[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 123 (Monday, July 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE LUSK CREEK KAYAK RAMP

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2018

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of 
the hard-working men and women of the Shawnee National Forest Service, 
the Lusk Conservancy District and the Pope County Board of 
Commissioners. Together these groups were able to come together to make 
the Lusk Creek Kayak Ramp to give Southern Illinois residents safer and 
easier boat access to Lusk Creek and to revitalize tourism in the area.
  On October 27, 2016, I met with the Pope County Chairman of the 
Commissioner's Board, Larry Richards. Mr. Richards asked for my 
assistance in helping to get a boat launch ramp built on Lusk Creek, a 
project that would help both tourists and local citizens alike access 
the creek. A few days later, I called the Shawnee Forest Service about 
the project and they were eager to share their progress.
  Over the course of 2016 and early 2017, the Shawnee Forest Service 
and the Lusk Conservancy District developed a strong partnership. 
Together they completed an Environmental Assessment and began 
construction. They worked closely to address environmental concerns and 
create a sustainable, safe recreation area. This newly constructed 
project, finished in August of 2017, represents the only public 
developed access point on Lusk Creek upstream from the State Recreation 
Area Marina in Golconda, Illinois. I have recently visited the 
completed project, the Lusk Creek Kayak Ramp, and was impressed with 
what these different organizations in the area were able to come 
together to create.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Shawnee National Forest Service, the 
Lusk Conservancy District and the Pope County Board of Commissioners 
for this achievement.

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