A complex of interconnected floodplain forests, wetlands, and flatwoods characterize the Kaskaskia bottomlands. Large, contiguous forest stands are rare in Illinois, and the largest tract in the state is located in this area. Large, unbroken forest is critical for the successful reproduction of many woodland bird species. Declines in population of some neotropical migratory songbirds have been attributed in part to forest fragmentation, which is widespread in the Midwest.

SIZE:197,654 acres; 309 square miles

LOCATION:South-central Illinois; Clinton, Monroe, St. Clair, and Washington counties.

The predominant natural features of the Kaskaskia Bottoms RRA are the large tracts of bottomland forest associated with the river and the river itself. The river in this area is fairly wide (up to 100 feet) with a sand, gravel, cobble, and silt substrate.

LANDCOVER : The principal landcover is cropland (58%), followed by bottomland woods (18%). Overall the site is 21% forested. The Kaskaskia Bottoms site ranks first in percentage of bottomland woods and last in percentage of upland forest. Moderate amounts of nonforested wetlands are present.

NATURAL AREAS : Most of the ten Natural Area sites in this RRA are notable for their forest resources.

BIOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT STREAMS : The upper portion of the Kaskaskia River is designated a BSS stream for 31 miles of its length within this RRA.

HERITAGE SITES : Seven community types, one plant species, five animal species, and three large forest tracts are included in the 28 Heritage sites within this RRA.

STATE AND FEDERAL LAND : State land in this RRA includes the Kaskaskia Fish and Wildlife Area (6,911 acres) and a portion of South Shore State Park (5 acres). Federal land consists of a portion of Carlyle Lake.

NATURE PRESERVES : There are no Nature Preserves within this RRA.

NATURAL DIVISIONS : This site lies entirely within the Southern Till Plain Natural Division.