Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is an Illinois state park on 2,247 acres (909 ha) in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. A small part at the southern end extends into Schuyler County. Anderson Lake is located in the area.

Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Map showing the location of Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Map showing the location of Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Map of the U.S. state of Illinois showing the location of Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Map showing the location of Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Map showing the location of Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (the United States)
LocationFulton / Schuyler counties, Illinois, U.S.
Nearest cityAstoria, Illinois
Coordinates40°12′05″N 90°11′30″W / 40.20139°N 90.19167°W / 40.20139; -90.19167
Area2,247 acres (909 ha)
Established1947
Governing bodyIllinois Department of Natural Resources

Natural features

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This west floodplain lake receives overflow waters from the Illinois River.[1][2] The Anderson lake has a surface area of 1,134 acres (459 ha) with an average depth of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a maximum depth of 6 ft (1.8 m)[1] with 9.1 mi (14.6 km) shore is surrounded by bottomland forest.[2][3]

A levee constructed in 1980 separates Anderson Lake from Carlson Lake, a smaller 231 acres (93 ha) lake to the south that serves as a waterfowl refuge area.[1][2] Carlson Lake is drained in the spring to plant food for ducks, then flooded in the fall during migration season to attract waterfowl.[1]

Flora

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The site is primarily bottomland forest. Tree species include: silver maple, cottonwood, black willow, tulip poplar, black walnut, red maple, and American sycamore.[2][3]

Fauna

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Bird species include: mallard, wood duck, bald eagles, American white pelicans, American robin, cedar waxwing, chipping sparrow, osprey, red-tailed hawks, and purple martins.[3]

History

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Anderson Lake SFWA was once a private duck-hunting club.[3] The Anderson Lake and adjacent Carlson Lake area were purchased by the state in 1947, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).[3][4][5]

Recreation

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Anderson Lake has boat docks and two public boat ramps.[6] Tent and trailer camping is available at Class C sites.[6] Two picnic shelters and picnic tables are available.[6] Hunting is permitted on 1,900 acres (770 ha) for waterfowl, doves, deer, rabbit, quail, and squirrel.[6][7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Anderson Lake SFWA". dnr.illinois.gov. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "Lake Profile -- ANDERSON LAKE". www.ifishillinois.org. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Anderson Lake State Conservation Area". Illinois River Road. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  4. ^ "State Buys Anderson Lake for Game Area". Dixon Evening Telegraph. June 27, 1947. p. 12. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  5. ^ "John Q. Sportsman Gets His Biggest Dollar's Worth at Public Shooting Grounds". Centralia Evening Sentinel. November 9, 1948. p. 5. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d "Activities at Anderson Lake SFWA". dnr.illinois.gov. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  7. ^ "Hunt Illinois". huntillinois.org. Retrieved October 14, 2023.