where outside of chicago, I collect wood for aquarium and taxidermy in mchenry,ogle,kane and lake counties then down in knox indiana on my hunting land i got a few huge creeks that produce some nice plants and wood.
I wouldnt use ANY LM wood right now since nearly every illinois beach was under a no swim for e-coli.

As far as LM driftwood finding goes, it takes alot of walking possibly a set of waders to get the good pieces. the beach parks and public access areas have junk wood dont use it.