eh mee eC BOON BU Ke Ta toN 9 
sumption levels. The smaller lake is kept full by pumping water from the 
adjacent Fox River and the larger lake is maintained by rainfall on its 
watershed. To solve Olney’s water problems, a comprehensive program 
was planned, the completion of which was dependent on assistance from 
the federal government. The entire concept consisted of a lake of tremen- 
dous volume plus expansion of the sewage system to include sewer lines 
that would service presently undeveloped areas. The total cost was es- 
timated at $4,793,000 of which about three million dollars would be paid 
by Olney citizens and the remainder by federal grants. The city council 
and the Chamber of Commerce approved this plan, and the Olney Daily 
Mail supported and explained it. 
The sewer improvement program required approval by ballot, but 
the lake would be constructed without a decision determined by a vote. 
The lake would be almost two square miles in area, and it is estimated 
that 400 lots could be developed and sold on 99 year leases for $1,500 each. 
In addition, visitors in pursuit of water recreation, are expected to spend 
$90,000 in the community each year. 
The first objection understandably came from the rural families 
whose land would be taken for the lake construction, adjacent land, and 
building lots. Some had ownerships going back many generations. Others 
did not feel it proper to be forced from their land for a lake that was 
designed for activities that exceeded the basic need for water. Most of 
the landowners formed an organization to block construction of the lake 
as proposed and pointed out that several alternatives are open for 
securing more water without disrupting existing homes and productive 
agricultural land. The University of Chicago, owner of Bird Haven, did 
not join this group to the dismay of the landowners. 
When investigation disclosed that a major part of Bird Haven would 
be destroyed, a local group with a deep appreciation for the sanctuary 
formed the “Save Bird Haven Committee” under leadership of James 
Welker, a biology teacher at Olney Community College. The University 
of Chicago did not support nor join this group. In a series of meetings 
the following program was decided upon: 
1. An intensive education program to acquaint the public with the 
threatened loss of Bird Haven was to be initiated. 
2. Petitions were to be presented to the city council to impress 
upon them the national importance and significance of Bird Haven and 
the inescapable fact that destiny had made Olney its steward. 
3. <A positive platform was prepared for Bird Haven. If the sanctuary 
can be saved: 
(a) The organization of a group of Richland County citizens, 
recognized by the University of Chicago as the official local group to assist 
the University in its efforts to maintain Bird Haven, would be formed. 
(b) More use of Bird Haven by scouts, 4-H’ers, and school groups 
would be encouraged. 
(c) All-weather footpaths of chat, wood shavings or other suitable 
material would be constructed. 
(d) A new rustic bridge and numerous benches would be erected. 
(e) Existing footpaths would be improved and developed as nature 
trails with major plants being labeled. Footpaths into remote regions of 
Bird Haven, now generally inaccessible to the public, would be developed. 
Although the local newspaper, The Olney Daily Mail, favors the 
lake, even if it means the flooding of Bird Haven, it was generous in 
