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LakeCrab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is conducting a Dam Safety Modification Study of Little Grassy Lake Dam and Spillway to work toward addressing structural deficiencies and improve functionality for visitors. This 1,000-acre lake is one of three reservoirs with high hazard dams that need repair within the refuge. These reservoirs are vital to the fish and wildlife resources on the refuge, provide for the recreational purpose of the refuge, and add to the socioeconomic vitality of the region.
The general purpose of this action is to provide a pathway to repair the structures as they are critical to the fish and wildlife resources on the refuge, provide recreational opportunities, in addition to the local economy. The intent of this project is to seek a pathway and plan for rehabilitation of the high-hazard Little Grassy dam, spillway, bridge and highway currently on top of the dam. Other infrastructure needs on and around the lake will be assessed in order to accommodate recreational activities as the design plan is finalized and a timeline established. Those projects will be prioritized and other sources of funding will be sought to address those issues in the future.
The Little Grassy Lake dam and spillway structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure on the refuge is more than 80 years old and the age of this structure is beyond its engineered design life. Constructed in 1951, the dam is currently operating under an emergency action plan due to issues discovered in the spillway as part of a recent inspection. A county highway runs on top of the length of the dam with a bridge as well.
Dam safety modification study overview
To rehabilitate this structure for the future of southern Illinois and refuge visitors, we are partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a Dam Safety Modification Study. This study was formalized in August 2024, started on September 10, 2024, and once complete, will provide a determination regarding the extent of necessary repairs on the Little Grassy Lake spillway and dam structure. It will also define a design and rehabilitation construction plan moving forward.
Over the duration of this study and construction repair, visitor activities at Little Grassy Lake will most likely be impacted as the best solution is determined and we build a newly designed structure. This project is estimated to take five to seven years to complete. We will be updating this project page as things progress. We look forward to sharing proposed alternative plans with the public and encourage review and comment through the National Environmental Policy Act process, also referred to as NEPA, once alternatives are available. Public meetings to present the latest information and obtain feedback will be announced as they are scheduled.
Major project milestones
This timeline is subject to change as we move through this long-term project.
Dam safety modification study began - September 10, 2024
We are in the early stages of what will likely be a two-year process to evaluate and rehabilitate the dam and spillway. Our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are currently estimating existing conditions including hydrologic hazards and other risks.
Fish salvage declaration issued 鈥 April 9, 2025
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in coordination with the refuge, has issued a fish salvage declaration for Little Grassy Lake in response to rehabilitation plans for the Little Grassy Lake dam and spillway to be open through April 1, 2026. Aquatic life may be taken by a person possessing a valid sport fishing license or a combination hunting and fishing license. Give us a call at 618-997-3344, email us at craborchard@fws.gov or stop by if you have any questions.
Develop risk management plan 鈥 Estimated for Spring/Summer 2025
Our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be developing a risk management plan for the public鈥檚 review that forecasts an array of tangible construction needs.
Open house planned 鈥 June 2, 2025
A public scoping open house is planned for June 2, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT at the Carterville Community Center. Further details will be announced soon.
Interagency review 鈥 To be determined by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Once tangible solutions are defined, we will be conferring with our partners U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a part of the National Environmental Policy Act process.
Final report developed with 30% design and cost estimate - August 2026
Depending on the results of the deliberative process, supporting documents will be shared with the public through this webpage.
Safety considerations 鈥 Little Grassy Lake drawdown
The safety of visitors and staff, as well as our camps and partners who operate facilities within the refuge is our topic priority. As a result of massive flooding, erosion and deterioration at similar sites across the country, it was determined that our reevaluated infrastructure management plan is to completely drain Little Grassy Lake out of an abundance of caution.
This dewatering process began on December 12, 2024, and the lake continues to drain. This proactive approach and drawdown of this public resource is necessary to protect communities downstream and aims to minimize future impacts to Little Grassy Lake Dam and Crab Orchard Lake Dam, which has compromised gates that could be further impacted with a failure of the spillway at Little Grassy Lake and result in loss of life and property downstream.
Draining the lake during the dam remediation process will help to address concerns about the current condition of a compromised service spillway, should it be activated by extreme weather events. Reducing the water level proactively will lessen the likelihood for a dam failure until repairs can be designed and completed to the structure.
Camp access continues
The group camps around Little Grassy Lake will continue to operate at the discretion of each responsible organization. While lake levels are impacting activities or offerings during the rehabilitation of the dam and spillway, we will continue to foster open communication with visitors and partners throughout this process. Visitors of the refuge can still take advantage of the outstanding fishing, camping, boating, wildlife viewing opportunities, and much more, at Crab Orchard Lake and Devils Kitchen Lake during the Little Grassy Lake dam rehabilitation project.
The drawdown of Little Grassy Lake also provides a unique opportunity for current and future visitors. The exposed lakebed has provided photographers and visitors a glimpse of the geology and history of the lakebed that has been hidden for nearly 80 years. In addition, the refuge in cooperation with Illinois Department of Natural Resources has the opportunity to enhance the fish habitat and future angling opportunities while the lake is down to simulate a new lake when the project is complete.
