Aquatic Management
The quarry lakes at the HQRA are remnants from historic mining operations. Active management of invasive plant and animal species is needed to ensure the vitality of the lakes and to support public recreation.
Today, visitors to the HQRA fish, boat, and otherwise recreate around the various lake waters. Water drainage and circulation between the lakes, Illinois and Michigan Canal, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and surrounding groundwater occurs naturally due to water percolating through the porous limestone bedrock.
Fishing for bass and panfish is highly popular at the HQRA. Many species, such as warmouth, crappie, bluegill, shad, northern pike, and walleye are present. In 2023, we discovered and verified a small population of endangered lake sturgeon!