Upper Des Plaines River and Tributaries Phase II Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Phase II (AER) Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Chicago District and Lake County Forest Preserve District are initiating the design phase for the Upper Des Plaines River and Tributaries Phase II Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration (AER) Project at Pollack Lake and Hastings Creek (Raven Glen) in Antioch, Lake County, Illinois. The project involves restoring approximately 429 acres of historically significant natural communities, including wetlands, prairies, savannas, woodlands, and stream habitats. Major actions include remaindering Hastings Creek, eradicating invasive plant species, restoring instream habitat, disabling existing agricultural drain tiles, and establishing native plant communities based on site-specific hydrology and topology. The objectives are to enhance native habitat, biodiversity, and ecological connectivity; improve water quality and flood resilience; and expand recreational opportunities. • The project will take less than 365 calendar days to complete • The requirement is for five (5) years • The solicitation package is planned for advertisement in the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 • Bids are planned to be opened in the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 • The magnitude of the construction project is between $10,000,000 and $25,000,000