Natural resource management is a function of managing County parks, reserves, and recreation areas. The Department of Parks and Recreation has developed and routinely performs projects relating to ecosystem management and the protection of natural resources. Among these are an on-going reforestation program encompassing over 240 acres of former cropland, recreated prairies, river otters, installation of waterfowl, and bluebird provision for environmental research projects, environmental education programs, and a fishery management program.

White-Tailed Deer at Comlara Park

POPULATION: Research has documented rising populations at COMLARA County Park in excess of 60 deer / square mile. The ecological carrying capacity of various natural environments is 15 - 20 deer / square mile. The excess number of deer will continue to increase, possible dramatically, without active management.

REASONS FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: By the late 1870's, Illinois had lost a type of species overwhelming in its importance to the ecosystem function. Large prey animals such as wolves and mountain lions once controlled the number of big herbivores such as deer. While coyote and vehicle numbers continue to increase in McLean County today, neither are effective in controlling healthy deer populations.

White-tail deer control, by their grazing, browsing, and trampling, the habitat on which small rodents, flowers and butterflies depend. Finally, the rodents and vegetation provide a food source for other herbivores and carnivores.

Winters in central Illinois are not severe enough to significantly reduce populations. The Reserves are not self-contained. The fact that surrounding agricultural lands provide an artificial and virtually unlimited food source necessitates a balance of human management.

Less obvious is the intrusion of introduced species. As native species are reduced by an imbalance of deer populations, introduced species, such as multiflora rose, may increase because of higher tolerance levels to browsing.

DAMAGE TO THE ECOSYSTEM: Easily visible from many roadway locations, you will note that there is little vegetation in the woodland areas from a point approximately 4.5 feet high (the browse line) to the floor of the area. In many areas, the trees appear to have been pruned to this height, as found in urbanized landscape settings.

DEER MANAGEMENT TODAY: Regulated hunting has been determined to be the most cost effective and feasible method of reducing deer populations at this time. The Department of Parks and Recreation is authorized to conduct regulated hunting for the specific purpose of reducing deer populations. The Department of Parks and Recreation will, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), annually develop an appropriate regulated deer hunting plan, taking into consideration protection of park visitors, surrounding residents, and hunters.

Continued review and exploration of fertility control is recommended, as this alternative may or may not become a viable alternative for controlling growth once the density has been reduced to a more manageable level.

The Department of Parks and Recreation reports at least annually to the oversight Committee of the County Board on its Deer Management Program. This report includes effectiveness of lethal removal methods, population density and vegetative impacts.

Re-created Prairies
Much of central Illinois' fertile farmland was once tall-grass prairie. The McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation has three re-created prairies at COMLARA County Park. A 30-acre prairie is located at the entrance to the White Oak area near Two Cedars Picnic area. A 3-acre Prairie is located along Shady Hollow nature trail. A 10 acre re-created Prairie is located just northeast of Six Mile Creek bridge. The Six Mile Creek Prairie has been the site of extensive, cooperative study with Illinois State University's Biology Department.

Waterfowl Nesting Project
Cooperative programs with the Illinois Waterfowl Alliance and the John Wesley Powell Audubon Society have provided extensive numbers of nesting platforms for both game and no-game species at Evergreen Lake. In addition, areas of the Lake are restricted in use during the fall to allow rest for migratory waterfowl. NO waterfowl hunting is permitted on Evergreen Lake.

Blue Bird Project
Through cooperative efforts with the John Wesley Powell Audubon Society, the McLean County Department provides over a dozen eastern bluebird houses. These houses are located along Comlara County Parks 15 miles of designated trails. Areas around the trails are mowed to provide appropriate habitat. For more information on construction of bluebird houses contact (309) 726-2022.

River Otters
River Otters are an endangered species in Illinois and were re-introduced to Evergreen Lake and the Mackinaw River Valley with a 30 otter release in 1996. The transplanted otters come from Louisiana, where thriving populations of river otters exist. The River Otter may range over a 60 mile radius, moving between several food source locations to keep all viable. A summer sighting at Evergreen Lake included baby otters in 1997. Anyone seeing an otter in Illinois is asked to report the location to the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources.

Wildlife Watching
Some of the most prevalent wildlife at McLean County Parks include White-tail deer, great blue herons, Canada geese, rabbits, beaver, foxes, coyotes, and ducks.

Unique viewing opportunities that happen from time-to-time at Evergreen Lake include river otters, bald eagles, loons, white pelicans, and cormorants.