland areas in which to lay eggs. Only banks that are gently sloping and easy to traverse will be used for nesting

purposes. Most of the lakeshore of both lakes is not conducive to nesting. We are happy to announce that we will continue to monitor River Bend for several years. In 2004 we plan on increasing efforts to find and monitor salamanders at the site. We also hope to do more sampling for turtles in the River.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I greatly appreciate the original financial support from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Small Wildlife Preservation Fund in 2002. With that support, we were able to purchase equipment that was used in 2003. I would also like to thank the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission for allowing me to carry out the survey. I also thank Kristina Hubert, Kim Cambron, Tony Ranvestel, Mike Daab, and Laura Mitzel for volunteering time to help with the survey.

Appendix P – Frog Call Survey Locations River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix Q – Historic Bird List River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix P – Historic Bird List River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix R – 2002 Brief Bird List River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix S – Invasive Removal River Bend Forest Preserve

Appendix T – Fisheries Improvement River Bend Forest Preserve

Exotic plant removal and native plant establishment

Floating islands