IDOT seeks land in Southern Illinois counties for wetland creation and restoration

CARBONDALE — The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to purchase land from willing sellers for wetland mitigation in Hamilton, White, Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Johnson and Massac counties as well as the eastern portion of Jefferson, Williamson and Union counties.

The department says the property should be:

• Located in floodplain or frequently flooded
• In crop production since 1984 or categorized by the Natural Resource Conservation Service as PC (Prior Converted)
• Hydric soil

Many construction projects can affect nearby ecosystems, IDOT officials said. Wetland mitigation offsets expected adverse effects through preservation, enhancement, restoration or creation of a wetland, stream or habitat. IDOT is in need of a large tract of land within the identified counties.

Anyone interested should contact Julie Klamm, environmental studies manager at IDOT Region 5, District 9, P.O. Box 100, Carbondale, IL 62901; or by phone: (618) 549-2171 ext. 286.

 – From the Illinois Business Journal via IDOT