$50 Million Transformation: Red’s Landing and the Future of our Neighbor, Calhoun County

Situated on the rugged western side of Calhoun County, a significant transformation is taking place. Fueled by a $50 million federal investment through the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) program, the area around Red’s Landing and Gilead Slough is being reinvented. Overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) St. Louis District, this project exemplifies the harmonious blend of advanced engineering and untouched natural beauty.

Project Overview

The Red's Landing Wetlands Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Project (HREP) is a multi-phase effort focused on restoring ecosystem health in Pool 25 of the Mississippi River, near Gilead, Illinois.

• Red’s Landing: A 2,300-acre wildlife management area in Calhoun County, IL, offering essential habitat for migratory birds and native fish.

• Gilead Slough: A nearby backwater area included in the restoration plans to enhance water level management and decrease sedimentation.

• Restoration Goals: The project aims to enhance wetland habitats through water control structures, reforestation, and bank stabilization to support species like the mallard and wood duck.

Recreation and Access

The USACE Rivers Project Office manages these lands, often collaborating with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

• Amenities: Public access generally includes boat ramps and primitive camping areas. Recent Corps recommendations have emphasized repairing restrooms and adding shoreline fishing areas.

• Management: Although the USACE owns much of the land, it is often managed as a State Wildlife Management Area.

Comprehensive environmental assessments and Project Fact Sheets for the Gilead and Red's Landing areas are available on the Rock Island District UMRR page. For a detailed view of the Red’s Landing and Gilead Slough areas, you can access detailed aerial and operational maps through the following official sources:

Official Project & Aerial Maps

• Red’s Landing Whole Area Map: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) offers a high-resolution aerial photo map covering the entire management area, including specific blind sites and access points.

• Walk-in Area Detailed Map: For a focused view of the internal wetland units, use the Red’s Landing Walk-in Map, highlighting boat ramps and water control structures.

• USACE Pool 25 Operational Map: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Master Plan includes technical "plates" (maps) showing fee title boundaries and land use classifications for the Gilead area within Pool 25.

Interactive Visual Tools

• HREP Land Cover Viewer: Use the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Interactive Map to toggle between different land cover layers and view the exact footprint of restoration projects like the Red’s Landing berms and reforestation areas.

• Gilead Access Point: General geographic context and current user-uploaded photos can be viewed on Google Maps (Gilead Slough).

Allocation of Funds

Although the entire $50 million isn't focused on a single area, a large share is committed to the Red’s Landing Wetlands Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Project (HREP). The money is being utilized for:

• Infrastructure: Building water control structures and a significant sedimentation deflection berm (around 8,000 feet in length) to shield the wetlands from silt carried by the river.

• Hydrology Management: Installing pump stations to allow managers to replicate natural flood cycles, which is essential for the well-being of native waterfowl and fish species.

• Habitat Restoration: Extensive reforestation of bottomland hardwood forests and the restoration of aquatic habitats such as Gilead Slough.

  
  

Tourism Objectives

The Corps’ aim with these investments extends beyond ecology; it seeks to boost the local economy by establishing a leading destination for outdoor recreation and eco-tourism.

• Enhanced Hunting & Fishing: By stabilizing the ecosystem, the project ensures a steady population of migratory birds and fish, preserving Calhoun County’s reputation as a prime spot for sportsmen.

• Improved Public Access: The 2025 Rivers Project Master Plan suggests upgrades to restrooms, boat ramps, and primitive camping sites to make the area more appealing to tourists, hikers, and birdwatchers.

• Collaboration: Partnering with the Center for American Archeology, the plan also involves protecting cultural sites to attract visitors interested in the region’s rich history.

Construction Timeline

The restoration work is part of a comprehensive cycle of Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) projects planned until 2036.

• Active Restoration Phase (2025–2026): Current efforts concentrate on sedimentation deflection, including building a 3-foot-high riverside berm and installing water control structures (stop-log risers) to regulate wetland levels.

• Infrastructure Support: The nearby Lock and Dam 25 is undergoing guide cell construction until October 2026, which may result in occasional barge activity in the area.

• Long-term Monitoring: Adaptive management and habitat monitoring for these projects are expected to continue into the late 2020s to ensure the success of reforested areas.

New Camping & Recreational Facilities

The revised 2025 Master Plan highlights Red’s Landing as a focus for low-impact eco-tourism development.

• Primitive Camping Upgrades: The plan includes formalizing primitive campsites on the west side of Calhoun County to accommodate extended stays for hunters and kayakers.

• Shoreline Access: Suggestions include creating shoreline fishing areas and enhancing existing boat ramps to safely manage increased visitor numbers.

• Sanitary Facilities: The Corps is focused on replacing or repairing restroom facilities and adding small shelters in high-traffic areas.

• Interpretive Tourism: New signage and interpretive programs are being developed to highlight the region's cultural and archaeological history, with a focus on educational tourism.

Detailed maps of these proposed facility locations can be found in the Master Plan Appendix.

Hunting Blind Drawing: Red’s Landing

Waterfowl hunting blinds at Red’s Landing are overseen by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). These are typically allocated for three-year periods through a public lottery.

• Drawing Location: For the Godar Complex (including Red’s Landing), drawings take place at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds north of Hardin.

• Typical Schedule: Registration usually starts at 9:00 AM on a Sunday in early June, with the draw occurring at 1:00 PM.

• Requirements to Register:

  • Present a valid Illinois Hunting License and Migratory Waterfowl Stamp.

  • Provide valid photo identification.

  • Must be at least 16 years old.

• Daily Use: If a blind builder does not occupy their site at least 1/2 hour before legal shooting time, the blind becomes available to other hunters on a first-come, first-served basis for that day.

Primitive Camping & Permit Requirements

The new and existing primitive campsites within the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area are governed by both USACE and IDNR regulations.

• Fees: Primitive (Class D) campsites generally cost $6 per night for each site.

• Permit Process:

  • Reservations: Many IDNR sites now require online reservations through the ExploreMoreIL™ portal.

  • On-Site Permits: For remote USACE project lands, a Primitive Camping Permit is often needed and must be signed by the person occupying the site.

• Key Rules:

  • Duration: Camping is typically restricted to 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period.

  • Rest Areas: It is illegal to camp in designated Waterfowl Rest Areas from 14 days before duck season until the season ends.

  • Prohibited Items: ATVs and non-licensed motorized vehicles are not permitted on the site or in camping areas.

You can check specific weekend availability and fees directly on the ExploreMoreIL™ campsite search.

Witnessing such a significant convergence of ecosystem restoration and recreational development in one location is uncommon. The $50 million investment highlights the importance of the west side of Calhoun County for the Mississippi River’s long-term health. This area is poised to become a hub for eco-tourism, transforming from a "hidden gem" for locals into a top destination for regional visitors. Whether you’re drawn by the impressive engineering or the tranquility of the new campsites, it’s an exciting time to observe the landscape's transformation.

To stay updated with official progress reports or local news, visit the USACE St. Louis District Newsroom or the Calhoun County IL Chamber of Commerce.