NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025 at noon
About Lower Kaskaskia Stakeholders, Inc.
Our Mission
LKSI is a non for profit organization incorporated in 2000. The members represent Civic, Political, Agricultural, Industrial, Environmental, and Recreational interests. The organization works for the future protection, use, and preservation of the Lower Kaskaskia River Basin.
Our History
LKSI was formed as a response to a watershed plan that was to be submitted for national recognition. Some local leaders were leery of the effort and wanted to work as a group for two years to understand the value of a diverse group and to work as a team locally.
This was accomplished by facilitating and carrying out continuing consultations among the stakeholders to encourage development of consensus policies for guiding public and private activities in the basin and to find ways for them to cooperate in putting those policies into practical effect.
In 2002, LKSI accepted funds and agreed to carry on for the former Kaskaskia Industrial Development Corporation (KIDC) whose many members had worked hard for 47 years to attract industry and provide jobs in the Kaskaskia River Valley. LKSI is also a member of the Kaskaskia Watershed Association.
Who We Are
What's the difference between KRPD, LKSI, USACE, and IDNR? We are partners, but at the saame time, we each have a unique role to play.
LKSI serves as a cheerleader and champion for the river and to engage the public. Anyone can become a member of LKSI if they are interested.
KRPD is a unit of government whose board is appointed by the Governor. The main purpose is to promote industrial, commercial, transportation, homeland security, recreation, water supply, flood control, and economic activities thereby reducing the evils attendant upon unemployment and enhancing the public health, safety, and welfare of this State.
USACE is a federal agency that owns and operates the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam and maintains the navigation channel of the Kaskaskia RIver up to Fayetteville.
IDNR is a state agency that owns and maintains around 20,000 acres alongside the Kaskaskia River up to Fayetteville.
To learn more about these organizations, click HERE.
board of directors
President Joe Behnken
Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein
Secretary Anna Guebert
Joe Behnken was elected the LKSI President at the January 22, 2025 meeting. He also serves as New Athens Mayor.
Secretary Anna Guebert
Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein
Secretary Anna Guebert
Anna Guebert has been the LKSI secretary since 2021. She is also the secretary of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District.
Email: anna@kaskaskiaport.com
Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein
Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein
Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein
Kevin Koenigstein has been the treasurer of LKSI since 2021. He is also the treasurer of Monroe County.
our partners
The Lower Kaskaskia Stakeholders is an organization that represents many organizations, interests and individuals in the area. In addition, it partners with many organizations and agencies.
Some of the partnering organizations are listed below: