24 THE AUD UB ON BULL egies 
The view and statuary setting the public has come to enjoy as “the Jewel of 
the State” would be replaced by a view of a shallow lake which would be 
drawn down in the summer months. It has been said that in the average 
year approximately a third to a half of the lake bottom would be exposed 
in the Park during the peak summer and fall visiting periods. (Keith, 1967.) 
Since the range of drawdowns is from 0.4 to 15.5 feet, the area that would 
be exposed by the “average” drawdown of five feet is misleading and 
likely to occur only occasionally. Drawdowns in excess of eight feet, which 
would expose all of the lake bottom in the Park, could be expected to 
occur frequently. Plant ecologists have repeatedly said that they know 
of no practical water-tolerant plants that could be used by the reservoir 
manager to prevent the formation of mudflats on the exposed lake bottoms. 
(Bliss, 1967.) In fact, the presence of mudflats in other Corps projects has 
been graphically documented. (Carter, 1967.) 
Even in a year of small drawdown the shallow lake at Allerton Park 
could offer an unsightly appearance and stench to the public. Dr. R. GC 
Hiltibran, a biochemist, has said, “Shallow water, i.e., water up to 9 feet 
in depth, can become infested with a variety of vegative growths. These 
could be a submersed aquatic plant or a phytoplankton algae bloom which 
occupy the water space, or a growth infesting the surface only, such as 
filamentous algae or duckweed. Any of these can give the water area an 
unsightly appearance and can seriously interfere with water recreation, 
such as fishing and swimming. The water can absorb tastes and odors from 
some species of algae which might infest the water. In addition, large 
masses of decaying vegatation also can contribute tastes and odors to 
the water.” (Hiltibran, 1968.) 
Mr. Allerton had constructed approximately 14 miles of trails and woodland 
roads which are now used by the public for hiking. (Keith, 1968.) “He was 
concerned in walking in a beautiful picture. This type of recreation is 
neglected and almost impossible to achieve in the prairie states ... Tree 
and wooded areas are rare in Central Illinois, open spaces are plentiful.” 
(Allerton, 1967.) The Oakley project would destroy or disrupt approximately 
a third of these trails by flooding. (Keith, 1968.) 
Af. What conclusion can be made with respect to the damage to 
Allerton Park? 
The stated purposes of Allerton Park would be severely damaged or com- 
pletely destroyed by the present Oakley Dam project. The Planning Ad- 
visory Committee for Allerton Park has stated: “It is the conclusion of 
the Committee that it is impossible to minimize damage to Allerton Park 
sc long as the conservation pool elevation is maintained at 636 feet.” 
(Committee Progress Report, 1967.) Thus, if the Park is to be saved, the 
present ill-conceived Oakley Dam project must be cancelled and be 
replaced by one of the many alternatives. 
5. Could the Oakley Dam and flooding of Allerton Park establish dangerous 
precedents for future violations of natural areas? 
This question is best answered by examining the past, present, and future 
developments in the Sangamon River Basin, as is done in sub-questions 
below: 
5a. Did the Congressional approval of the 1961 Oakley Dam plan establish 
a precedent for violation of Allerton Park? 
Yes. The 1961 plan would have damaged the Park by the prolonged flood- 
ing of the lowlands during impoundment of flood waters in the reservoir. 
instead of the short periods of normal natural flooding now occurring. 
