When was rend lake built

Some visit to see the beauty in the art gallery, others to see the beauty in the numerous hiking trails and wildlife preserves. Many attend one of several festivals held annually, while still others attend conferences. Whatever their reason for coming, most of the three-million plus visitors to Rend Lake each year don't consider the uniqueness of the area, its heritage, or its impact on Southern Illinois.

History of Rend Lake In the 's, Southern Illinois experienced a three-year drought which practically broke the back of the economy. Even though the area is located between two of the nation's great rivers and crisscrossed by rivers and creeks, ground water is scarce.

When water supplies reached a critical low, waterworks operators from towns in the drought area met to find a solution to their problems. Their meeting resulted in the formation of an association dedicated to pursue the construction of a large water supply lake. The proposed lake was named Rend, after a nearby ghost town founded by Colonel Rend, a local coal mine operator.

The Rend Lake Association made numerous attempts to raise adequate funding for their project, The financial burden of building a large, man-made lake, however, was much too large for local communities to shoulder. As luck would have it, an association member came across a conservancy law, drafted in , which had never been used.

Traditionally, conservancy districts are developed out of the need for collective action to control floods. They allow citizens within a watershed the region drained by a river to create a local unit of government to control floodwater. Their purpose was expanded during drought years to include storage of flood-waters in man-made reservoirs. In the spring of , the Big Muddy Watershed, through the efforts of the Rend Lake Association, petitioned for election the following year.

They have the power to issue bonds, assess taxes, and enter into contracts with other governmental agencies. Conferences and studies involving other agencies were ongoing from the start. The State of Illinois funded preliminary engineering studies, land acquisition and highway relocation. Numerous state agencies, including two universities, worked to advance the planning portion of the project. By , the conservancy district, the state of Illinois and the federal government jointly entered into a contract for a feasibility study of an inter-city water system, which were incorporated into plans for the lake's development.

In November , the U. The federal act that allowed its construction also called for recreational development around the lake. Such demands on a sparsely populated region resulted in a unique combination of local, state, and federal management, which is the backbone of Rend Lake's success and its diversity. Working for the common good of Southern Illinois, several partners manage, maintain and develop the 18,acre Rend Lake and 21, acres of surrounding public lands.

In addition, numerous campgrounds, from primitive to paved, with electric hook-ups are available throughout the park. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park is also an excellent area for hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, camping and picnicking. But, "Boaters Beware". Rend Lake is a relatively shallow lake averaging less than ten feet deep in many places. There are lots of exposed and submerged tree stumps to watch out for in Rend Lake. The Rend Lake Marina is a full-service marina, which provides fuel, boat and slip rentals, snacks, supplies and services, the marina also sells new and used boats and provides winterizing services which include shrinkwrapping.

Rend Lake lodging options include a lodge, rental cabins and nearly campsites are scattered among five public campgrounds around the lake.

Each campground offers a variety of amenities. Be sure you chose the situation that offers the facilities you desire. All kinds of lodging facilities are available in nearby cities and towns including a resort in Whittington. Please consult the Lake Resource Guide for information on lodging and events in the area.

The closest major city to Rend Lake is St. Louis, Missouri, which is around miles from Rend Lake. Nearby cities and towns, each with its own unique offerings, include: Benton, Whittington, Sesser, Christopher, Marion and Mt. Rend Lake flows through parts of Franklin and Jefferson counties in Illinois. Fun times at Rend Lake. Since , Rend Lake has been not only a reliable water supply for the people of Franklin and Jefferson counties, but also a favorite recreation area for outdoor enthusiasts Rend Lake, located in southern Illinois near Benton provides 18, acres of multi-purpose waters available for year-round recreation.

Louis, MO Boating Rend Lake welcomes all boat and motor types and sizes including pontoons, small fishing boats, canoes, rowboats, kayaks, jet skis, ski boats, houseboats, cruisers, sailboats and high performance speed boats. High 41 Avg.

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