-On April 2nd, 2011, CLWA had its first annual earth day at the lake. It was estimated that over 1000 pounds of trash was picked up and hauled off the lake. 18 members were in attendance, and we want to thank all of them for showing there support and passion for Carlyle lake. Come join us next year and help fight the pollution at the lake! See events for more details.
-The summer of 2010, CLWA installed culverts throughout the subimpoundments. These culverts will allow tractor access for spring planting which has been impossible in recent years. This is just another effort that was made possible by the members to create and preserve habitat for wintering waterfowl! We would like to thank Greg Munie Excavating from Highland and Korte & Luitjohan Excavating for supplying the equipment!
-Over the last 5 years we installed 2 spillways, as well as making levee repairs at the area known as Speaker Lake (areas #3 and #4). These spillways were badly needed for water control so that pressure will be relieved on the current levees and flood damage can be minimized. This area is a near 1000 acre site that provides excellent food source for wintering ducks and geese.
-Since 1991 our group has been working on areas #3 and #4. At that time the area was abandoned, grown up in willow, maples, and buck brush. As volunteers our group worked weekends and cleared this area mainly for winter geese during winter months because there was no water control. For our efforts the Illinois Department of Conservation gave us their "Outstanding Contribution to Conservation' award! Until 2001 this area was only usable if high lake levels permitted. We supplied man power and heavy equipment to finish clearing the area, construct new stretches of levee, fix many breaks in levees, open up water control structures, and pumps. This area was up and running when our club completed it for the first time in nearly 20 years! It was estimated by the IDNR that the work CLWA did would have cost them near $100,000!! Thanks to yearly dues of $15.00 dollars paid by members and our corporate sponsors who are dedicated to restoring the outdoors for our local area! Without the help of them none of this would be possible! Thanks to all volunteers for making this happen. The area has provided for some excellent hunting since! For our efforts, the 10 state Upper Mississippi River Member Board, known as UMRJV, which also includes IDNR, ASCOE, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, gave or group the prestigious "Joint Venture Organization Award". Only 2 such awards have been given in this 10 state region! We were very honored!
Please contact us if you are interested in helping with site repair in the off season brentmckinnon@ymail.com
618-363-2358