Little Rock Creek State Habitat Area

By Scott Schaeffer, Illlinois Dept of Natural Resources

Land permanently available for wildlife in Carroll County has recently increased thanks to the efforts of local sportsman, Carroll County Pheasants Forever and several state, county and federal conservation agencies.

The Little Rock Creek State Habitat Area ( LRC) approximately 3 miles south of the town of Chadwick was purchased in the Spring of 2004; however site developments necessary for the area to open delayed the official opening till this fall. The approximately 150 acre farm was purchased by the Il. Dept of Natural Resources using funds generated thru the sale(s) of a habitat stamp required by licensed hunters pursuing wild game in Illinois. A percentage of these same funds have been earmarked for the Ring-Necked Pheasant; for acquisition of and establishment of pheasant habitat. Towards this end, pheasant conservation is a priority for the Little Rock Habitat Area.

Pheasants are no longer a by-product of modern agriculture. Changes in farming methods, cropping patterns, etc. have reduced pheasant populations by over 90% in many Illinois counties, including parts of Carroll County. There are simply fewer places for pheasants and other grassland wildlife to nest, find food, escape predators, and survive the winter. However, even today, as man tightens his grip on the agricultural landscape, there are still opportunities to help pheasants and other wildlife.

One of the main focuses of LRC is to demonstrate that contemporary agriculture and wildlife habitat can be integrated and even benefit each other. This concept is featured thru several of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's conservation programs that focus on air and water quality issues, soil erosion, and wildlife habitat. Almost 70 acres of LRC is devoted to farming for soybeans, corn and hay crops strategically blended together with permanent wildlife cover to help trap silt, sediments, and pollutants.

From the spring of 2004 until present, local volunteers, area contractors and agency personnel have been working diligently installing various pheasant habitat elements at LRC including: native grasses and wildflowers, trees and shrubs, wildlife food plots, wetlands, and more. The Carroll County Chapter of Pheasants Forever thru their various fund raising events, and the Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District provided financial support, labor and equipment to complete these projects. The Dept. of Natural Resources is forever in their debt.

Sportsmens' dollars paid for LRC and the site is open to regulated hunting. Pheasants and other small game species can be hunted only thru a permit issued via a lottery in Springfield during September. A permit holder can be accompanied by up to two additional guests, as only 3 people can hunt small game on the site at any one time.

LRC can also host local conservation field days, outdoor classrooms, etc. However, to help avoid scheduling or program conflicts, please contact the site superintendent in advance. LRC is a "satellite" of the Morrison Rockwood State Park lands near Morrison. They may be contacted by calling 815-772-4708.

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