Mark O'Donnell

Hey ISA'ers, I received a voice mail from Vera Bojic. She said only 3 people signed up for the May 16th program. They may have to cancel this, unless at least 5 or more other members step up and commit to participate. Mark O'Donnell

Mike, I raise my hand. Planned on the training workshop May 16th, so I will be ready to go. Mark O'Donnell

Hi John, Would like in too. Mark O'Donnell

Hey ISA er's, Those that have already attended the river sampling classes. How was it? How about a little overview of what went on! Mark O'Donnell

It was sold Fred!

Hi ISAer's Not sure what this is all about. Was e-mailed this today. HB37 - Lease Closed Parks Rep. Moffit (R-Galesburg) Monitor Requires that the Dept. of Natural Resources and the Illinois Historical Preservation Agency offer to lease to any interested unit of local government, non-profit organization, or public or private college or university the operation and maintenance of any closed State Park or Historic Site for One Dollar for between one to five years. 3/11/2009 - Passed State Government Committee 17-0-0 Second Reading. Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA er's Canoe done moved to Champaign area. Checking out Central Illinios waters. MarkO

Mike, You must have seen news footage yesterday on the "Polar Bear Club"! Mark O'Donnell

Rockin' good news! Let's keep the faith and cross our fingers on this one! Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA er's, I think it was through an ad in the Outdoor Notebook! Mar O'Donnell

Hey ISAer's, What lures are best for fishing in and around picnic benches, telephone poles and pavillions! Mark O'Donnell

Hey ISA er's, My old back can't lug this thing around anymore. Weighs about 80lbs. Two people can handle this easily, or by one strong young buck. Comes with two sets of paddles. Good shape, have owed for 25 years or more. $200.00 firm. Thanks, Mark O'Donnell

And then you sat up. Rubbed your eyes and wished it was more than a dream. Only kidding. It must have been fun Mark O'Donnell

Hi Mike, I can adopt Hickory Creek (New Lenox area). Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA'ers, A better representative could not be had for this watershed. Thanks Norm for "leading the charge". Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISAer's On the Kankakee I once caught a pair of pants with a dead fish in the pocket. Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA'ers, Picked up this from former member Don G for a song! Thanks for the notice! Mark O'Donnell

Hi Mark, Have a closed face one and have used it at a nearby pond. Great thing about it is, fish seem to react differently when you are in the water with them. Have had fish hit my presentation, when it was dangling off the side while I was closing up a container, etc. It can be a work out, watch the wind and don't get blown to far away. Did lose one kick fin in muck, never got it back. Look for a level as possible entry and exit. Probably cool in Sylvania Good luck! Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA'ers I subscribe to a construction notification website called BidClerk and today the proposed Mega Dairy was mentioned as follows: Site work and new construction of a dairy farm in Jo Daviees County. Conceptual plans call for a 100-acre mega dairy farm on 1,400 acres of land. About 75 acres will house seven barns, including two at 1,600 feet long. There also would be holding pens and a 3,500 cow milk house. The project is due to go before the US Deprtment of Agriculture this week for initial approvals. There is no firm timeline for construction commencement, but interested parties are welcome to fax or mail their information to the owner. No phone calles are being accepted. (Probably due to the opposition). Project Address: TBA Nora, Illinois. Start date November 2008 Will post phone number if ISA allows! Mark O'Donnell

Hey Ed. The take out point is usually Pine Bluff Rd. (Lorenzo Rd). Mark O'Donnell

Hey ISA'ers Have fished the river many times near I-55 however it is not quite "smallmouth water" there, that occurs more downstream. Used to canoe it quite often in the late 70's. Then something happened that p***ed the landowners off real good at the put-in point at the McArdle Road bridge. One lady one time came running out of her house and threatened to call the Sheriff on me for "trespassing". Later, the State or County condemned the bridge and it was closed for a number of years before a new one was built. I think Prairie State Canoe club still has outings on it occasionally! Mark O'Donnell

Additional info can be reviewed at www.mazonriver.com. Then click on "forest preserve" Access is very limited. Though can be done at some (but not many) bridges. There is a group that has tried to formulate a forest preserve district in Grundy County that would secure land adjacent to the river (and maybe access to it). I do not know if they have been successful yet in getting this off the ground. Mark O'Donnell

Yes Guys, Access is very limited. Though can be done at some (but not many) bridges. There is a group that has tried to formulate a forest preserve district in Grundy County that would secure land adjacent to the river (and maybe access to it). I do not know if they have been successful yet in getting this off the ground. Mark O'Donnell

Hi ISA Guys (and Gals), The Mazon River Watershed has planned an evening program on the river's history and heritage at the Carbon Hill History Museum (875 Second St.) from 6pm to 7pm. on April 2nd. The museum will display old platbooks, geological books, old and current maps, old postcards and photos and storytelling about this unique and special natural resource. Mark O'Donnell

Russ, Looking at both these of these two creeks, it appears they empty into the I&M canal in Lockport. They are not listed in the Illinois Fishing Guide as streams of any significance and are rather short in their runs. I wouldn't expect much here. But, using an Illinois Gazeteer for access points have a look and see what you can find out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck! Mark O'Donnell