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 Wisconsin’s 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.