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Burke
Branch Proposed Wilderenss
Largest of the proposed wilderness areas, Burke Branch's 6230
acres contain 23 habitat types and offer a diversity of plants
and animals. Limestone bedrock pockmarked with sinkholes 30
feet across and 15 feet deep occur on the ridges adjacent to
Burke Creek.
Last Known Mesic Barrens
The last known mesic
barren in North America exists in Burke Branch. It was nearly
bulldozed by a US Forest Service worker who wanted to cut ruts
out of an illegal off-road vehicle trail.
Healing
the Forest
Despite a history of logging,
designation as a roadless area in 1979 has allowed open areas of Burke
Branch to revert back to forest, closing the forest canopy!
Unique
Brasher Cave
Adjacent to the cave are several
archaeological sites with evidence of prehistoric campsites and stone-box
graves.
Illinois Wilderness Action Network
is working to protect Burke Branch as a federally designated Wilderness Area
you can help!