Cedar Lake offers recreation, undergoes trail and water quality improvements

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Cedar Lake, a 1,750-acre reservoir in Southern Illinois, offers kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming opportunities.

The lake, located in Jackson County, was created in 1974 to supply tap water to Carbondale residents. A public beach and boat dock are maintained by the city.

The lake is also undergoing improvements, including a $200,000 grant to build a 7-mile natural-surface trail. The project, expected to begin this fall, will include accessible trails for those with disabilities.

Additionally, the city has completed a shoreline stabilization project to reduce nonpoint source pollution and protect water quality. The project included installing stone riprap and geotextile fabric along 14,000 linear feet of shoreline and 20,000 linear feet of gully stabilization.