Here's the word from The Nature Conservancy:

Free, Lake Access Permits for 2012 Now Available

Emiquon Facility Offers Boating, Fishing, Ice Skating

WHAT: The Nature Conservancy now offers the 2012 permits for boating, fishing and ice skating at the Emiquon Preserve. The new, free permits replace the expired 2011 permits. Boating, fishing and ice skating are allowed only on the west side of Thompson Lake. Gas powered motors, whether or not in use, are not permitted. Bank fishing is not allowed. Ice fishing is allowed, but gas powered augers are not. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A complete list of rules, and the permits for 2012, may be picked up at the Dickson Mounds Museum located at 10956 North Dickson Mounds Road. Museum hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

WHERE: The Emiquon Preserve is located 50 miles south of Peoria in Lewistown, Illinois, along the Illinois River. Lake access parking is available at the Visitor Use Observatories located directly off State Highway 78/97.

WHEN: Lake Access is permitted between sunrise and sunset. Additional restrictions apply during waterfowl hunting season when boating, fishing and ice skating is allowed, between 12 pm and sunset.

WHY: Lake access opportunities are offered as a public service and to share some of the many multiple-use benefits provided by restored wetlands. The Nature Conservancy is restoring and managing the Emiquon Preserve to conserve ecological processes and the plant and animal communities of the Illinois River ecosystem. Through a cooperative fisheries management agreement, the Illinois Department of Natural resources has stocked almost 2 million fish of 30 different species.

Those interested in supporting the Conservancy's work are encouraged to become a member at www.nature.org.