User:Mdodge08/my article Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area

Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area
Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
	Map of the U.S. state of Illinois showing the location of Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area
Location	Vermilion County, Illinois, USA
Nearest city	Oakwood, Illinois
Coordinates	40°15′34″N 87°47′38″W / 40.25944°N 87.79389°W
Area	2,700 acres (1,100 ha)
Established	1986
Governing body	Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area is an Illinois state park on 2,700 acres (1,100 ha) in Vermilion County, Illinois, United States. It is located about six miles (10 km) north of Interstate 74 and the Oakwood exit, and about nine miles west of Danville. Its name comes from the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River that flows through the area. "The Middle Fork River passes out of the Middle Fork Wildlife Area into Kickapoo State Recreation Area about 10 miles downstream. At Kickapoo you can enjoy family camping, picnicking, fishing boating, mountain biking and rent a horse for a short trail ride."^[1]

About the Area

This land area includes old growth hardwood timber, areas of reforested lowlands and grassy meadows, and areas undergoing natural Illinois prairie restorations. The Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area has many nature trails and contains one of central Illinois’ premier Waterfowl Management Areas, and it is also home to a favorite camping area, the Harry L. Swartz Campground.

History

The land area on which the Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area is situated was purchased in parcels in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These purchases also include the lands that now are parts of Kennekuk Cove County Park and Kickapoo State Park. Altogether these lands make up a 3,300-acre (1,300 ha) water supply and recreation reservoir. In 1977, the State of Illinois determined it could not continue to fund the reservoir and watershed area and talks ensued to determine alternative uses of the land and possible public ownership. In 1978, the State of Illinois and the Vermilion County Conservation District agreed to trade lands in an effort for each body to achieve contiguous and manageable land ownership. Also in 1978, a plan to manage the lands was devised designating the Middle Fork property as a State Fish & Wildlife Area. Other agreements and land transfers were completed in 1986 to place the property now known as the Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area under the management of the Department of Natural Resources.

Natural and Historic Features

Deep glacial till composes the area and accounts for the deep entrenchment of the Middle Fork River. There is a prominent moraine called the Newtown loop of the Bloomington End Moraine that terminates in this area. The land in the park has a characteristic undulation to it, clearly defining well-drained uplands and the valley and river below. The upland areas are composed of oak-hickory forest.

Ecological research experts classify the Middle Fork River area as one of the most pristine in the state and has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River. The Lower reach has a sand and gravel bottom. There are healthy populations of game fish including smallmouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. The Vermillion River system also is the only known habitat in Illinois of the blue-breasted darter.

The Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area is composed of three elements: river flood plain, upland forest and upland fields. Some flood plains and upland fields are occupied by farm fields. The area incorporates a well-balanced food chain from field mice and moles, cottontail rabbits, foxes, hawks and owls. Huntable populations of pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel and deer exist in the area. Waterfowl and shorebirds, such as great blue heron, are common in the bottomlands. The upland woods are frequented by warblers, vireos, and the more common songbirds. The elusive southeastern shrew also is found in the area. Wild turkeys recently have been released in the area.

The Middle Fork River revceived the designation of a State and National Scenic River in 1990. A cooperative effort has been undertaken to establish a 1,000-foot (300 m) scenic corridor along the river. Beginning at the northern boundary of the Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area and extending through Kennekuk Cove County Park, Illinois Power Company property and on through Kickapoo State Park, it terminates at the park's south boundary.

Areas of natural interest include Collison Creek Marsh, Indian Grass Prairie, Skunk Cabbage Seep and Orchid Hill, which is partially owned by Illinois Power Company.

Wildlife Management

The Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area has a planned wildlife program that incorporates a cropland lease agreement with local farmers and places an emphasis on forestry practices compatible with good wildlife management.

Attractions

Camping

There are 65 campsites that range from individual sites to sites that are designed for larger groups. Electric hook-ups are available on 53 of the sites. All sites in close proximity to the swimming beach and other facilities.

Fishing

The Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife area offers fisherman such species as smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, walleye and bullhead. If you want to fish in the river, access can be gained through footpaths at Kinney's Ford, Higginsville Bridge and Bunker Hill.

Hiking and Running

Trails

Middle Fork offers over seven miles of scenic trails for hiking, running, and mountain-biking.

File:Trailhead Sign at Middle Fork.gif

Image of Middle Fork hiking trail ^[2]

Oak Burl Trail

This trail is 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long and takes hikers through and oak and hickory forest, prairielands awash with wildflowers. These areas are home to a range of plants and animals from beavers and raccoons to white-tailed deer.

Fisherman's Trail

This is a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) long trail that was established by fisherman walking along the river. The Middle Fork River is home to crappie and channel catfish, but is best known for smallmouth bass. This is a shorter trail and will allow users to get a good look at the river area.

Prairieview Trail

At 0.8 miles long, this trail provides a wonderful pathway through prairie grasses and wildflowers and enables trail users the opportunity to view the rolling terrain of the park.

Sugar Creek Trail

Another short trail at 0.8 miles long takes off from the campground. It traverses through former agricultural lands, areas of restored prairie and a small wetland area that is sometimes frequented by herons.

Midland Trail

A 1.4-mile (2.3 km) long trail that passes across areas of prairie and forest areas affords hikers the opportunity to view pheasant and deer.

South Loop

This is a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) long trail that passes along the southern extreme of the preserve. Hikers are afforded scenic views of the Middle Fork River. Tree trunks downed by Beavers can be found along the riverbank and at the right time of year deer tracks can be seen right on the trail.

Picknicking

There are small single day use areas located near the campgrounds, park office and canoe access areas. Picnic tables and rustic sanitary facilities are provided.

Trap range and Archery

A trap shooting range and an archery trail have been constructed to allow hunters and hobbyists to sharpen their skills and provide compatible recreational opportunities. The trap range is located along road number 2400N near the site office and consists of two ranges with a table and bench. The archery trail is located one-quarter mile west of intersection 2620N/900E. The trail includes 20 targets constructed in a loop through the woods, a tower for simulated tree stand shooting and a measured target.