Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area facts for kids
Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a special place in Illinois where nature is protected. It covers about 1,426 acres, which is like 1,000 football fields! This area is located near the Illinois River, southwest of Pekin, Illinois, in Tazewell County.
The lake itself is owned by NRG Energy, a company that makes electricity. But the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) helps manage it. This means they work to keep it a great spot for both people and wildlife.
People often visit Powerton Lake for fishing, especially to catch big blue catfish. It's also a popular spot for duck and goose hunting during certain times of the year. About 60% of the lake is used for hunting. The other 40% is kept as a safe home for waterfowl (like ducks and geese) all year round.
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What is Powerton Lake?
Powerton Lake is right next to the Illinois River. The land around the Illinois River is often wet and marshy, which isn't great for farming. Because of this, many parts of the riverbank are used for other things, like this wildlife area.
How the Lake Helps a Power Plant
Powerton Lake is actually a "cooling pond" for the Powerton Station. This is a large power plant that uses coal to make electricity. It has been running since 1972. Power plants need a lot of water to cool down their machines. The lake helps with this important job.
Protecting the Lake and Shoreline
The lake is specially designed to protect the power plant and its edges. There are three long, raised paths called "causeways" that stretch out into the lake from the land. These causeways divide the lake into four separate parts. This design helps stop strong winds and storms from creating big waves that could damage the shoreline.
Managed for Wildlife
The Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is managed as part of the Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Spring Lake is another protected hunting area located near Manito, Illinois. Both areas work together to protect wildlife and offer outdoor activities.
