. Critical trends in Illinois ecosystems. Ecological assessment (Biology); Environmental impact analysis; Nature; Pollution; Conservation of natural resources; Environmental quality. Maintaining the forested riparian zone along the Spoon River will enhance the suit- ability of habitat for the gray fox, bobcat, river otter, and amphibians and reptiles. rivers in Fulton County. When land acquisition is complete, the refuge will encompass approxi- mately 11,000 acres. Threats Habitat loss and fragmentation - Habitat losses for prairies and wetlands (only 1% of the land is in wet- lands) have exce
. Critical trends in Illinois ecosystems. Ecological assessment (Biology); Environmental impact analysis; Nature; Pollution; Conservation of natural resources; Environmental quality. Maintaining the forested riparian zone along the Spoon River will enhance the suit- ability of habitat for the gray fox, bobcat, river otter, and amphibians and reptiles. rivers in Fulton County. When land acquisition is complete, the refuge will encompass approxi- mately 11,000 acres. Threats Habitat loss and fragmentation - Habitat losses for prairies and wetlands (only 1% of the land is in wet- lands) have exceeded the rates for the state as a whole, while forest habitat loss has occurred at a lower rate. In addition to habitat loss through conversion to cropland, most remnant plant communities in the Spoon River basin have experienced changes because of fragmentation, the absence of fire, and exotic species introduction. Tiling and flooding - Tiling agricultural land to improve drainage has a negative impact on streams. The rapid drainage increases the pulse of floods as well as the intensity and duration of low-flow once the water has moved downstream. Also, stream organisms are not adapted to these extreme water level fluctuations and whole populations can be extirpated. Sedimentation - The Spoon River watershed is the largest contributor of siltation to the Illinois River Because of this siltation, no parts of the Spoon are rated as high quality or as a Biologically Significant Stream. Opportunities To Improve bird management in the area, large tracts of forest are needed to offset fr-agmentation. One candidate is the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge in Fulton County. Restoring grassland tracts of more than 100 acres would also improve prospects for re-introducing Franklin's ground squirrels and provide additional habitat for badgers and red fox. Restoring wet prairie, especially at the Massasauga Prairie Nature Preserve, would help birds as well as amphibians and reptiles. Resto
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