ML15273A416

(Exelon Generation 2013b) Exelon Generation. 2013. LaSalle County Generating Station Wildlife Management Plan

ML15273A416
Person / Time
Site:	LaSalle
Issue date:	12/31/2013
From:	Exelon Generation Co
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Shared Package
ML15273A423	List: ML15273A413 ML15273A416 ML15273A418 ML15273A419 ML15273A421 ML15273A422 ML15273A440 ML15273A441 ML15273A442 ML15273A443 ML15273A445 ML15273A446 ML15273A447 ML15273A448 ML15273A449 ML15274A336
References
RIS-15-254
Download: ML15273A416 (51)

Text

ER REFERENCES TO BE DOCKETED ATTACHMENT 2

EXELON CORPORATION'S LaS alle County GENERATING STATION WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013 Prepared by Bili Buinickas Senior Environmental Chemist Exelon Generation LaSalle County Generating Station 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY

.............................................................................. 4 BACKGROUND...................................................................... 4 1.1.

CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP........................... 5 1.2.

SITE DESCRIPTION......................................................... 6

2.

DEVELOPMENT................................................................

I11 2.1.

SITE INVENTO RY............................................................... 11

3.

IMPLEMENTATION.............................................................. 16 3.1.

MIssioN.................

...................... 16 3.2.

ESTIMATED TIMELINE...................................................... 28

4.

EVALUATION AND PROJECT STATUS......................................... 29 4.2 TIMELINE OF COMPLETED ACTIVITIES...................................... 30 4.1.

FUJTUREGCOALS............

................................................ 41 4.2.

TIMELINE OF COMPLETED AcTIvITWS................................... 41

5.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION............................................ 41 2

FIGURES AND TABLES Page Figure 1. Aerial Overview of LaSalle County Station 7

Figure 2. Map Depicting Range of Ecoregion at LaSalle County Station 9

Figure 3. Fish Hatchery at LaSalle Lake 17 Figure 4. Fish in Hatchery 18 Figure 5. LaSalle Lake Habitat 20 Figure 6. Grassland Habitat at LaSalle County 22 Table 1. Bailey's Ecoregion Classification for the LaSalle County Station 8

3

SUMMARY

Exelon Corporation's LaSalle County Station is situated on approximately 3,055 acres of land, located in Marseilles, Illinois, which is in LaSalle County.

Prior to European settlement, vegetation in this region was known to be tall-grass prairie, with some bottomland forest. Settlers converted prairie to agricultural lands, which is the historic land use of the LaSalle County Station and surrounding properties.

General Electric began construction of the LaSalle County Station in October of 1974. The station's two reactors, Units 1 & 2, entered into commercial service in 1982, and 1984 respectively, and serve 2.3 million homes.

The units are licensed to operate until approximately 2023. The LaSalle County Station employs approximately 800 people.

The habitat program began at the LaSalle County Station in the fall of 2004, with a partnership with Pheasants Forever, which resulted in the establishment of cool-season nesting cover on old field habitat within the exclusion area of station property.

After partnering with the Wildlife Habitat Council in March of 2005, Exelon Corporation then invited Sue Wolinsky, Wildlife Habitat Council Biologist, to visit the LaSalle County Station in June of 2005, for the purpose of identifyring habitat types and additional habitat project opportunities on the station's property.

The station has also had a long-standing relationship with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and since 1994, has provided them with space to house the LaSalle County Fish Hatchery on station property. The property is leased to the DNR at a cost of $1.00 for 25 years. This hatchery raises bluegill, largemouth bass, smailmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and walleye/sauger hybrids for release into the Chain of Lakes in Lake County, Illinois, as well as the Illinois River and public areas in the region.' Research projects are also undertaken at the hatchery, with staff from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale being housed here as well. Exelon Corporation's LaSalle County Station provides water for the hatchery from its 2,058 acre cooling lake.

Prior to becoming involved with the Wildlife Habitat Council, the LaSalle County Station had also erected a number of eastern bluebird/tree swallow nest boxes in wetland edge habitat near the station's lakeshore. This project, in conjunction with the LaSalle Lake Fish Hatchery and Lake Habitat Management project and/or enhancement of the cool-season nesting habitat previously mentioned, are the primary goals of the site Wildlife Team as they pursue the Wildlife at Work certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council.

Background

E*xelon Corporation has been a member of the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) since 2005, a standing that exemplifies its commitment to improving wildlife habitat through the enrichmnent of pre-existing habitat and the establishment of new habitat on the company's 4

landholdings.

Induction into the Wildlifr at Work program will enable the LaSalle County Station to get assistance from the Wildlife Habitat Council in its efforts to improve the site's wildlife habitat. Furthermore, partnership with WHC provides LaSaile with an opportunity to demonstrate responsible corporate environmental stewardship by formulating and implementing a balanced and operative wildlife management program.

1.1.

Corporate Environmental Stewardship Exelon continually strives to improve their environmental performance.

Exelon's environmental policy states that "¶Exelon is committed to constantly improving its environmental performance.

We will strive for leadership in environmental management and will partner with the communities we serve, to preserve, restore and enhance the environment.

We will promote a corporate culture where full compliance with the environmental regulations is the minimum level of acceptable performance and where business initiatives are consistent with environmental responsibility."

Exelon believes that business leaders should play an important part in the communities they serve, while working to sustain the environment. As a result, their objectives in pursuing a wildlife habitat program at the LaSalle County Station indlude restoration/enhancement of habitat, as well as improved employee, community and public relations. Environmental initiatives are achieved through partnerships with the communities they se~rve, and with conservation agencies and organizations such as The Wildlife Habitat Council, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Pheasants Forever, Disabled Vets and the Audubon Society.

Exelon Corporation's initiatives to achieve environmental stewardship indude compliance with all environmental laws, regulations and commitments, with the goal of moving beyond compliance; using a risk management approach to manage environmental impacts of operations; more efficient use of natural resources; considering environmental issues in business decisions; considering stakeholder expectations of environmental performance in decision-making; and maintaining an outreach program to communicate environmental performance progress.

Exelon Corporation is also committed to safety, not only of employees in the workplace and in the field, but of their customers, and the general public as well. Safety policies center around the protection of the general public from hazards associated with the type of services provided, and safe use of electricity in the home.

Outstanding environmental achievements are many, the list being too long to highlight in this plan. One achievement, however, indludes obtaining the highest environmental rating by the U.S. Green Building Council for the renovation of Exelon's headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

In order to reduce costs and increase productivity, Exelon consolidated its downtown Chicago locations.

Rather than rebuilding, Exelon chose to renovate existing space at their headquarters in Chicago, using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The resulting "green" headquarters is the largest office space in the world to receive LEED Platinum Commercial Interiors certification.

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.*......... 'i I.IL._ _ 2L, ii Exelon has also earned a Special Contributor Citation from the National Recreation and Parks Association, and received the City of Chicago's Environmental Excellence Award for being Chicago's primary environmental steward. This is a result of Exelon Corporation's provision of major funding for restoration projects throughout Chicago, as well as funding for environmental education programs, and educational signage throughout Chicago's parks.

These are just two of many examples of outstanding environmental achievements that Exelon Corporation has accomplished over the past several years.

1.2. Site Description Exelon Corporation's LaSalle County Station is situated on approximately 3,055 acres of land, located in Marseilles, Illinois, which is in LaSalle County. This location is approximately 75 miles southwest of Chicago, Illinois. General Electric began construction of the station in October of 1974. The station's two reactors, Units 1 & 2, entered into commercial service in 1982, and 1984 respectively, and serve 2.3 million homes. Together, they are capable of generating 2,291 megawatts per hour. The units are licensed to operate until approximately 2023.

The LaSalle County Station employs approximately 800 employees, many of whom live in LaSalle and neighboring Grundy County. The station also employs several hundred specialty workers during refueling outages.The LaSalie County Station is, therefore, a tremendous boost to the local economy.

Prior to European settlement, vegetation in this region was known to be tall-grass prairie, with some bottomland forest. Settlers converted prairie to agricultural lands, which is the historic land use of the LaSalle County Station and surrounding properties. Today, land use in LaSalle County is still primarily agricultural, with the county soybean production being its most abundant crop.

Of the site's 3,055 acres, 2,058 acres consist of the station's cooling lake (LaSalle Lake). The lake was constructed as a cooling lake for the station, but also serves as a public fishing and recreational area operated by the Illinois DNR (LaSalle Lake Fish & Wildlife Area). Anglers can enjoy catching a variety of sport and pan fish species such as walleye, muskellunge, tiger muskie, yellow, white, and striped bass, hybrid striped bass, large and smalimouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill, bullhead catfish, and channel catfish. The Illinois DNR fish hatchery is located adjacent to LaSalle Lake, on LaSalle County Station property. Additional open water resources on the site include the canal system, an unnamed ditch/creek (intermittent), detention and cooling ponds, and the Illinois River. Other wetland habitats present on site, but outside of the exclusion area, include depressional wetlands, which were historically ditch systems from the site's agricultural past. Wetland buffer communities also exist on site, and are present in the uplands adjacent to the site's riparian and stream corridors. Upland habitats present on site include shrub-scrub, tree island, grassland and old field habitats. Most habitats lie within the exclusion area, and within one mile of station operations.

6

....... -*.__.L _...2...22_,L..:::_7 2.:.:_z.2% ::- : :..........................

Fimare 1. Aerial Overview of LaSalie County Station 1.2.1.

Wildlife Team The LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team, named the LaSalle Environmental Action Committee, is comprised with several site personnel, with some members already actively investigating habitat projects, such as monarch butterfly way-stations. Other employees are involved with local scout troops, and will partner with the scouts to pursue various projects on site. Potential projects for scout troops include building projects, such as the construction of various artificial nesting, perching and roosting structures. Interest among the employees at the LaSalle County Station is high, with many enjoying out-of-door activities, such as the type of activities the habitat projects will supply.

7

1.2.2.

Ecological Background Ecoregions are a geographically based system for organizing our knowledge about ecosystems and ecosystem responses to our management. They provide a theoretical basis for science-based planning and adaptive management. They provide a framework for prioritizing land conservation, preservation and restoration projects. They are used to organize and integrate resource inventories of all kinds. Ecoregions are based on the integration of biotic and abiotic characteristics above and below ground that yields a given ecological potential.

The USFS National Hierarchy is a regionalization, classification, and mapping system for stratifying the earth into progressively smaller areas of increasingly uniform ecological potential. The classification system includes eight levels of nested map units of which 4 are commonly used in site habitat projects: Domain, Division, Province and Section. Conditions at a higher level of organization set a context for understanding ecosystem patterns and processes at lower levels.

Undertaking habitat enhancement projects on a corporate site adds ecological and functional value to both the immediate area and the entire ecosystem. Furthermore, connective efforts have shown greater results than isolated actions. It is important to understand the site's ecologic location and its relation to native flora and fauna. The following section provides information necessary to understand the ecological background of the land surrounding the LaSalle County Station.

Bailey's ecoregion classification scheme (1995) uses a four-level hierarchy based on shared attributes of climate and vegetation, and places the LaSalle County Station within the categories listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Bailey's Ecoregion Clasfi~cation far the LaSalle County Station Ecodomain Humid Temperate Ecodivision Prairie Ecoprovince Prairie Parkland (Temperate)

EcoSection Central Loess Plains 8

Fig.2. Map Depicting Range of Ecoregion at LaSalle County Station Exelon LaSalle presented in an ecoregion context Legend 0 20 40 630 120 160 B~Iley's Ecoreglons PROVINCE Eastern Broadleaf Forest (Continental) Province SLaurentian MixedFoetPvnc i"...:*Prairie Parkland (Temperate) Province According to the Bailey's ecoregion classification, the LaSalle County Station is located in the Humid Temperate Domain. This middle latitude domain is affected by both tropical and polar air masses, resulting in pronounced seasons, and strong annual cycles of temperature and precipitation. Winter frost determines six divisions within this domain. The LaSalle County Station is located within the Prairie Division of the Humid Temperate Domain.

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The Prairie Division extends in a broad belt from Texas to southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. The eastern border of this division is a transitional zone of mixed forest and prairie known as savanna, while western portions of the division, consist mainly of prairie grasses and forbs. Precipitation within Prairie Division ranges from 20-40" annually, but this is offset by high summer air and soil temperatures as well as evapotranspiration, leaving little moisture available for adequate tree growth. The resulting vegetation consists primarily of tall prairie grasses and forbs, with trees and shrubs nearly absent. Trees and shrubs do, however, exist in small patches, primarily in shallow depressions and valleys where tree roots can reach the water table. Typical grasses of the tall-grass prairie include big bluestem and little bluestem, while common forbs include the black-eyed Susan. These grasses are very deep-rooted, drought tolerant, and form an almost continuous cover. The predominant soils of the prairies are the highly-productive Mollisols, which have a black, organic surface horizon, and a high content of bases, as carbonates accumulate in the lower soil layers. These bases are.

moved to the soil surface by plant growth, where they are released and thus restored to the soil, thereby increasing soil fertility.

The Prairie Division is further subdivided into two provinces based on climate: the Prairie Parkland (Temperate) Province, and the Prairie Parkland (Subtropical) Province.

The LaSalle County Station lies within the Prairie Parkiand (Temperate) Province. The gently rolling topography of this province extends from Canada to Oklahoma, and consists primarily of alternating prairie and deciduous forest. While the topography is nearly flat in some areas, others areas display high, rounded hills, while others contain steep bluffs which border the valleys. While the northern portions of this division are glaciated, the LaSalle County Station lies in the central - southern portions of the division, which are not glaciated.

The climate within the Prairie Parkland (Temperate) Province consists of hot summers and cold winters, with average annual temperatures ranging from 400F in the northern portions to 60°F in the southern portions. Precipitation is again 20-40" annually, with most falling during the growing season, which ranges from 120 days in the northern reaches of the province to 235 days in the southern reaches. The vegetation of the province is considered to be forest-steppe, which is an intermingling of prairies, with groves and strips of deciduous trees. In the western portion of the province, trees are found primarily near rivers and streams, as well as on north-facing slopes where soil moisture is higher. Trees are more prevalent in the eastern portion of the province. Tree species of this province are primarily oak and hickory, with a wider variety occurring in floodplains and moist hillsides. Species such as cottonwood, black willow, and American elm can be found in western portions of the province. Typical grasses are again the warm-season clump grasses, such as the bluestems, switchgrass, and indiangrass, with a great diversity of forbs and legumes intermixed. Wildlife species typical to this province include prairie species such as the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, blacktail prairie dog, horned lark and eastern meadowlark, as well as riparian and forest species such as mink, river otter, belted kingfisher, bank swallow, spotted sandpiper, green-backed heron and mourning dove. Little intact habitat remains within the Prairie Parkland (Temperate) 10

Province, as the favorable conditions of soil and climate have made this highly productive region prime for conversion to agricultural crops. In addition, with the absence of disturbance regimes, such as fire and grazing by herds of bison and elk, prairies and savannas of this division have succumbed to natural succession. As a result, many prairies that still remain have become overgrown with woody vegetation (trees and shrubs), and no longer resemble prairie habitat, or support prairie fauna.

The LaSalle County Station lies within the Central Loess Plains section of the Prairie Parkland (Temperate) Province. This section is characterized by gently rolling smooth and irregular plains, mantled by loess, a very fine, silty soil, highly subject to wind erosion. Vegetation of this section is historically bluestem prairie with drainage ways consisting of northern flood plain forest vegetation. Large mammals associated with this section historically included bison and prong-horned antelope. Today the most common large mammal of this section is the white-tailed deer. Other wildlife species typical of this section include jack rabbits, cottontails, opossum, swift foxes, kit foxes, bobcats, coyotes, northern bobwhite quail, homed larks, meadowlarks, coopers hawks, barred owls, long-eared owls, snapping turtles, box turtles, bullfrogs, ringneck snakes, and bull snakes. Fish typically found in this section include catfish species, largemouth bass and black crappie.

Today this section is predominantly highly productive farmland, with approximately 60%

of the section in crops and 25% used for grazing. Most small wetlands in this section, such as prairie potholes, have been drained for agricultural reasons.

2. Development 2.1. Site Inventory Conducting a thorough inventory of the plants and animals present at the site is a priority of the Wildlife Team, as an initial inventory helps the LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team members to become familiar with some of the plants, animals, and habitats found at the site.

The wildlife inventory should be a methodical and ongoing process. Such information is also invaluable in shaping the future track of the site habitat enhancement program as a whole and is essential for the development of environmental outreach and education programs.

Essentially, the goal of the inventory is to identify as many plants and animals as possible, using seasonal inventories conducted in the spring (April), summer (July), and fall (September) to provide a relatively comprehensive list of resident and transitory (including migratory) species.

TYPE COMMON SCIENTIFIC DATE FIRST DATE LAST NAME NAME OBSERVED OBSERVED Plant Yarrow Achilka milk/ohium 9/2007_______

Roughfruit Acnida altissima 9/2007 amaranth Giant hyssop A~asrtachefoenicuklur 9/2007

___*_______ss A~gropyr~on repen 9/2007_______

_______*Redtop A~grosis alba 9/2007 11

• Tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima 9/2007 Anulrged Ambrosia 9/2007 5/2012 Annual__agweed artemisiifolia Giant ragweed Ambrosia h~trfda 9/2007 Big bluestem Andropo, ongerardii 9/2007 Indianhemp Aplofynum sbi'n'cm 9/2007 Common 920

______milkweed Asciepias *y9/2a07 Many flowered Ase rcie 9/2007 aster________

New England Aster novae-a ngliae 9/2007

____________Aster

_______Panicled aster Aster simplex 9/2007

_______Swamp tickseed Bidens comosa 9/2007 Devil's 9/2007

______beggarticks Bidens frondosa Bouteloua 9/2007 Sideoats grama curtiendula Smooth brome Bromus inermis 9/2007

• Japanese brome Bromusjaponicus 9/2007 Sedge Carexspp.

9/2007 Hickory Ca~a spp.

9/2007 Bachelor's button Centaurea *yanus 9/2007 5/20 12

_______Redbud Cercis Canadensis 9/2007 Cbamaecrista 9/2007 Partridge pea nitas

_______*ChiAcory Cichorium in~'ybus 9/2007

• Canada thistle Cirsium ar'ense 9/2007

______Field thistle Cirsium disco/or 9/2007

• Bull thistle Cirsium twlgare 9/2007 5/20 12 Hedge false Convolvulus sepium 9/2007 bindweed RedosierCousoca 920

__________dogwoodCos eea 920

• Purple Crnlavra 920 crownvetchCrn/l aa 9207

_______Dodder Cuscuta spp.

9/2007

• Orchatdgrass Dactykisg/omerata 9/2007 Purple prairie Dalca lasiathera 9/2007 clover

• Queen Anne's Daucus carota 9/2007 lace Illinois 9/2007

_________bundle flower Desmanthas spp.

___________*Barnyard grass Echinochloa acrs-sall 9/2007

__________Canada wild rye E~ymus [C anadensis 9/2007______

_________Virii wildrye Elymus virginicus 9/2007 12

Teal lovegrss Era~grstis hypnoides 9/2007 Eastern daisy 9/2007 fleabane Eniceron anrnuus Daisy fleabane Erigeron annuus 9/2007 TaltoouhotEupatorium 9/2007 Tallthoroghwo_ a/ti ssimum Lateflowering Eupatorium 9/2007 thoroughwort serotinum

• Tall fescue Festuca elatior 9/2007

• Tree-of-heaven He/ianthus annuus 9/2007 Sawtooth He/ia nthur 9/2007 sunflower yorossreserratus

________*Orange day lily Hemeroca//is fuiva 9/2007

• Rower of ~

Hibiscus trionum 920 hour0.0106 days <br />0.256 hours <br />0.00152 weeks <br />3.5006e-4 months <br />

_______*Foxtail barley Hordeumjubatum 9/2007

_______Dudley's rush Jucs uk 9/2007

_______Torrey's rush Juncus to~rreyi 9/2007

• Prickly lettuce Lactuca serrio/a 9/2007 Osag*e orange Mauaomfr 9/2007

_______*Black medick Medica~go /upu/ina 9/2007

_______*Alfalfa Medicago sativa 9/2007

• White sweet M/tuaba9/2007 clover

• Yellow sweet Meiou fiinls 9/2007 clover Mitotso__iaai_

_______Evening primrose Oenothera Biennis 9/2007 5/2012

_______Stiff goldenrod Oligoneuron n'gidum 9/2007

_______Witchgrass Paniaum capil/are 9/2007 5/2012 Panicum 9/2007 Fall panicgrass dichotomflorum

________Switchgrass Panicum virgatum 9/2007

_______*Wild parsnip Pastinaca satiaa 9/2007 5/2012

___________Ditch stonecrop Penthoru~m sedoides 9/2007

___________Reed canary gr'ass Pha/aris arundinacea 9/2007

_______Timothy Phleumpratense 9/2007 Giant reed Phragmites communis 9/2007 5/2012 ber/andien"_ _

Longleaf groundcherry Plyysa/is subg/abrata 9/2007 Blackseed plantain Plantago rugelli 9/200 7

• Canada bluegrass Poa cotrpressa 9/2007

• Kentucky Poapratensis 9/2007 bluegrass

______Milkwort Polgaa pp.

9/2007 SapsawedPo~vgonum 9/2007 5/2012 Swa__psmartweed hyldropiperoides 13

Curlytop Po~ygornm 9/200 7 knotweed lap athifo/ium Pennsylvania ponslvaonium920 smartweed ey/aiu laevicatum Eastern 920 cottonwood Popdulu [] astat.

/20 Missouri Ribes misrsouriens-e 9/2007

_______gooseberry rosa spp.

Blackeyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta 9/2007

• Curly dock Ruemex o~i~us 9/2007

_______*Crack willow Saixrali 9/2007 Sandbar willow Sa/ix interior 9/2007 Black willow Salix nigra 9/2007 Common Sambuecut 9/2007 elderberry

[C artat.] 00 Clustered black Sncl~ar 9/2007 snakerootSailargaa Little bluestem Schiz~achytium 9/2007 scopariam Softstem bulrush Schoenopkctur 9/2007

______________ tabernaemontani________

Green bulrush Sci~ut atrovirens 9/2007

• Giant foxtail Setariafaberii 9/2007

• Japanlese SetariaAlauca 9/2007 britstlegrass_____________

Upright Sia draa 920 carrionflower Sm/xeira 920 Caaaglerd So/i dago 9/2007 Cndgodrod

]astatd]0[]

• Sow thistle Sonchut o/eraca 9/2007

___________*Moist sowthistle Sonchus ugi~nosus 9/2007

__________Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans 9/2007

_______Basswood Ti/ia [] astati] [

9/2007 Toxicodendron 9/2007 Eastern poison ivy rad'icansr

________*Alsike dover Tnr/ifhum *bybidum 9/2007______

_________*Red clover Trifo/'um 0] astat£l 9/2007

• Narowleaf Tjh ngs~oa 9/2007

_____________ cattail T______ha

____a_____u____ti

___oh______

_________Swamp verbena Verbena 03 astate 9/2007

_________Riverbank grape Vitis ripati 9/2007 Xanthi'um 9/2007 Rough cocklebur ttrumanium Mammal Coyote Canit latrans 9/2007 10/2012

______Beaver Castor Canadensiu 9/2007______

_________Opossum Did~phit virginiana 9/2007 14

_______Groundhog Marmota monax 9/2007 06/2012

___________Striped skunk Memphitis memaphitisr 9/2007

_______White-tail deer Odocoikusr vir~gnianhus 9/2007 05/2013

_______Gray squirrel Saurus caok'nens#

9/2007 05/2013 Bird Red-winged Agauponcu

/0705/2012

___________blackbirdAe/iphncus 920 Mallard Anasp/la~yrhynchos 9/2007 03/2013

_______Great blue heron Ardea El erodias 9/200 7 05/2013 Canada goose Brarnta Canadernir 9/2007 05/2013 Red shouldered 9/2007 04/2013 hawk Buteo lineatus American Cardudlisriritis 9/2007 05/2013 goldfinch Turkey vulture Cathartes aura 9/2007 04/20 13 Killdeer Charadrius vocifirous 9/2007 065/2012

• Rock dove Co/umba livia 9/2 007 Peregrine falcon Fa/copleregrnus 9/2007 5/2008 Barn swallow Hirundo rustica 9/2007 5/2011 Double-crested P

a r

auts9/2007 cormorant Ring necked Phasianus co/chicus 9/2007 06/2012 pheasant__________________

Eastern bluebird Siak's.rialis 9/2007 Mourning dove Zenaida macroura 9/2007 5/2011 Fish American shad Alosa sapidis.sima 9/2007 Bullhead catfish Ameiurus.ipp.

9/2007 Freshwater drum Aplodinotusgrunniers 9/2007

• Goldfish Carassius auratusr 9/2007 Carp spp.

Cyptinus.qpp.

9/2007 Gizzard shad Doromoma cepdianum 9/2007 10/2012 Threadfin shad Dorosomapetenense 9/2007 10/2012 Muskellunge Esox masguinongy 9/2007

• Tiger muskie Esox masquinon'gy x 9/2007

_______Blue catfish Icta/urusfurcaftus 9/2007 10/2012

_______Channel catfish Icta/uruspunctatus 9/2007 10/2012

_______Redear Sunfishi Lemois micro/opus 9/2007 5/2011 Bluegill__

Lepomis macrochirus 9/2007 10/2012

_______Smalimouth bass Micropoteru do/omieui 9/2007 10/2012

_______Largemouth bass Mic-ropterus sa/moides 9/2007 04/2012

_________White bass Morone ch~ysops 9/2007

• HbrdMorone chtysops x 9/2007 bass ~

M saxati/is_______

Ylobas Morone 9/2007

_____ _____ mississeppinsis_ _

_______Striped bass Morone saxati/is 9/2007 5/2011 15

IWhite crappie IPomoxis annularis I9/2007 Bckcape Pornoxiz9/00 Blc rape ninronaculatus 920 Walleye Sander vitrus vitreus 9/200 7

• Indicates species is either non-native, introduced, exotic and/or invasive

3.

Implementation 3.1. Mission The LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team will focus on the following goals for the purpose of increasing the overall biodiversity at the LaSalle County Station, while continuing to work with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to achieve their mission "to manage, protect and sustain Illinois' natural and cultural resources; provide resource-compatible recreational opportunities and to promote natural resource-related issues for the public's safety and education". In striving to reach this mission, the following goals have been recognized.

Goal 1. LaSalle Lake Fish Hatchery and Lake Habitat Management Project 1. LaSalle Lake Habitat and Fishery Management.

Reasoning behind Project: LaSalle Lake is a 2,058 acre lake that was created in 1981. The lake supports a diverse fish population, provides vital habitat for birds and is important for recreation. Maintaining the quality of the habitat will allow the community to benefit from the recreational opportunities and continue to support local and migratory wildlife.

Project's Background Information: Fisheries management activities have taken place for decades and the lake has been supplementally stocked with a variety of warm and cool water fish species that are raised in the on-site fish hatchery.

These included largemouth and smallmouth bass, blue catfish, striped bass, bluegill and red sunfish. The lake is an important recreational area for fisherman and waterfowl hunting due to the quality and management of the habitat. The lake also supports other species such as osprey that use the lake routinely for feeding. Migratory birds such as white pelicans and great blue herons, among many other species, also make use of the lake for feeding and stopover habitat.

Audubon Bird counts are conducted annually on the lake. Exelon, IDNR and local fishermen have partnered to host an annual fishing event for disabled veterans, as well as hosting an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) fishing tournament.

Essential Habitat Components: The fish stocking, shoreline restoration and swamp white oak planting create a well-rounded lake management project. Smaller fish and invertebrates form the basis of the food chain in the lake, supporting the larger forms of life, including the largemouth bass, 16

heron, turtles and osprey. The lake is sufficient size to allow for fish spawning and avian reproduction.

Figure 3. Fish Hatchery 17

Figure 4. Fish in Fish Hatchery

• Objective 1. Fish Population Management.

o Prescriptions:

Continued evaluation of habitat.

Conduct water temperature/dissolved oxygen profiles during the summer.

Conduct biennial fall fish population survey.

No modifications to the present fish harvest regulations for 2011.

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SContinue fish Stockings: Additions of largemouth bass, smalimouth bass, and blue catfish fingerlings have been requested. Hybrid striped bass have also been approved for stocking.

o Monitoring: The IDNR routinely monitors the area and the above prescriptions result in various types of data being collected. The fish population survey provides details on the species, size and number of fish in the lake. The water temperature and dissolved oxygen provide details about the potential survival of fish in the lake during the summer.

Objective 2. Management of the Fish Hatchery o

Prescriptions:

Continue operations of the fish hatchery to support fish population management.

Continue warm and cool water fish species rearing.

• Continue with the hybrid striped bass.

• Objective 3. Shoreline Restoration.

o Prescriptions:

Evaluate the potential for additional shoreline plantings of swamp white oak.

Continue planting other native shoreline wetland plants in consultation with the IDNR.

Evaluate the potential for controlling and removing some of the non-native invasive common reed (Phragmites australis) with mechanical methods and aquatic safe herbicide.

o Monitoring: The original planting of swamp white oak occurred in 2007. The areas planted will be visually assessed to determine the establishment of the plantings.

• Objective 4. Community Outreach.

o Prescriptions: Continue the fishing event for Disabled Vets.

Continue to host the IHSA fishing tournament.

Continue to support the recreational fishery.

• Continue to support the on-site concession stand for public use.

• Engage the community in restoration projects such as the fish habitat modules and shoreline restoration.

• Encourage the Audubon and other groups to use the lake, such as local birding groups, to document the number and species of birds at the lake.

19

Monitoring: The continued participation by external organizations such as the Disabled Vets, Audubon Society and IHSA will display the level of community outreach at LaSalle Lake along with the success of the concession stand.

Figure 5. LaSalle Lake Habitat 20

Goal 2. Enhance grassland habitats on site to benefit grassland birds Reasonzing Behin*d Project:. The LaSalle County Station is located within the Grand Prairie Natural Division, one of fifteen natural divisions of Illinois which are defined by biological and geological characteristics (Schwegman 1973). Previously occupied by taligrass prairie, this division has been nearly entirely converted to row crops, or development. Some native remnants remain, but are small and do not provide the functions of native prairie. Most remnants lack forbs and also lack disturbance regimes that historically maintained prairies in early successional states, such as fire.

As a result, wildlife species dependent upon prairie habitat are also imperiled. The State of Illinois' Wildlife Action Plan has identified issues relating to grassland habitats throughout the state, and has proposed specific actions to establish or restore this habitat type (http: / /dnr.state.il.us / ORC /WildlifeResources /theplan/ final/. The LaSalle County Station can assist in statewide efforts by restoring or enhancing permanent native grasslands on site.

Objective 1. Enhance existing grassland habitat with native warm-season grass/forb species to benefit grassland nesting birds Prairie restoration activities have already been undertaken on site through a partnership with Pheasants Forever in 2004. Plans are to further enhance this habitat for grassland birds, as well as to expand suitable grassland habitats to include other areas throughout the LaSalle County Station that are available for habitat restoration/ enhancement projects.

21

Prescriptions:

Over-seed existing prairie habitat established in 2004 with warm-season grass and forb species native to Illinois. Tallgrass prairie species suitable for this ecoregion will be chosen for this project.

• Maintain existing grasslands with prescribed fire, when/where appropriate, to control succession, and further encourage the germination of native grass and forb species that may still exist in the site's soil seed bank. Controlled burning also improves conditions for brood rearing of grassland birds, by removing the dead/matted vegetation which builds up, allowing young broods to move more freely under the canopy of grasses.

o Grasslands will be divided into thirds, with one-third of the grassland to be burned each year, in a 3-year burn regime. This will leave habitat available for nesting in unburned areas each year.

o Burns will be conducted in the spring of the year, between the months of February and mid-April. Burns will not be conducted after this time, as grassland birds will be nesting.

22

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Will coordinate with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to get technical assistance in preparing for each burn, as well as to obtain any permits that may be required.

a Maintain existing grasslands with mowing in areas where maintenance with prescribed fire is not feasible.

o Grasslands will be divided into thirds, with one-third of the grassland to be mowed each year, in a 3-year rotational mowing scheme. This will leave habitat available for nesting in unmowed areas each year.

o Mowing will be conducted in the late summer or fall of the year, to prevent destruction of the nests of grassland nesting birds.

Objective 2. Enhance existing grassland habitat for raptors (birds of prey)

Prescriptions:

Erect raptor perches in, or adjacent to permanent grassland areas of the site, to supplement the site's natural perches (snags) for hunting rap tors Construct brush piles; which provide habitat for small mammals, within 25 feet of the raptor perch, for the purpose of providing a food source for hunting raptors.

• Manage for snags (dead, standing trees) which provide natural perches for hunting raptors.

o Perform an inventory of snags on site to determine if snag density is adequate (approx. 3/every 125 yards of forest-grassland edge) o Create additional snags in areas where snag numbers are deficient through the girdling of live trees. Trees chosen will be non-native, or species with minimal wildlife value. Tree species which provide mast (nut or berry) will be left intact in the habitat.

Goal 3. Increase site biodiversity by monitoring for and controlling exotic/invasive plant species Reasonzing Behi'nd Pfoject:. Invasive plant species often out-compete native plant species, leaving unproductive monocultures that are of little value to wildlife. The State of Illinois' Wildlife Action Plan has identified that exotic/invasive species pose a threat to grassland habitats throughout the state, and have proposed specific actions in their eradication and control. In an effort to assist statewide efforts, and increase overall biodiversity at the LaSalle County Station, exotic/invasive plant species will be controlled and subsequently monitored, to prevent re-infestations.

23

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Prescriptions:

Monitor grassland habitats for the presence of exotic/invasive species, which will detract from the quality of the habitat for grassland birds.

Whenever possible, manually remove or spot treat (Roundup) small infestations of exotic/invasive species as they appear in grassland habitats on site.

• Treat large infestations of exotic/invasive species with a broader scale of chemical application (Roundup), when/if necessary.

Goal 4. Manage for pollinators by implementing pollinator friendly practices throughout the LaSanie County Station property.

.Reasoning Behind Project: Wildflowers attract pollinating species including butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees by providing nectar sources for adults and host plants for larvae. Pollination is a fundamental ecological and economic service, critical for crop growth, flower fertilization and health. However, nationwide trends show that pollinating species--notably native bees--are declining in number and approaching endangered status due to habitat fragmentation and excessive pesticide use. On a large scale, this species degradation could have negative impacts on agriculture and overall wildlife health.

• Objective 1. Enhance permanent grasslands on site to provide foraging areas for pollinators Prescriptions:

• Include native wildflower species as nectaring sources in overseeing mixture to be used as part of the prairie enhancements outlined in Goal 1, Objective 1 of tis management plan.

Include corresponding caterpillar food plants in planting plans to provide a

• larval food source for butterflies, thereby providing a habitat component necessary for reproduction.

Control exotic/invasive species in permanent grasslands on site to increase floral diversity, thereby increasing nectaring sources for pollinators.

Establish photo stations for before and after over-seeding comparisons.

Objective 2. Provide shelter for pollinators Prescriptions:

Construct, install & maintain bee blocks to provide cover for cavity-nesting bees.

Install half-buried, clay pots in pollinator areas to provide cover for ground-nesting bees.

24

Manage for snags which provide natural cavities for cavity-nesting bees.

Objective 3. Protect pollinators by reducing/eliminating the use of pesticides on site Prescriptions:

Limit or eliminate the use of pesticides on site whenever possible.

Use integrated pest management, whenever possible, to manage pests on site.

Objective 4. Increase the amount of pollinator habitat on site Prescriptions:

Replace existing, non-native landscaping at office building entrances with native plant species which are beneficial to pollinators (nectaring species and caterpillar food plants).

Identify additional areas of grassLands on site that can be restored/enhanced for pollinators.-

Objective 5. Educate LaSalle County Station employees about pollinator requirements Prescriptions:

Place specie identification tags adjacent to native plants in the pollinator gardens located at building entrances, to assist employees with the identification of native, floral species which are beneficial to pollinators. This project may encourage employees to utilize these plant species in their own backyards.

Erect an educational kiosk highlighting pollinator projects being undertaken on site, which coincide with pollinator friendly practices.

A good location for the kiosk would be adjacent to the pollinator gardens at the building entrance. Again, this project may encourage employees to utilize these practices in their own backyards.

Objective 6. Monitor habitat use by pollinators Prescriptions:

The LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team will keep an on-going inventory of wildlife utilizing the wildflowers in the pollinator garden, taking care to note the type of wildflower that is being used by each species.

25

o Bee species using the bee blocks and/or clay pots will be documented as well.

Goal 5. Manage for bats Reasoning behind project." Most bats are insect eaters that can drastically reduce the insect population in a given area. Bats not only consume insects that can damage crops (and irritate humans), but they are also important pollinators and dispersers of seeds.

Despite the important role bats play in agriculture and ecology, their populations are declining rapidly due to the widespread use of pesticides, habitat destruction, and disturbance of colonies during hibernation and breeding. The LaSalle County Station can help to increase native bat populations in Illinois by enhancing habitats on site to provide the necessary life requirements of bats; food, water, cover and space.

Objective 1. Erect artificial roosts to provide daytime cover and nursery areas for bats.

Prescriptions:

Coordinate with local schools or youth groups, such as scouts or 4-H, to construct artificial roosts for bats Erect bat roosts adj'acent to permanent water sources on site, which provide adequate food resources (insects) for bats Erect multiple roosts, in varying exposures, to provide a variety of internal box temperatures for bat nurseries.

Monitor boxes monthly, spring through fall, to determine use by bats, and any adjustments to management that may be required.

Objective 2. Protect native bat species by reducing/eliminating the use of pesticides on site.

Prescriptions:

• Use integrative vegetation management techniques to control exotic/invasive plant species on site, and to'control succession under utility ROW's, whenever feasible o Use physical (manual) methods to remove non-native species, whenever feasible; o

Control re-infestations by introducing desirable, native plant species in areas where non-native species have been removed; o When using herbicides, limit use to spot treatments rather than broadcast spraying, whenever possible; 26

o Use biological controls, when available, to control exotic/invasive species.

SEliminate/reduce the use of insecticides on site.

Goal 6. Manage for the eastern bluebird The introduction of exotic species with similar ecological needs, such as European starlings and English (house) sparrows, has contributed to the decline of bluebird populations, which are out-competed by the more aggressive exotics. However, vigorous conservation efforts have led to an increase in bluebird population numbers. The placement of thousands of bluebird boxes throughout North America has had a tremendous impact on bluebird populations. Although populations are now on the rise, the largest threat to their future is the continued loss of habitat. By properly managing open areas along with placing nest boxes, the LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team can assist with the continued success of eastern bluebirds and other species that rely on similar habitat.

Objective 1. Improve nesting habitat for the eastern bluebird by installing artificial nest boxes Prescriptions:

Erect bluebird nest boxes in or adjacent to permanent grasslands on site Install predator guards under nest boxes

• Monitor nest boxes to determine nesting success, number of young fledged per box, and predation Control the use of nest boxes by European starlings and English house sparrows Objective 2. Enhance natural habitat to improve nesting conditions for the eastern bluebird Manage for an appropriate number of snags/acre to promote natural cavities for nesting o

Inventory and map existing snags (dead, standing trees) in or adjacent to permanent grasslands on site to determine if snag density is adequate

• o If snag density is less than adequate (2-3 snags/acre), create additional snags by girdling live trees, adjacent to permanent grasslands on site. Trees chosen will be non-native, or of little value to wildlife (non mast-producing).

• Monitor snags for use by eastern bluebirds, predation, and nesting SUCCESS 27

oControl exotic/invasive bird species using natural snags (English house sparrow, European starling).

• Maintain permanent grasslands in early successional stage through rotational mowing or prescribed fire Goal 7. Manage for the peregrine falcon The peregrine falcon historically has one of the largest ranges of any bird species; however, it has never been an abundant species. Its vulnerability to the pesticide DDT resulted in a rapid population decline beginning in the 1 940s and its listing as an endangered species in 1970. The combination of recovery efforts and a ban on DDT has since allowed populations to rebound, and the species was delisted from its federally endangered status in 1999.

Objective 1. Enhance nesting habitat for the peregrine falcon Prescriptions:

• Erect artificial nest box in a high location with little human activity

• Monitor nest box for use by peregrines, and nesting success 3.2.

Estimated Timeline The following schedule is subject to changes due to weather, and/or other factors.

Autumn 2004: Partnered with Pheasants Forever to establish cool-season nesting cover in old field habitat, within the exclusion area of the station property.

Autumn 2008: 1) Enhance cool-season nesting cover by over-seeding with warm-season grasses and forbs to improve nesting habitat for grassland nesting birds, as well as to provide a nectar source and caterpillar food plants for pollinators. Prior to seeding, photo stations will be established for before and after comparisons.

2) Inventory and map existing snags within habitats on site Winter 2007 - 2008: Partner with local schools or youth groups to construct raptor perches and artificial nest boxes Autumn 2011: Maintain nest boxes Winter 2008-20 12: Continue to work with schools and youth groups to construct bat roosts and additional nest boxes or raptor perches, as well as bee blocks.

Summer 2012: 1) Construct brush piles near installed raptor perches.

2) Create additional snags in areas with inadequate snag densities by 28

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girdling live trees, taking care to choose species that are either non-native or undesirable for wildlife.

3) Replace existing, non-native landscaping around office buildings with native wildflower species beneficial to pollinators.

4) Maintain pollinator gardens by watering and weeding. Watering may not be necessary in subsequent years, once the root systems have become established. Begin monitoring for use by wildlife.

Spring 2013:

1). Begin monitoring and controlling exotic/invasive plant species throughout habitats on site.

2). Erect raptor perches which were constructed over the winter, and begin monitoring.

3) Erect artificial nest boxes and begin monitoring

4) Monitor enhanced grassland for the appearance of new plant species seeded in the autumn of 2007.

Summer 2013: 1) Install bat roosts in full sunlight, adjacent to open water sources and begin monitoring for use by bats.

2) Monitor nest boxes.

3) Install bee blocks or clay pots in pollinator gardens and/or enhanced prairie area.

4) Begin maintaining native prairie through rotational mowing or prescribed burning.

5) Continue to monitor prairie area for emergence of new plant species and wildlife species using the area.

6) Continue to monitor and control exotic/invasive species as they appear throughout the site.

4. Evaluation and Project Status Exelon's commitment to LaSalle Lake and the community have resulted in numerous successes for wildlife* and for people. The fishing events engage people in the outdoors, and projects like the planting of swamp white oak and the Audubon bird counts on the lake, introduce the community to innovative wildlife habitat protection and restoration projects.

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4.1 Goal 1. LaSalie Lake Fish Hatchery and Lake Habitat Management 4.2 Timeline of Completed Activities 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked 60,891 66,395 51,207 50,434 29,479 84,166 largemouth largemouth largemouth largemouth largemouth largemouth bass bass bass bass bass bass Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocedc2,68 21,816 25,365 21,155 21,1182,73 salot smallmouth smalimouth smallmouth smallmouth 2,73 salot smallmouth bass bass bass bass bass bs Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked 10.290 73,914 60,556 41,284 52,642 21,399 striped striped striped striped striped striped hybrid bass haybrid bass hybrid bass hybrid bass hybrid bass hybrid bass Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked Stocked 10,800 blue 18.560 blue 34,452 blue 19,800 blue 23,368 blue 73,681 catfish catfish catfish catfish catfish bluegill Stocked StockedStceH-A Began work 1

170 Stocked 4830 redear.

fishing to eradicate 3,51,70 4830 redear sunfish tournament redear redear phragmites sunfish sunfish sunfish on April 23,

___2012 Held Held Biennial fish Stocked Stocked Held fishing Disabled Disabled population 84,661 364,731 outing for Vets fishing Vets fishing survey bleil bluegill Disabled event

• event conducted bluegill__

Vets Held Held IS Audubon Audubon Disabled Disabled fishing tournament Bird counts Bird counts Vets fishing Vets fishing o

pi 3 event event 21 Phragmites Audubon Audubon eradication Bird counts Bird counts April 3, Phragmites fishin eradication fshn tournament 30

4.3 Project Evaluation:

Project 1: LaSalle Lake Fish Hatchery and Lake Habitat Management.

o Date the project was started:

• Fish stocking and population management - 1980's.

• Phragmnites eradication - 2007.

• Shoreline restoration - 2008.

• Partners and organizations involved with the lake project are as follows; Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Audubon Society, Disabled Vets.

o Explain whether native plantings are being used: Native swamp white oak was used in the shoreline restoration.

o Explain whether non-native invasive species are being controlled: non-native invasive species are currently being controlled, such as phragmnites.

Generating Station employees, through the Environmental Action Committee, have taken considerable action with their partners in the last few years to improve the habitat of the lake. In short, several swamp white oaks have been planted and approximately 101,640 largemouth bass, 42,270 smallmouth bass, 54,250 blue catfish, 101,850 striped hybrid bass and 16570 redear sunfish have been stocked in last two years.

2007 A general fish survey was conducted in November. The survey resulted in an excellent collection of quality size bluegill. Bluegills greater than 6 inches were collected at the incredible rate of 351 and 207 per hour on the 2 stations on the east end of the lake.

Larger bass numbers were down from the 2005 survey. Smallmouth bass numbers appeared to be up especially on the east end of the lake. Channel catfish were collected in large numbers. Although their body condition had improved slightly especially those greater than 14 inches, they still only exhibited fair body condition.

A special survey was conducted on October 24, 2007 for blue catfish. A total of 192 blues were collected in only 55 minutes of electro fishing. The catch rate would have been greater but the water temperature was 83 degrees in the warm section. Anglers reported catching at least 3 blues between 40 and 45 pounds. The largest blue we collected was 27.4 pounds.

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2008 In June 2008, under the technical guidance of the IDNR, shoreline habitat restoration activity included thle planting of swamp white oak and other wetland species along the riprap shoreline. Early observations indicated that some have survived. Also in 2007, buoy maintenance on the lake was conducted as well as phragmnites eradication.

There were no major fish kills reported on LaSalle Lake and the IDNR fish hatchery reported stocking numbers for largemouth bass of 66,395, smallmouth bass, 25,365, blue catfish 18,560 and 73,914 striped hybrid bass were raised and stocked. 34,351 Redear sunfish were also stocked. IDNR hosted a Disabled Vets fishing event and participated in an Audubon bird count event.

A general fish survey was conducted on October21 and October29in 2008. The survey resulted in an excellent collection of quality size bluegill. Bluegills greater than 6 inches were collected at the incredible rate of 192 and 330 per hour on the 2 stations on the East end of the lake. Larger bass numbers were down from the 2005 survey although good numbers of 1 pound+ bass were collected. Smallmouth bass numbers appeared to be up especially on the East end of the lake. Channel catfish were collected in large numbers.

Although their body condition had improved slightly especially those greater than 14 inches, they still only exhibited fair body condition.

A special survey was conducted 10-29-08 for blue catfish. A total of 225 blues were collected in only 112 minutes of electro fishing. The catch rate would have been greater but rough water made collection difficult at two of the stations. Also no chase boat was used in 2008. Anglers reported catching at least 2 blues greater than 50 pounds. The largest blue we collected was 32.5 pounds.

Redear sunfish were stocked again this year to see if they could be another thermal tolerant fish species that may find LaSalle Cooling Lake to have suitable habitat to survey and reproduce. A few from last year were collected in the survey.

IDNR was able to get a two mile buffer setback for windmill construction on the south east and north sides of the take to protect the use of the lake by migrating birds.

2009 There was a fish kill at LaSalle Lake on June 24.There were only about 20 sport fish and a lot of Gizzard shad found dead. Anglers reported dead striped bass Hybrids, however, none were found by IDNR personnel or by the LaSalle Hatchery employees. LaSalle Lake received a lot of warm water fish stockings because of the excellent job by the Hatchery Staff at LaS alle Hatchery.

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In 2009 largemouth bass, smailmouth bass, striped hybrid bass, blue catfish, redear sunfish and bluegill fingerlings were stocked by the IDNR and no major fish kills were reported.

Stocking numbers:

51,207 largemouth bass fingerlings with average length at stocking ranging from 2.7 to 4.4" 34,452 5-inch blue catfish fingerlings.

21,155 smallmouth bass at 3.7-4.6" 60,566 striped hybrid bass at 1.3-1.5" 11,740 bluegill at 1.3" A general fish survey was conducted on October 28 and November 3 in 2009. The survey resulted in an excellent collection of quality size bluegill. Bluegills greater than 6 inches were collected at the incredible rate of 142 and 114 per hour on the 2 stations on the east end of the lake. Larger bass numbers were down from the 2005 survey although good numbers of 1 pound+ bass were collected. Smallmouth bass numbers appeared to be up especially on the east end of the lake. Channel catfish were collected in large numbers.

A special survey was conducted 10-28-09 for blue catfish. A total of 75 blues were collected in only 30 minutes of electro fishing. The catch rate would have been greater but no chase boat was used in 2009. Anglers reported catching at least 2 blues greater than 50 pounds. The largest blue we collected was 30.0 pounds.

Redear sunfish were stocked again in 2008 to see if they could be another thenmal tolerant fish species that may find LaSalle Cooling Lake to have suitable habitat to survey and reproduce. A few from last year were collected in the survey.

Fish were collected for Sport Shows on January 9 and February 17. The sample on February 17 resulted in the collection of 35 striped bass hybrids between 7 and 12 pounds. Also 89 largemouth bass greater than 12 inches were collected The bluegill stockings appear to be having a positive result to the bluegill population.

LaS alle Lake gets a lot of extra bluegill and other fish because of its close proximity to the Hatchery.

IDNR hosted a Disabled Vets fishing event and participated in an Audubon bird count event.

Completed Phase 1 of conversion of garage to a concession stand on the lake for public use. The stand will serve food and sell bait for the fishermen.

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2010 In 2010 the fish stocking efforts were continued and some monitoring was conducted.

There was a small fish kill at LaSalle Lake on or about July 8th. There were only about 20 sport fish observed and several of small gizzard shad.

50,434 4-inch largemouth bass fingerlings 19,800 5.3-inch blue catfish fingerlings

• .21,118 smallmouth bass at 4.0" 41,284 striped hybrid bass at 1.5" 84,661 bluegill at 1.3" 4,830 redear sunfish at 1.3" A general fish survey was conducted on October 18 and 1 9t in 2010. The water temperature in the warm pool at the time of the survey was still 96 degrees. The survey resulted in an excellent collection of quality size bluegill. Bluegills greater than 6 inches were collected at the incredible rate of 132 and 222 per hour on the East end of the lake.

In 2009, bluegill were collected at a rate of 142 and 114 per hour on the 2 stations on the east end of the lake. The bluegill stockings appear to be having a positive result to the bluegill population. LaSalle Cooling Lake gets a lot of extra bluegill and other fish because of its close proximity to the Hatchery. Larger sized bass numbers were about the same as the past three years. Good numbers of 1 pound+ bass were collected.

Smallmouth bass numbers appeared to be up especially on the east end of the lake.

Channel catfish were collected in large numbers.

A special survey was conducted 10-18-10 for blue catfish. A total of 144 blues were collected in only 60 minutes of electro fishing. The blues are collected using a very low setting on the DC control box. A chase boat was used in 2010 to help increase effectiveness of the survey. The collected blues ranched from 1/3 pound to 25 pounds.

Larger blues were observed but were not able to be caught. Anglers reported catching at least 2 blues greater than 50 pounds.

Fish were collected for Sport Shows on January 9 and February 17. The sample on February 17 resulted in the collection of 35 striped bass hybrids between 7 and 12 pounds. Also 89 largemouth bass greater than 12 inches were collected. A creel conducted in 2007 had the striped bass hybrid as the number 3 species in terms of pounds per acre harvested. Also collected were several larger largemouth and smallmouth bass than were collected the earlier survey.

The IHSA fishing tournament on April 23, 2010 was very successful. The tournament resulted in the second most fish and pounds of bass being caught out of all the lakes used in the tournament.

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2011

1. Fish Losses - There was a fish loss on LaSalle Lake in July. The loss was mainly threadfin shad and a few gizzard shad. The threadfin die-off was pretty large. Mainly young of the year fish. Anglers also reported a few dead striped bass hybrids and smailmouth bass. LaSalle Hatchery employees reported seeing a few dead striped bass hybrids.

2. Fish Stockings in 2011 - LaSalle Cooling Lake received a lot of warm water fish stockings because of the excellent job by the Hatchery Staff at LaS alle Hatchery.

SPECIES DATE SIZE INCHTES

1. STOCKED Smalimouth Bass July-Sept 4.0 22,733 Largemouth Bass Sept 2.0 3,311 Largemouth Bass Sept.-Oct.

4.0 25,532 Largemouth Bass Sept 6.0 1,627 Striped Bass Hybrid June 2.0 52,642 Redear Sunfish October 1.3 4,830 Bluegill October 1.3 364,731 Blue Catfish Sept 5.0 23,368 Field Activities:

1. A general fish survey was conducted on October 24 and 27 in 2011. I would like to thank Randy Petges and Jeff Hoffelt from LaSalle Hatchery for assisting in the survey.

The water temperature in the warm pool at the time of the survey was 79 degrees and 65 degrees on the cool side. The survey resulted in an excellent collection of quality size bluegill. Bluegills greater than 6 inches were collected at the incredible rate of 231 and 300 per hour on the East end of the lake. In 2010, bluegills were collected at a rate of 156 and 222 per hour on the 2 stations on the East end of the lake. This has always been the hot spot for bluegills. The bluegill stockings appear to be having a positive result to the bluegill population. LaSalle Cooling Lake gets a lot of extra bluegill and other fish because of its close proximity to the Hatchery. The collection rate of larger sized bass has been down the last few years. Good numbers of YOY and 1+ bass were collected.

Smallmouth bass numbers were good especially on the East end of the lake. The body condition of the smallmouth bass was improved in 2011 despite prolong periods of high water temperatures in the lake. Channel catfish numbers were down in 2011 but their 35

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body condition had improved especially those greater than 14 inches. Threadfin shad numbers were way down only a few were observed. The summer kill must have really reduced their population. Gizzard shad numbers were not up but their body condition greatly improved.

2. A special survey was conducted 10-27-11 for blue catfish. A total of 130 blues were collected in only 60 minutes of electro fishing. The blues are collected using a very low setting on the DC control box. A chase boat was not used in 2011. The chase boat increases the blue catfish harvest but other personnel were all busy. The collected blues ranched from 0.8 pound to 31 pounds. Larger blues were seen but we were not able to collect them. Anglers reported catching at least 2 blues greater than 50 pounds. A creel conducted in 2007 reported blues were the number I harvested fish. With more than twice as many pounds harvested as any other fish species. People real like this fish. They will fish for them even in the hot weather.

3. Gizzard shad numbers appeared to be about the same in 2011. More gizzard shad older than 1 year old were collected in 2011 than the last 3 years. The body condition of the gizzard shad improved to average in 201 1 compared to fair in 2010 and to extremely poor in 2009. In 2008 the condition had improved on the smaller fish but the Wr of the larger gizzard shad was still poor. The threadfin shad numbers appeared to be way down in 2011. The July fish kill appeared too really hurt their numbers.

4. Redear sunfish were stocked again in 2011 to see if they could be another thermal tolerant fish species that may find LaSalle Cooling Lake to have suitable habitat to survey and reproduce. A few from last two years were collected in t~he survey. Redears will be hard to sample in LaSalle Lake. A creel in a few years should help determine the success of this stocking program.

5. Fish were collected for the Rockford Sport Show on March 2, 2011. The sample resulted in the collection of 10 striped bass hybrids. A creel conducted in 2007 had the striped bass hybrid as the number 3 species in terms of pounds per acre harvested. We also collected a lot larger largemouth and smallmouth bass than we did in are survey.

6. The IHSA fishing tournament on April 23, 2011 was very successful. The tournament resulted in the second most fish and pounds of bass being caught out of all the lakes used in the tournament.

7. A fish outing for disabled veterans was conducted again this year. The LaSalle station personnel have expressed interest in helping with this in the future. LaSalle Station had a family fishing outing this year and Jeremiah Haas did a talk on fish biology and identification.

All scheduled activities for 2011 were completed. Proposed activities in 2012 will be the same. There was a creel conducted on the lake in 2007. The creel report had blue catfish as the most harvested fish species in the lake. More than twice as many pounds of blues 36

were harvested as any other species. Over 32,000 pounds of blues were harvested.

Another creel will be conducted around 2017 if money is available.

2012 2012 Fish Losses - There was a fish loss on LaSalle Lake in July. The loss was not a major loss. The fish affected in the order of abundance were: blue catfish, striped bass hybrids, gizzard shad, largemouth bass, smailmouth bass and carp. There may have been 50-100 blues and strippers involved in the kill. LaSalle Hatchery employees tried to monitor the lake daily for fish losses as the temperatures were extremely hot in 2012.

Fish Stockings in 2012 - LaSalle Cooling Lake received a lot of warm water fish stockings because of the excellent job by the Hatchery Staff at LaSalle Hatchery.

SPECIES DATE SIZE INCHES

1. STOCKED Smallmouth Bass July-Sept 4.0 20,683 Largemouth Bass Sept 2.0 79,304 Largemouth Bass Sept.-Oct.,

4.0 4,862 Striped Bass Hybrid June 1.5 21,399 Bluegill October 1.5 73,681 I

I.

I 2012 LaSalle Lake Field Activities:

1. A general fish survey was conducted on October 22, 23 and 29 in 2012. I would like to thank Randy Petges, and Rick Bushman from LaSalle Hatchery for assisting in the survey. The water temperature in the warm pooi at the time of the survey was still 90 degrees and 72 degrees on the cool side. The survey resulted in an excellent collection of quality size bluegill. Bluegills greater than 6 inches on the two stations on the East end in 2012 were collected at a rate of and 308 greater than 6 inches were collected at the incredible rate of 231 and 300 per hour on the East end of the lake. In 2010, bluegills were collected at a rate of 156 and 222 per hour on the 2 stations on the east end of the lake. This has always been the hot spot for bluegills. The bluegill stockings appear to be having a positive result to the bluegill population. LaSalle Cooling Lake gets a lot of extra bluegill and other fish because of its close proximity to the Hatchery. The collection rate of larger sized bass has been down the last few years. Good numbers of YOY and 1 + bass were collected. Smallmouth bass numbers 37

were good especially on the East end of the lake. The body condition of the smallmouth bass was improved in 2012 despite prolong periods of high water temperatures in the lake. Channel catfish numbers were down in 2011 and 2012 but their body condition had improved especially those greater than 14 inches, Threadfin shad numbers were way down only a few were observed. The summer kill must have really reduced their population. Gizzard shad numbers were not up but their body condition greatly improved

2. A special survey was conducted 10-22-12 and 10-29-12 for blue catfish only. In the warm pool a total of 84 blues were collected in only 35 minutes of electro-fishing or 144 blues per hour. In the cool pool Blues were collected at 136 per hour. The body condition or Relative weights of the blues were down slightly in 2012. The condition will be monitored again in 2013. The blues are collected using a very low setting on the DC control box. A chase boat was used in 2012. The collected blues ranched from 0.5 pound to 20 pounds. Larger blues were seen but we were not able to collect them.

Anglers reported catching at least 2 blues greater than 50 pounds. A creel conducted in 2007 reported blues were the number 1 harvested fish. With more than twice as many pounds harvested as any other fish species. People real like this fish. They will fish for them even in the hot weather.

3. Gizzard shad numbers appeared to be about the same in 2012. More gizzard shad older than 1 year old were collected in 2012 than the last 3 years. The body condition of the gizzard shad improved to average in 2012 compared to fair in 2010 and to extremely poor in 2009. In 2008 the condition had improved on the smaller fish but the Wr of the larger gizzard shad was still poor. The threadfin shad numbers appeared to be way down in 2011 but back up in 2012. The July fish kill in 201 lappeared too really hurt their numbers but in 2012 numbers recovered.

4. The IHISA fishing tournament on April 23, 201i2 was very successful despite the weather. In 201 Ithe tournament resulted in the second most fish and pounds of bass being caught out of all the lakes used in the tournament. I have been told that they have decided to drop all cooling Lakes in 2013 because of safety concerns.

5. A fish outing for disabled veterans was conducted again this year. The LaSalle station personnel have expressed interest in helping with this in the future.

6. All scheduled activities for 2012 were completed. Proposed activities in 2013 will be the same. Except LaSalle lake may not be used in the IHSA bass fishing tournament.

There was a creel conducted on the lake in 2007. The creel report had blue catfish as the most harvested fish species in the lake. More than twice as many pounds of blues were harvested as any other species. Ov¢er 32,000 pounds of blues were harvested.

Another creel will be conducted around 2017 if money is available.

38

Goal 2. Enhance grassland habitats on site to benefit grassland birds Status oFGoal2: The initial enhancement of the prairie area, done in partnership with Pheasants Forever, was completed in the fall of 2004.

The Wildlife Team has monitored the area after over-seeding with native forbs in the fall of 2008. A record has been kept of all seed mixes used in the project. Approximately 10 acres in three different locations have been seeded with a Midwest Wildflower Seed Mix, which includes the following species:

Common Name Baby's Breath Dwarf Cornflower/Bachelor Button Candytuft Sweet William Indian Blanket Prairie Coneflower Mexican Hat Tall Cornflower/Bachelor Button Red Corn Poppy (Legion Poppy)

Lance Leaf Coreopsis Mixed Red Poppy (Shirley Poppy)

Wild Cosmos California Poppy Blanketfiower Black Eyed Susan Wild Perennial Lupine Purple Coneflower Russel Lupine Plains Coreopsis Siberian Wallflower Blue Flax Botanical Name Gypsophila elegans Centaurea cyanus Iberis umbellata Dianthus barbatus Gaillardia pulchella Ratibida columnifera Ratibida columnaris Centaurea cyanus Papaver rhoeas Coreopsis lanceolata Papaver rhoeas Cosmos bipinnatus Eschscholzia californica Gaillardia aristata Rudbeckda hirta Lupinus perennis Echinacea purpurea Lupinus polyphyllus Coreopsis tinctoria Cheirianthus allionii Linum usitatissimum Annual /

Perennial Annual Annual Annual/Perennial Biennial Annual Perennial Perennial Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual/Perennial Perennial Biennial Perennial Perennial Perennial Annual Biennial Annual 39

Scarlet Flax Scarle FlaxLinum grandiflorum rubrum Annual Drummond Phlox Phlox drummondii Annual Sulphur/Orange Cosmos Cosmos suiphureus Annual Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia gloriosa Perennial Wildlife use of the area will also be routinely monitored (including any pollinators) and documented SGoal 3. Increase site biodiversity by monitoring for and controlling exotic/invasive plant species Status of Goal 3: The wildlife team will begin monitoring for exotic/invasive species in habitat areas of the LaSalle County Station property in the summer of 2011.

SGoal 4. Manage for pollinators by implementing pollinator friendly practices throughout the LaSaile County Station Property Status of Goal 4: The LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team has begun implementing pollinator friendly practices by including native wildflower species as nectaring sources in over seeding mixture to be used as part of the prairie enhancements outlined in Goal 1, Objective 1 of this management plan, Approximately 10 acres in three different locations have been seeded with the Midwest Wildflower Seed Mix as stated above.

SGoal 5. Manage for bats Status of Goal 5: The LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team has coordinated with local schools and/or youth groups in 2007 to begin construction of the bat roosts. Several boxes were installed in 2008 throughout the site and are monitored on a quarterly basis. Thus far, no bats have been observed, however, evidence of owls using the boxes as a perch has been observed.

SGoal 6. Manage for the eastern bluebird Status of Goal 6: The LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team will coordinate with local schools and/or youth groups to begin construction of artificial nest boxes for the eastern bluebird in the winter of 2012. Boxes will be erected in or adjacent to permanent grassland habitat in the spring of 2013.

40

~'Goal 7. Manage for the peregrine falcon Status of Goal 7: The LaSalle County Station Wildlife Team will coordinate with local schools and/or youth groups to begin construction of an artificial nest box for the peregrine falcon in the winter of 20012, with placement occurring in the spring of 2013.

4.1. Future Goals 4.2. Timeline of Completed Activities

5. Additional Documentation The following documentation supports the LaSalle Station projects that have earned certification from WHC and demonstrates that the projects are ongoing. The Lake Management and Fish Hatchery project is closely monitored and managed by Exelon in partnership with IDNR, with continuing community outreach initiatives such as the State IHSA Bass fishing tournament and the food drive and fundraiser for the "Hoo" Haven at LaSalle Station. The continued enhancement of the land and water adjacent to the LaSalle Generating Station will not only provide a benefit to wildlife and the community, but will assist in meeting the environmental goals of Exelon.

IDNR and Exelon Meeting Notes Review of Braidwood, Clinton and LaSalle Lake Fishery and Land Management Plans February 22, 2012 Meeting Notes:

On February 22, 2012 the following attendees met at the American Fisheries Society Meeting held at Starved Rock State Park to review the 2011 fishery and land management accomplishments for Braidwood Station, Clinton Station and LaSalle County Station cooling lakes and the planned 2012 fishery and land management plans for these same cooling lakes:

• Dan Sallee, IDNR

• Rick O'Neil, IDNR

• Rob Miller, IDNR Braidwood Lake Fishery Biologist

• Mike Garthaus, IDNR Clinton Lake Fishery Biologist

• Ken Clodfelter, IDNR LaSalle Lake Fishery Biologist

• Rick Bushman, IDNR LaSalle Fish Hatchery

• Mike Conlin, Retired IDNR Fisheries Chief

• Jeremiah Haas, Quad Cities Station

• Keith Volker, Clinton Station John Petro, Exelon Generation 41

Highlights of the February 2 2nd discussion of LaSalle are as follow:

LaSalle County Lake The plan going forward is to continue to stock blue catfish and hybrid stripers IDNR asked for LaSalle County Station's help in doing a permanent repair to the power supply that feeds the LaSalle Fish Hatchery. The underground power supply, which parallels the access road to the Fish Hatchery, has failed twice in the risk which jeopardizes Fish Hatchery operations, IDNR asked that LaSalle County Station grade the access road to the boat ramps and Fish Hatchery and investigate and budget for blacktopping these roadways in the future.

LaSalle County Station Cooling Lake - 2011 Points of Interest DISTRICT FISHERIES BIOLOGIST: Ken Clodfelter

1. Fish Losses - There was a fish loss on LaSalle Lake in July. The loss was mainly threadfin shad and a few gizzard shad.The threadfin die-off was pretty large. Mainly young of the year fish. Anglers also reported a few dead striped bass hybrids and smallmouth bass. LaSalle Hatchery employees reported seeing a few dead striped bass hybrids.

2. Fish Stockings in 2011 - LaSalle Cooling Lake received a lot of warm water fish stockings because of the excellent job by the Hatchery Staff at LaS alle Hatchery.

SPECIES DATE SIZE INCHES

1. STOCKED Smailmouth Bass July-Sept 4.0 22,733 Largemouth Bass Sept 2.0 3,311 Largemouth Bass Sept.-Oct.

4.0 25,532 Largemouth Bass Sept 6.0 1,627 Striped Bass Hybrid June 2.0 52,642 Redear Sunfish.

October 1.3 4,830 Bluegill October 1.3 364,731 Blue Catfish Sept 5.0 23,368 Field Activities:

1. A general fish survey was conducted on October 24 and 27 in 2011. I would like to thank Randy Petges, and Jeff Hoffelt from LaS alle Hatchery for assisting in the survey.

The water temperature in the warm pool at the time of the survey was 79 degrees and 65 degrees on the cool side. The survey resulted in an excellent collection of quality size bluegill. Bluegills greater than 6 inches were collected at the incredible rate of 231 and 300 per hour on the East end of the lake. In 2010, bluegills were collected at a rate of 156 and 222 per hour on the 2 stations on the East end of the lake. This has always been the hot spot for bluegills. The bluegill stockings appear to be having a positive result to the bluegill population. LaSalle Cooling Lake gets a lot of extra bluegill and other fish because of its close proximity to the Hatchery. The collection rate of larger sized bass has been down the last few years. Good numbers of YOY and 1 + bass were collected.

Smallmouth bass numbers were good especially on the East end of the lake. The body 43

condition of the smalimouth bass was improved in 2011 despite prolong periods of high water temperatures in the lake. Channel catfish numbers were down in 2011 but their body condition had improved especially those greater than 14 inches, Threadfin shad numbers were way down only a few were observed. The summer kill must have really reduced their population. Gizzard shad numbers were not up but their body condition greatly improved

2. A special survey was conducted 10-27-11 for blue catfish. A total of 130 blues were collected in only 60 minutes of electro fishing. The blues are collected using a very low setting on the DC control box. A chase boat was not used in 2011. The chase boat increases the blue catfish harvest but other personnel were all busy. The collected blues ranched from 0.8 pound to 31 pounds. Larger blues were seen but we were not able to collect them. Anglers reported catching at least 2 blues greater than 50 pounds. A creel conducted in 2007 reported blues were the number 1 harvested fish. With more than twice as many pounds harvested as any other fish species. People real like this fish. They will fish for them even in the hot weather.

3. Gizzard shad numbers appeared to be about the same in 2011. More gizzard shad older than 1 year old were collected in 2011 than the last 3 years. The body condition of the gizzard shad improved to average in 2011 compared to fair in 2010 and to extremely poor in 2009. In 2008 the condition had improved on the smaller fish but the Wr of the larger gizzard shad was still poor.The threadfin shad numbers appeared to be way down in 2011. The July fish kill appeared too really hurt their numbers.

4. Redear sunfish were stocked again in 2011 to see if they could be another thermal tolerant fish species that may find LaSalle Cooling Lake to have suitable habitat to survey and reproduce. A few from last two years were collected in the survey. Redears will be hard to sample in LaSalle Lake. A creel in a few years should help determine the success of this stocking program.

5. Fish were collected for the Rockford Sport Show on March 2, 2011. The sample resulted in the collection of 10 striped bass hybrids. A creel conducted in 2007 had the striped bass hybrid as the number 3 species in terms of pounds per acre harvested. We also collected a lot larger largemouth and smallmouth bass than we did in are survey.

6. The IHSA fishing tournament on April 23, 2011 was very successful. The tournament resulted in the second most fish and pounds of bass being caught out of all the lakes used in the tournament.

7. A fish outing for disabled veterans was conducted again this year. The LaSalle station

• personnel have expressed interest in helping with this in the future. LaSalle Station had a family fishing outing this year and Jeremiah Haas did a talk on fish biology and identification.

All scheduled activities for 2011 were completed. Proposed activities in 2012 will be the same. There Was a creel conducted on the lake in 2007. The creel report had blue catfish 44

as the most harvested fish species in the lake. More than twice as many pounds of blues were harvested as any other species. Over 32,000 pounds of blues were harvested.

Another creel will be conducted around 2017 if money is available.

I moved my Station 1 out of the restricted area to eliminate any problems with security. I had been thinking about moving this station anyhow. The plant has been very cooperative when I have called them on anything dealing with the lake. Plant staff has assisted me with my survey.

IDNR and Exelon Meeting Notes Review of Braidwood, Clinton and LaSalle Lake Fishery and Land Management Plans March 6, 2013 Meeting Notes:

On March 6, 2013 the following attendees met during lunch at the American Fisheries Society (AFS) Meeting held at Rend Lake Conference Center to review the 2012 fishery and land management accomplishments for Braidwood Station, Clinton Station and LaSalle County Station cooling lakes and the planned 2013 fishery and land management plans for these same cooling lakes:

Rob Miller, IDNR Braidwood Lake Fishery Biologist

• Mike Garth us, IDNR Clinton Lake Fishery Biologist Ken Clodfelter, IDNR LaSalle Lake Fishery Biologist Jeremiah Haas, Quad Cities Station Highlights of the March 6, 2013 discussion of LaSalle are as follows:

LaSalle County Lake

• No lake issues or requests at this time. Fish populations doing well. Ken and I both expected a fish loss during the 2012 extreme heat, but no loss occurred to our surprise. Did discuss the possibility of the lake not opening due to budget issues.

Further developments coming on that issue.

2012 LaSalle Cooling Lake Points of Interest 2012 Fish Losses - There was a fish kill on LaSalle Lake in July. The loss was not a major loss. The fish affected in the order of abundance were: blue catfish, striped bass 45

hybrids, gizzard shad, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and carp. There may have been 50-100 blues and strippers involved in the loss. LaSalle Hatchery *employees tried to monitor the lake daily for fish losses as the temperatures were extremely hot in 2012.

Fish Stockings in 2012 - LaSalle Cooling Lake received a lot of warm water fish stockings because of the excellent job by the Hatchery Staff at LaSalle Hatchery.

SPECIES DATE SIZE INCHES

1. STOCKED Smallmouth Bass July-Sept 4.0 20,683 Largemouth Bass Sept 2.0 79,304 Largemouth Bass Sept.-Oct.

4.0 4,862 Striped Bass Hybrid June 1.5 21,399 Bluegill October 1.5 73,681 I _____

I.

I 2012 LaSalle Lake Field Activities:

7. A general fish survey was conducted on October 22, 23 and 29 in 2012. I would like to thank Randy Petges, and Rick Bushman from LaSalle Hatchery for assisting in the survey. The water temperature in the warm pool at the time of the survey was still 90 degrees and 72 degrees on the cool side. The survey resulted in an excellent collection of quality size bluegill. Bluegills greater than 6 inches on the two stations on the East end in 2012 were collected at a rate of and 308 greater than 6 inches were collected at the incredible rate of 231 and 300 per hour on the East end of the lake. In 2010, bluegills were collected at a rate of 156 and 222 per hour on the 2 stations on the East end of the lake. This has always l~een the hot spot for bluegills. The bluegill stockings appear to be having a positive result to the bluegill population. LaSalle Cooling Lake gets a lot of extra bluegill and other fish because of its close proximity to the Hatchery. The collection rate of larger sized bass has been down the last few years. Good numbers of YOY and 1 + bass were collected. Smallmouth bass numbers were good especially on the East end of the lake. The body condition of the smallmiouth bass was improved in 2012 despite prolong periods of high water temperatures in the lake. Channel catfish numbers were down in 2011 and 2012 but their body condition had improved especially those greater than 14 inches, Threadfin shad numbers were way down only a few were observed. The summer kill must have really reduced their population. Gizzard shad numbers were not up but their body condition greatly improved 46

8. A special survey was conducted 10-22-12 and 10-29-12 for blue catfish only. In the warm pooi a total of 84 blues were collected in only 35 minutes of electro-fishing or 144 blues per hour. In the cool pool Blues were collected at 136 per hour. The body condition or Relative weights of the blues were down slightly in 2012. The condition will be monitored again in 2013. The blues are collected using a very low setting on the DC control box. A chase boat was used in 2012. The collected blues ranched from 0.5 pound to 20 pounds. Larger blues were seen but we were not able to collect them. Anglers reported catching at least 2 blues greater than 50 pounds. A creel conducted in 2007 reported blues were the number 1 harvested fish. With more than twice as many pounds harvested as any other fish species. People real like this fish.

They will fish for them even in the hot weather.

9. Gizzard shad numbers appeared to be about the same in 2012. More gizzard shad older than 1 year old were collected in 2012 than the last 3 years. The body condition of the gizzard shad improved to average in 2012 compared to fair in 2010 and to extremely poor in 2009. In 2008 the condition had improved on the smaller fish but the Wr of the larger gizzard shad was still poor. The threadfin shad numbers appeared to be way down in 2011 but back up in 2012. The July fish kill in 2011 appeared too really hurt their numbers but in 2012 numbers recovered.

10. We also collected a lot larger largemouth and smallmouth bass than we did in are survey. None were collected in 2012 or 2013.

11. The IHSA fishing tournament on April 23, 2012 was very successful despite the weather. In 201 lthe tournament resulted in the second most fish and pounds of bass being caught out of all the lakes used in the tournament. I have been told that they have decided to drop all cooling Lakes in 2013 because of safety concerns.

12. A fish outing for disabled veterans was conducted again this year. The LaSalle station personnel have expressed interest in helping with this in the future.

13. All scheduled activities for 2012 were completed. LaSalle Lake may not be used in the IHSA bass fishing tournament. There was a creel conducted on the lake in 2007.

The creel report had blue catfish as the most harvested fish species in the lake. More than twice as many pounds of blues were harvested as any other species. Over 32,000 pounds of blues were harvested. Another creel will be conducted around 2017 if money is available.

14. I moved my Station 1 out of the restricted area to eliminate any problems with security. I had been thinking about moving this station anyhow. The plant has been very cooperative when I have called them on anything dealing with the lake. Plant staff assisted me with my survey.

47

Hoo Haven at LaSalle Station:

LaSalle Station gas been working with "Hoo" Haven for the last year to bring educational programs to five local schools, with three more schools coming soon. The "Hoo" Haven is dedicated to rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned North American wildlife, while educating individuals about the importance of protecting wildlife and conserving their rightful habitat. At the last program presented at Streator Woodland School, pre-K through fifth grade, four Kestrels were released at the school. At LaSalle Station a food drive for "Hoo" Haven took place on November 7, 2012 and the LaSalle Environmental Action Committee and the Diversity Committee donated a TV to "Hoo" Haven for their October 20 fundraiser that raised $1,725.00.

48

OPEN HOUSE FOR "HOO~t."""i HAVEN": November 4th 10823 Cleveland Rd.

Save the Datel!!!

Come and join them and see all the new things going on at '1-oo" Haven Wildlife and Education al Center. Then new Aquatic Area, our New Floor in the Main Building, Garden in gth at has been don eby man y, th e new Son g Bird en closu reth anks to Jon ath an for h is Eagle Project an d more.

Meet our new Edu cation al Bird, "~Marsh mellow" the pelican, enjoy refresh men ts, take a ch an ce on the raffle for a portable DVD player an dcaryin gcase, take a guided tour of the entire facility. and see ourmany items for purchase. All PROQQEED~go directly to the Care of the Animals.

Food brive for "Hoo" Haven at LaSalle, A food drive to help the animals at 1-1oo" Haven will take place at LaSalle Nus.In orout of shell (no peanutsI Station on Wednesday, November 7, n

thero 2012. You can drive up and drop off items at Warehouse 2 (just like the Granola electronics drop-off) from 0530 -

Appl, flavored cheerios 0830. If you are working a different shift please contact Heather Meyer via email or at 3243 to arrange s,idl cans of Migty togj (Beef) another time.

20 lb bags or less of dlog food Hanister food (for the edlucational This facility relies on donations and rats) donations are down. If you fish or Parrot food hunt or just need to clean out your yogurt, flavored not low calorie (for freezer, consider bringing in frozen thbaisdintrnto) meat and fish that will be taken or... CASH Is always directly up to "Hoo" Haven. Nothing appreciated!!!

goes to waste.

49

LaSalle Station Supports "Hoo" Haven School Proorams Th1eir misson statement is clear. "Hoo" Haven is dedicated to S

rehabilitating and releasbingsick. injured aid Orl~hned North Americo wildlife: v.4ile eduaatbig kidividual dobot the hnportaice of protectfin9 wildlife and conservkag their rightful habitat." Since 2004 wh4en they earned the eight to become the official recovery center foreagles by the US5. Fish aid Wildlife Serv*ce. 38 bold eagles have been recovered aid released at this faoility.

Loalile Station has been working with Hoo" Haven for the Iost *oa to bring their educational progrom into 6 loa schools with 3 moi~e getting on the schedule soon. At the latest progna' presented at 5treator Wood land School, pro-K - 6"' grde. four (4) Kiastrels w~ere Mnim*[e~lJ*Mf~

school.

Dwuied,lL Mwrhmelooneoflhe dtesoftfe posm maeiehergrwid eirn'enie iIhTom Mwrnio f Gudl lffon end voiiurideei"o o" Haewn. Mrhme owtleplowerW ln ~ oN e meoillyo fher vgl vding, Peiilnerconhodc~p to 3gsi~onof~i'~clnheppouch ed stil ly. She e~s.81be of Isheade*h her kwodtebetng TIIepie.

Sbredor Woocluidetudeiteiook one*

Unde Meriri, too"Heveuivokxter reiease 4 kestie.

"Hoo" Haven Fund raiser on October 20- raised $1,725.00 Lo*il Statbion La*ale EJb onmentoi Action*

Committee ai biversity*.mmittee donated a Tv to aid "Hoo" Haven for their Octodber 20 fuidraiser.

Thks to this 9enerous gift. theywer*e oble to raise

$1.726,00. Congrats to Sy resieudeet 5. Kfrnai.#

Linda Marini. Karen Herdklotz and Bob (*strl) with the donated lV at the 5* Alarm Firehause, 50