Committee discusses status of historic canal boat, notes DNR ownership and dredging needs
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Summary
Members raised concerns about the future of a historic canal boat moored near LaSalle, discussed possible county purchase interest, and noted that the canal is DNR property that may need dredging and access permissions.
During public comment and old-business discussion at the Oct. 17, 2025 LaSalle County Tourism Committee meeting, several members raised the status of a historic canal boat and the surrounding canal access.
One committee member said they had heard "talks that someone in the county may buy it" and expressed a preference that the boat remain in LaSalle County. Committee members also said the canal property is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and that previous use required DNR permission for an access road. Members noted the canal needs dredging; a member recalled that boat travel had been limited previously because of low water.
No formal action was taken; members asked staff to check with county staff and with Bob (a staff/board contact referenced off-record) about any developments. Committee members advocated supporting the Canal Association and expressed interest in keeping the asset locally available for tourism.
The discussion underscored two practical constraints the committee identified: (1) the canal/boat sit on or adjacent to DNR property and (2) dredging and water-level work would be required to restore consistent boat navigation.
No votes or formal referrals were recorded on the transcript.