1. The Illinois Lake Management Association (ILMA) is hosting its annual conference at the I-Hotel & Conference Center in Champaign from March 4th through March 6th, 2024. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist, who will discuss Climate Change and Water Resources in Illinois. Registration info can be found at ILMA-Lakes.org 

2. For the past few years, the MPOA has worked with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, U.S Department of Agriculture, and US Fish & Wildlife Service to conduct “legal” harassment of the hundreds of Double-Crested Cormorants, as well as to allow an annual “lethal harvest” of up to ten (10) birds. In 2024, the lethal harvest amount has been increased to 25. Cormorants, particularly at those island locations where they congregate to roost and nest, produce large amounts of “droppings”, that can over time kill off desirable species of trees and vegetation, such as the Oak trees on Strom Island, where native plant restoration work has been impacted. The necessary permits for the 2024 season have been applied for and are expected shortly. 

3. The MPOA dredged sediment marketing investigations continue, with an update being provided this evening with a Powerpoint presentation. 

4. Preliminary inquiries are being made to determine the potential cost and logistics of having a bathymetric map of the West Bay generated, to help establish a baseline of how quickly the area may be accumulating new sediment following the dredging project. 

5. It is expected that the newly updated MPOA website will be on-line by the end of this week. Thanks to Sioux Hasten for leading this effort, as well as to those who provided review and feedback help.