Duke’s concern is with the proposed new Owasippe boundaries. In particular, the southern end of the camp just to the east of Reneker Family Camp.
“…one of the things I have been worried about with the new Owasippe boundaries is the loss of the west headwaters to Lake Wolverine.”
One of the more interesting points about the Cleveland Creek watershed is that it’s the only watershed in the state where the entire watershed is owned by a single owner. And because the owner in this case is Chicago Area Council, the negative impact usually associated with the human race is minimal. Scouts don’t build lots of buildings, create erosion problems, or use fertilizer on lawns. So even though thousands of Scouts have camped, boated and hiked in the area, we have been good stewards of Lake Wolverine and the surrounding watershed.
I understand that the intent is to find a conservation buyer, someone who will have minimal impact on the land leaving most of it as is. But in the headwaters area even nominal development can have disastrous consequences. Duke points out that it’s not just the water you see that’s a concern but equally important is the water you don’t see.
“[following the creek upstream]…running up against the road embankment gives you a good idea of the underground flow of water in the area. People often consider the hydrology to just be the river or the lake but the clear flow under the road and through the hill [embankment] is obvious to anyone taking the time … you will find a bottom-land with a skein of small rivulets. I remember one spring in particular that flowed from the base of a large tree. These small flows come together and eventually flow into the creek of the marl beds and thence to Wolverine”
Notice the extension of green vegetation across the Holton-Whitehall Road about halfway between Reneker and Square Lake to the east. Flowing water seeps through the roadbed northwards towards Quaking Bog and on to Wolverine Lake, whose traditional "headwaters" are seen at the top of the image.
Underground flowage is quite common in the area. Jim Marshall, who produced many of the most informative maps on Owasippe noted that Disappearing Creek, a few miles east of Lake Owasippe, runs into a small ridge just south ofHolton-Whitehall Road. Only to reappear to the north-northwest on the other side of the road and continue its flow into the Silver Creek watershed, and thereby into the White River. Gerken Creek next to the Blackhawk dining hall flows westward into the swampy area near the shooting sports ranges. It is then believed to dive underground and emerge to the west in Paradise Valley and then into Cleveland Creek. Flowing water underneath the glacial till of sand is quite common in the area. So you can see where any type of construction in this area would have a negative impact on Lake Wolverine and the entire Cleveland Creek watershed.
Topo Map Close Up of Quaking Bog & watershed to the south. Quaking Bog is the sock shaped meadow just above the word "WHITEHALL." The water flows under the roadway just under the letters "HA" and then northward into the bog. Notice the valley continues to the south of the road that's part of the section that's proposed to be sold to a conservation buy.
This area is also important because of it’s unique flora and fauna. As Duke explains.
“Likewise, the area between Bass Lake and the highway is very interesting. Unlike the rest of the camp, the small Square and 9-Acre lakes are true pocket lakes of the area. the swamps around all three are far more indicative of the reptilian and amphibian populations than anything around Wolverine. And the only efts I ever found ere at Square lake. Both Square and 9-acre had great salamander habitats unrivaled by anything except some of the swamp areas south of Big Blue. I also found the macro wildlife of deer and beavers were better in the south section than in the noisier Wolverine area”
The current proposed boundaries were drawn with operational considerations in mind considering how much space is needed to run program. I don’t believe a there was serious consideration for the ecological impact. I know the overall goal has the conservation of the entire area in mind. But I’m not sure if anyone considered specific habitats and the long term impact. As Duke puts it, the committee that drafted the boundaries “…are thinking more on the lines of recreation rather than habitat”
Portion of the Task Force map showing the lower section #5 that's actually an important part of the Cleveland Creek/Lake Wolverine watershed.
The headwaters area should be considered as a separate “program area” unto it’s own. Not one staffed with counselors to teach knots or the backstroke. But as a giant, open air terrarium where small groups of scouts can be lead on instructive hikes. Perhaps a conservation outpost could be established at Camp Carlin for Environmental Merit Badge, which would tie in nicely with the preservation of the ecosystem. Or perhaps a conservation. program like Philmont’s (RovingOutdoorConservationSchool) could be established for older scouts. This would introduce them to areas of the camp outside of the traditional program areas and teach them about the unique beauty that we all strive to protect.
Regardless of if or how scouting program can be incorporated into the headwaters area, the key issue is that extraordinary concern and effort must be take to ensure it’s preservation. And I, Like Joe, am not convinced that selling this part off to a conservation buyer is necessarily the right decision. I believe that it’s imperative the council retain this tract as then they can then exert their full authority to protect it. Or be in the position to place strict controls over its usage as to protect the valuable Cleveland Creek watershed.
