DNR and Ducks Unlimited Partnership

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By Tierney Modglin

Story Published: Feb 21, 2009 at 7:37 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 21, 2009 at 9:15 PM CDT

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources expanded its partnership with Ducks Unlimited today during its annual state convention in East Peoria.

Ducks Unlimited donated 370 acres along the Illinois River to D–N–R.
The property, known locally as Wightman (Whiteman) Lake, is approximately 20 miles north of Peoria near Sparland.

In the last 3 years, Ducks Unlimited has invested more than 400–thousand dollars in habitat improvements to turn Wightman Lake into a wetland conservation showcase.

Director of DNR Marc Miller said, "It is a wonderful public private partnership where they have purchased the land, done restoration and are now turning it over to DNR and allowing the public to access the land for recreation, for wildlife viewing, and for hunting and we're looking forward to more public private property partnerships with Ducks Unlimited and other groups to increase recreational opportunites."

In addition to serving as a waterfowl refuge, Wightman Lake is designated as a waypoint on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway.

At Wightman Lake, travelers will have a chance to observe 84 species of birds as well as numerous native plants.

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