The
Rock River Ecosystem Restoration Study is being conducted
under the authority of House Resolution No. 2353, dated
1 August 1990, in partnership with the Illinois Department
of Natural Resources. The feasibility study is estimated
to require 2-½ years to complete and cost $1.4
million, cost shared 50 % federal funds-50% non-federal
funds.
The
reconnaissance study was initiated in May 1999 with
completion scheduled for Spring/Summer 2001. The reconnaissance
report, approved by Corps Headquarters on 21 June
2000, concluded that restoration activities to restore
degraded ecosystem structures and functions in the basin
were within the Federal interest and appropriate for
Corps of Engineers involvement. The feasibility study
will be initiated following completion of the Project
Study Plan, signing of the Feasibility Cost Share Agreement
by the Corps and states, and receipt of initial state
study funds.
The
original project study plan for the feasibility study
was developed in cooperation with the Illinois Department
of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Department Natural
Resources, the potential non-federal cost share sponsors.
The study was intended to address ecosystem restoration
needs in both the Illinois and Wisconsin portions of
the basin. In March 2001, the Wisconsin DNR indicated
that they would not be able participate in the feasibility
study as a cost share sponsor as funding for the study
was not included in the Governor of Wisconsins
biennial budget. The study plan is being revised to
focus on restoration opportunities in the Illinois portion
of the basin. The Corps will continue to evaluate opportunities
to allow the State of Wisconsin to join the feasibility
study or implementation phases of ecosystem restoration
project if state funds become available.
The
study area encompasses the entire Rock River Basin in
Illinois as shown on the project map. The watershed
includes all or parts 15 counties in Illinois. Major
tributaries of the Rock River are the Green, Kishwaukee,
Pecatonica, Sugar, Yahara and Crawfish Rivers and the
Rock, Turtle, and Elkhorn Creeks. The study will identify
ecosystem restoration opportunities throughout the drainage
basin. Particular emphasis will be placed upon ecosystem
restoration activities such as fish and wildlife habitat
restoration, stream restoration, floodplain restoration,
and fish bypass facilities at dams.
The
point of contact for this project: Ms. Jodi Staebell
Project Manager, US Army Corps of Engineers
309/794-5448.