Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Beach Shoreline Stabilization Project in Lake County has received Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG) Verification, as announced by Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Capital Development Board. WEDG is a national rating system that assesses the design and construction of waterfront projects. The project at Illinois Beach State Park achieved the gold standard under WEDG's Version 3.0.

Governor Pritzker has allocated $73 million for constructing shoreline stabilization structures across three locations within the park. This initiative aims to preserve 2.2 miles of shoreline and address erosion issues. The funding comes from the Governor's bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, noted as the largest capital plan in state history.

"Illinois Beach State Park is the final remaining undeveloped lakefront in Illinois, providing unique recreational opportunities, geological significance, and critical habitat for endangered species," stated Governor JB Pritzker. "Our historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan ensures we can protect the park from shoreline erosion and dune loss, maintaining this dynamic resource for Illinois residents."

This project marks several firsts: it is the first inland freshwater project, Great Lakes project, and Midwest project to achieve WEDG verification. The Waterfront Alliance and experts from architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design industries evaluated that it exceeded requirements to earn this recognition. The evaluation highlighted integrated habitat elements and on-site material reuse like driftwood.

Illinois Beach State Park features a unique prairie and wetland habitat with a natural shoreline constantly impacted by Lake Michigan waves. Some areas have seen coastline recession up to 100 feet in one year.

"The Illinois Department of Resources, Governor Pritzker, and the Capital Development Board have a shared commitment to protecting the precious Illinois Beach shoreline and native species," said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.

The Capital Development Board oversees design and construction according to state protocols. "The Capital Development Board is proud to manage the intervention and stabilization of the shoreline system at Illinois Beach State Park," commented CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood.

SmithGroup with consultant Edgewater Resources developed solutions for controlling further shoreline loss while Michels Inc., Moffatt & Nichol provided engineering services during construction; Collins Engineering handled observation at site.

Construction began in early spring 2023 with materials delivered via barge; breakwater completion nears with habitat work expected soon after substantial completion follows thereafter.