Cache River Wetlands

Protecting a rich river corridor

The Cache River is an internationally recognized wetlands complex in southernmost Illinois, also referred to as the “Illinois bayou.” Known for its striking beauty, 1,000 year-old cypress, and tupelo swamps, the complex is the largest remaining area of wetland habitat in the state. It is a United Nations designated “Wetland of International Importance,” one of only 22 such sites in the United States. Four distinct ecological regions converge along the Cache drainage, creating a rich collage of natural communities.

The Cache River watershed is the focus of a collaborative multi-agency restoration effort to conserve 60,000 acres. In 2008 ALC worked with the landowners and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to acquire this two-acre in-holding in the Cache River corridor and place it in public ownership. Protecting this parcel supports management for numerous waterfowl, neotropical migratory songbirds, big game species, small mammals, and amphibians found in the area. Its adjacency to the river also helps maintain the ecological integrity of the river corridor and improve water management in the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge (CCNWR), in which the property is located. It also will expand public recreation opportunities in the refuge.

The project complements other ALC projects in the CCNWR (see Ice Grain and Cypress Creek Refuge I ), and helpful fulfill the objectives of the Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy.