Carlyle Lake Trail Plan - HeartLands Conservancy

Purpose: Work regionally to protect agricultural, forest and other
natural lands in order to provide for open space, landscape diversity,
sustainable agriculture, wildlife habitat, and conservation benefits
for present and future generations.
Conservation of Open Space 2010 Highlights
We’re fortunate in southwestern Illinois to
enjoy a wealth of very unique natural areas,
including the American Bottom along the
Mississippi River, the karst-sinkhole plain
region in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph
counties, the Kaskaskia Bottom, which
includes remnants of the nearly depleted
post-oak flatwoods, as well as over 1,000,000
acres of prime farmland.
Our Conservation of Open Space
program area is in place to provide the
tools necessary for landowners, local units
of government, conservation partnerships
and state-federal agencies to meet their
land conservation goals. Tools may include
land acquisition, conservation or agricultural
easements, or enrollment in any of a number
of state or federal programs.
Beyond land protection, this program also
encourages stewardship of these important
resources, as well as long-term monitoring of
these sites; ensuring that ecological values
are maintained in perpetuity. Often we must
also work on policy issues with other national
or Illinois-based land trusts to ensure that
land conservation programs remain funded
during these trying economic times.
We must cultivate opportunities directed at
getting more individuals actively engaged
in these wildly important resource areas.
As such, we’ve developed quarterly
treks and invasive species removal events,
and are currently working on developing a
series of “signature sites” within the region.
These sites will be open to the public and
will also thoroughly interpret the resource(s)
found within the location. Sign up for our
newsletter and e-updates in order to be kept
up to date on all of these events.
Visit www.swircd.org to
view upcoming events and
volunteer opportunities!
1. The High Valley property, owned by the
Village of Shiloh, is a 13-acre conservation
easement near the busy intersection of
Frank Scott Parkway and Green Mount
Road. Surrounded by development, this
property provides an important buffer to
the headwaters of Richland Creek, offering
home to a wide variety of plant and animal
species. As funding allows, the Village will
incorporate a trail on the site.
2. Utilizing a “first-in-Illinois” innovation in
land conservation, Clifftop (www.clifftopalliance.
org) and the RC&D have successfully purchased,
and now own and steward the 475-acre
White Rock Tract in southern Monroe County,
just south of Valmeyer along Bluff Road. The
property contains a mosaic of hill prairies,
limestone glades, upland forest, and is home to
several threatened or endangered species. The
tract will become a registered Nature Preserve
with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.
In about a year, White Rock Nature Preserve will be opened to the public for foot-traffic only.
Cover Photo: A pileated woodpecker feeing her young (Tom Rollins, Thomas Rollins Photography) Photos: Top - High Valley Easement in Shiloh, IL (Mari Castello). Bottom: Shelf fungi at the White Rock Tract (Tom Rollins, Thomas Rollins Photography)
Foster Livable & Sustainable Communities
Photo: Fayetteville Float Trek on the Kaskaskia River
(William Freeman)
As a society, we’ve placed more pressure on
our air, land & water resources over the past
50 years than at any other time in recorded
history. Unfortunately, with a growing
population and unpredictable outcomes for
phenomenons such as climate change, if
not addressed soon our situation may grow
worse.
Recognizing this need, Southwestern Illinois
Resource Conservation & Development has
taken the initiative to develop and grow our
Foster Livable & Sustainable
Communities program area.
Photo: William Freeman
Projects in this program area generate a
regional, science-based understanding of
the economic and ecological values of our
environmental resources.
Executing this understating through
innovative planning tools allows us to create
better alternative transportation routes and
local food initiatives, restore native habitat,
provide educational products for all interest
levels, and directly address air, land and
water concerns.
www.pedbikeimages.org/Dan Burden
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
1. Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development has been selected to facilitate
a working group to develop a water supply plan for the Kaskaskia River Watershed.
This is the third such water supply study within the State of Illinois (Northeastern; Mahomet
Aquifer) and will focus on projected supply data (through 2050) provided by the Illinois State
Water Survey, and demand forecasts provided by SIU Carbondale.
2. In September 2010, the RC&D finalized the Carlyle Lake Trail Plan. This long-term plan
provides many exciting opportunities for future users, such as interaction with many of the
lake’s unique environments. The large scale presented many challenges, with numerous
stakeholders required to work together towards implementation. The plan will bring much
needed access, connections and tourism dollars to this growing and vibrant region.
3. Looking for a new place to go birding, or perhaps for a scenic drive? The new Birding the
Bottomland map, developed by the Middle Mississippi River Partnership, offers both. This
map, which begins at the Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge division office in
Rockwood, takes visitors south for 60 miles to the Cape Bend State Fish & Wildlife Area. The
map highlights over 50 stops, both in Illinois and Missouri, and each site is identified by a
brown Mississippi Kite marker. The map can also be viewed at: www.midmiss.org.
4. The RC&D was selected as a member of a regional consortium of 11 organizations led by
East West Gateway Council of Governments to analyze existing land use, natural resources,
transportation and housing conditions and develop a regional sustainability plan. The
RC&D will focus on stormwater, alternative transportation, growth management, open space
conservation, and community outreach for the Metro-East. The funds were awarded by the
US Department of Housing and Urban Development under a first of its kind ‘Partnership
for Sustainable Communities’ including HUD, US Department of Transportation, and the US
Environmental Protection Agency.
Purpose: Further the protection of our resources through the
utilization of GIS technology, innovative planning processes, the
implementation of on-the-ground and educational projects that
restore and protect habitat, and promote the use of practices that
mitigate the potential impacts of climate change.

Southwestern Illinois
Resource Conservation & Development
406 East Main Street
Mascoutah, IL 62258
(618) 566-4451
www.swircd.org Address service requested:
printed on partially recyled paper
Dear Friends,
The greater St. Louis Metropolitan region has many challenges in front of it in order to be
recognized as a “green region”. In 2005, the Green Metro index ranked the region as 88th out
of 90 when analyzing a number of environmental quality parameters. More recently, the 2010
Green City Index ranked this area at 40th out of 43 regions across the country.
With major reductions in conservation spending proposed in both state and federal budgets,
nonprofits, communities and citizens must truly unite in our effort to create a more sustainable
future. Adoption of updated policies, changes in land use planning, community activism and
many other steps can be taken in an attempt to make our communities more livable. Also,
efforts to plan and act within watersheds, airsheds, viewsheds and foodsheds will yield far
greater results than efforts restricted within individual jurisdictional boundaries.
We look forward to assisting communities in their effort to meet the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The reward:
healthy, more vibrant communities that attract residents and businesses, driving a stronger
regional economy.
Jonathan McLean Dave Eustis
Jonathan McLean Dave Eustis
Board Chairman Executive Director
Photo: Preston Lacy
A Message From Our Coordinator: 2010 was a wonderful year for the RC&D, and despite the
nationwide economic downturn, our board, staff, friends and volunteers helped us reach new heights in our
achievements: we have invested over $17 million in conservation; we have permanently protected
over 4,750 acres (2011 will surely see us surpass 5,000!); and we have completed well over 375
projects since the organizations inception 21 years ago. I can’t wait to see what it in store for 2011.
Ed Weilbacher, USDA NRCS Coordinator
A Special Thank You To Our 2010 Donors & Volunteers
17th St. Bar & Grill > AB Gold > Larry & Linda Altmansberger > Oscar & Alicia Alverez > Arlington Greens - Collinsville
Area Recreation District > Kenneth Aud > Andy & Paula Ayers > Mark & Ann Badasch > Sarah Coffin & Mark Barnett >
Linda Beacham > Bee Hollow Market > Bel-Air/St. Clair Bowl > Belleville Shoe Company > Mary A. Biernot > The Bike
Surgeon > Stephen & Licia Black > Blue Sky Vineyard > Glen Bowers > Braeutigam’s Orchards > David & Marcia Braswell
> Ralph & Karen Buettner > Ted & Barb Castello > Laura Cohen > Commerce Bank > Keith & Christine Cook > Cotton
Babies > Crawling “E” Farm > Crystal and Spice Shoppe > The Cup > Curt Smiths Sporting Goods > Carl & Pen DauBach
> Dierberg’s > David Donley > Environmental Operations, Inc > Erato Wine Bar & Restaurant > Dave & Tamara Eustis >
Denise Evans > Marilyn Fahey > Christine Favilla > Melvin Feig > Paul & Karlene Feldker > Harlan Ferry > Dennis Fitzwilliam
> Fond > William Freeman > Frieze Harley-Davidson > Gateway Grizzlies > The Gathering Place > Grand Rental Station
> The Green Retreat > Edna T. Grench > Steve Gonzalez > Scott & Monica Harding > Lester Harnetiaux > Susan Hezel >
Hotshots Bar & Grill > Jennifer Howland > Benjamin Hudson > Miriam Huelsmann > JFires’ Market Bistro > Judith Joy >
Gary Karasek > Keller Farms > Darren & Carolyn Kehoe > Lisa Koerkenmeier > Ted Krauskopf > Mike & Jenny Krim > Kruse
Gardens > Nancy Larson > Ronda Latina > Jim Law > Lehr’s Vegetable Farm > George Luber > Laura Lyon > Mary Michelle
Winery - Illinois Cellars > Marcoot Jersey Farm & Creamery > Mariachi’s > Dr. Millie Mattfeldt-Beman > McArthur’s Bakery
> John & Virginia Mc Call > John McLean > Charlie Meier > Memory Lane Floral & Gifts > Missouri Botanical Garden > Mist
Day Spa > Jeff Moody - Williams Creek Consulting > Ray & Mitze Nitzsche > Jan Noble > Oregon Trail Roasting Company >
Mark Phipps > R Farm > Dr. Peter Raven > Regions Morgan Keegan Trust > Regions Bank > Rhutasel And Associates, Inc.
> Brad & Megan Riechmann > Haley & Dave Riechmann > Perry & JoAnn Riechmann > Mary K. Richter > Tom & Marian
Rollins - Thomas Rollins Photography > Agnes Ross > Margie Sawicki > Larry Scace > Zane Schneider > Schneider’s Quality
Meats > Schubert’s Packing Co > Shop N’ Save > St. Clair County Farm Bureau > Schaeffer Farms Nursery > Quinta Scott
> Shadycreek Nursery > The Village of Shiloh > Ned Siegel > U.S. Representative John Shimkus > Silver Creek Mill/
Trinity Services > Betty Sommer > St. Louis Cardinals > Barbara & Larry Taylor > Dave & Lisa Tiedemann > Tastefully
Simple Consultant Chris Toenjes > Tony’s Place > Topcats Mobile Music & Entertainment > Trader Joe’s > Gary Twesten >
Washington County Board > Waste Management > Pat Watkins > Ann Webster > Kathi & Ed Weilbacher > Wetlands Forever,
Inc. > Whole Foods Market > Richard & Sherrill Worthen > Darren & Tricia Van’t Hof > Village Kaffeehaus Market & Cafe
Our Mission
Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation &
Development advances the conservation of our
environmental resources to ensure a sustainable
quality of life, by creating and fostering
diverse partnerships, leveraging resources and
responding to emerging regional challenges.
Matt Willman - Bond County Board
Lester Harnetiaux - Bond County At-Large (Secretary)
Emily Hartmann - Bond County SWCD
Darrell Brink - Clinton County At-Large (Treasurer)
Edwin Varel - Clinton County SWCD
Lyle Michaels - Clinton County Board
Michael Fruth - Madison County At-Large
Ted Krauskopf - Madison County SWCD
Kelly Tracy - Madison County Board
Harvey Hoffmann - Monroe County At-Large
Ralph Buettner - Monroe County SWCD
Board of Directors
Our Vision
“Healthy and sustainable agricultural, natural
and social communities for current and future
generations.”
Mike Kovarik - Monroe County Board
Stephen Gonzalez - Randolph County Board
Vacant - Randolph County At-Large
Ray Nitzsche - Randolph County SWCD
Kevin Terveer - SIMAPC
Jonathan McLean - St. Clair County At-Lg (Chair)
Patricia Watkins - St. Clair County SWCD
C. David Tiedemann - St. Clair County Board
Glen Bowers - Washington County SWCD (Vice Chair)
David Droste - Washington County At-Large
Charles Meier - Washington County Board
Delivering environmental and conservation programs specific to the region’s needs;
ensuring open space, clean water, clean air and vibrant communities since 1989.
Staff
Dave Eustis Roberta LaSalvia Megan Riechmann Preston Lacy
Executive Director Accountant GIS Planner Environmental Planner
dave.eustis@swircd.org roberta.lasalvia@swircd.org megan.riechmann@swircd.org preston.lacy@swircd.org
Mary Ann Lopez Drake Mike Andreas Ed Weilbacher - USDA/NRCS Staff Member
Marketing & Event Coordinator Agricultural Engineer Coordinator
maryann.lopez@swircd.org (618)792-0748 ed.weilbacher@il.usda.gov
406 East Main Street l Mascoutah, IL 62258 l www.swircd.org
2010 Financial Review
56%
Foundations &
Private Giving
Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
Assets 2010* 2009*
Cash 1,353,048 6,540
Petty Cash 200 200
Certificate of Deposit 50,016 100,024
CD - TLC Stewardship Fund 33,009 32,203
Accounts Receivable 506,668 95,696
Fixed Assets 65,664 59,509
Land 1,727,800 4,600,000
Prepaid Expenses 12,954 2,822
Accumulated Depreciation (52,783) (44,415)
Total Assets 3,696,577 5,921,074
*Rounded to the nearest dollar
34%
State &
Federal
10%
Service
Agreements
Liabilities 2010* 2009*
Accounts Payable 69,090 13,783
Payroll Withholdings 618 (248)
Accrued Compensated Absences 7,605 8,425
Bond Payable 350,000 1,100,000
Note Payable 300,000 -
Deferred Revenue 396,354 80,813
Advance for Engelmann Farm 780,000 3,500,000
Total Liabilities 1,903,668 4,702,773
Net Assets 2010* 2009*
Beginning Net Assets 1,218,301 321,750
YTD Changes in Net Assets 574,608 896,551
Total Net Assets 1,792,909 1,218,301
Total Liabilities and Net Assets 3,696,577 5,921,074
Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development utilizes an accrual accounting system, incorporating MIP Fund Accounting Pro, a
Sage software product, to account for all revenues and expenses, by individual grant. The organization requires an annual independent audit,
which in 2010 was performed by J. W. Boyle & Co., Ltd. of Belleville, Illinois. A copy of the FY 2010 independent audit is available upon request.
Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development is an equal opportunity employer.
southwestern Illinois
Resource Conservation & Development
Annual Report 2010
“respecting our environment, growing our future”