SPRINGFIELD – Two ground-breaking projects are now underway at Illinois Beach State Park to help protect the shoreline from erosion caused by Lake Michigan waves. The Lake County park, home to unique prairie and wetland habitat, features the last remaining natural shoreline in the state. However, the shore is constantly battered by waves, making it a priority for preservation.
Some parts of the park’s coastline have receded by as much as 100 feet in one year. A $73 million project will add islands and reef structures positioned out in the lake to help block waves and direct the movement of sand. The Illinois Capital Development Board will oversee the project’s design and construction
“Illinois’ lakefronts are a national treasure and one of our greatest natural resources, and it’s essential that we preserve these spaces for future generations to love and learn from,” Governor Pritzker said.
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