Restoration of the lost forest habitat, according to refuge biologist Al Navara, is a principal aim of the refuge. He explains that the wetlands will not properly function without trees on the perimeter. The trees eliminate erosion and retain runoffs that otherwise race to the lowlands. Over half the land within the approved refuge boundary is converted cropland, most of which will be retired and planted in native trees. By 1998, 800,000 seedlings had been planted. The refuge established a 50-acre seed orchard that is expected to begin producing seed within 15 years to ensure adequate planting stock in the future.
"Trying to find a balance between agriculture and restoration is the challenge we face," says Refuge Manager Marguerite Hills. "We can't have the attitude that people screwed up the basin." Local farmers were highly suspicious of the refuge at first, but Hills says that they have since been reassured through many meetings and discussions. Whatever happens in the refuge, farmers understand that there is a commitment not to affect them.
Extending the joint venture concept to all communities is, in fact, Hills' goal with education programs on root causes of resource problems and activities that involve citizens directly. Environmental education, interpretation, and recreation are vital management tools, says Hills both to involve citizens and to protect what is left of the wetlands.
The refuge involves students and teachers in soil sampling, water testing, plant identification, and tours. Once a month between February and October, Stewardship Saturday involves volunteers in activities such as tree planting, trail maintenance, and restoration work. An annual calendar of other events includes guided canoe and walking tours on trees, snakes, frogs, and other life in the swamps. Fall acorn-pickups are sponsored by The Nature Conservancy for use in germinating seeds for reforestation purposes. The refuge also sponsors the Waterfowl Academy for youths who participate in the fall waterfowl hunt.
It is clear, however, that independent citizen action is materially aiding the refuge and its partners in spreading the conservation ethic. The Citizens Committee to Save the Cache River continues with its impressive award-winning record of supporting wetland conservation with money, influence, and education. A group of 25 landowners in the five-county watershed of the Cache in 1993 formed the Cache River Watershed Resource Planning Committee. Its mission: to promote improved water quality in a manner compatible with a healthy economy. With a respect for private property rights, they issued a plan spelling out ways for property owners to reduce erosion, including the growing use of more no-till farming in the area.
And in 1999, another newly formed organization, Friends of the Cache River Watershed, published the first of periodic newsletters for a broad local readership on issues and events concerning the entire watershed. Les Honey serves on its board. His involvement started in the 1980s after reading newspaper stories about the plight of the Cache. At the same time, he met a fellow model airplane flyer who convinced him to join the first citizens committee. He did, and he also served as its president. Since his retirement in 1998 as county administrator for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Honey contributes one day a week to the refuge practicing, as he puts it, his "do it yourselfer" skills. And he continues his regular Stewardship Saturday participation as well.
Public use facilities at the refuge are minimal, but Friends of the Cache River Watershed will change that. With a recently awarded $21,000 grant, they will develop a popular wildlife watching site with the help of Stewardship Saturday volunteers. The site will include a one-mile hiking trail, restroom, parking area, interpretive signs, and group shelter. The project will also serve as an outdoor classroom for schools, youth groups, and individuals. In addition, a state-financed visitor will be the hub for all education and interpretive activities in the Cache River watershed.
Much remains to be accomplished: acquisition, reforestation, moist soil and wetland unit construction, and public use facility development. But the six-member refuge staff already has perhaps the most valuable asset—the understanding and support of the local community. It did not come automatically, but from a concentrated outreach effort on the part of the refuge staff and its partners. Says State Natural Area Superintendent Jim Waycuilis of the partnership: it is a model for other people to follow.
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