Vol. 22, No. 6 
Page 3 
managed tract. However, management of grassland on the C1 PS area as well as on 
the existing sanctuaries should be viewed in a broader context than prairie 
chickens. Four other species classified as endangered or threatened in Illinois 
should benefit--the upland sandpiper, harrier, short-eared owl, and Henslow's 
sparrow--as well as upland game and grassland songbirds. The 1,755-acre Newton 
Lake borders the west side of the prairie chicken management tract. Thus, the 
prairie chicken sanctuaries should now offer potential for nesting waterfowl. 
Since the recent development of the Newton Power Station, the first mallard nest 
was found in 1977 (Donnelley Sanctuary), and a broody blue-winged teal was 
observed on the McCormick Sanctuary in 1978. As of 14 June 1979, 4 mallard nests 
were found or reported this year on or near sanctuaries. These nests were up 
to 4 miles from Newton Lake. 
The total acreage and distribution of woodland on much of the land surrounding 
the lake present a problem for management of prairie fauna. Many potentially 
useful fields are too enclosed by woodland to be attractive to prairie chickens; 
some reduction of existing woodland will be essential. Prescribed burning will* 
be an important tool of grassland management on the Newton Power Station. The 
tract to be managed includes 60 acres of open pasture; about 55 acres of cropland, 
which will need to be seeded to nest cover; and 22 acres of old field and 11 
acres of seeded prairie grass, both of which are being invaded rapidly by trees 
and shrubs. 
