Watershed Planning
What is a watershed?
A Watershed is an area of land that drains water into a common receiving body or outlet such as a stream. Watershed boundaries are defined by nature and are largely determined by the topography or "lay of the land."
The Fox River Watershed includes dozens of subwatersheds, areas that are a watershed for a specific creek, stream or lake that feeds into the larger Fox River. Visit our Subwatershed Page for information about many of these segments of the Fox Watershed.
Below is information about planning activities in several of the Fox subwatersheds; those currently being created, those recently completed, and watershed groups that have formed to help implement their plans.
The Fox River Watershed includes dozens of subwatersheds, areas that are a watershed for a specific creek, stream or lake that feeds into the larger Fox River. Visit our Subwatershed Page for information about many of these segments of the Fox Watershed.
Below is information about planning activities in several of the Fox subwatersheds; those currently being created, those recently completed, and watershed groups that have formed to help implement their plans.
What is Watershed Planning?
Benefits of Participation in Planning
Planning on a watershed basis provides an opportunity to address quality-of-life issues related to natural resources that we share in common. Watershed planning enables development of solutions to common problems that better match the way in which water flows through our local landscapes. Watershed planning can increase public awareness and community support for local sustainability initiatives. Outcomes include recommendations for priority watershed projects and plans. Action items identified in the plan become eligible for state and federal funding to help local sponsors implement those projects.
Watershed planning is a collaborative approach to addressing a variety of related water resource issues including water quality protection. This approach allows stakeholders to share information, better target limited financial resources, and address common water-related challenges. These challenges can include improving stream and lake water quality, preserving and protecting groundwater resources, managing stormwater, reducing soil erosion and flood damage, conserving open space, protecting wildlife habitat, providing safe lake and stream recreational opportunities, supporting opportunities for economic development, preserving prime farmland, and other issues of concern. Watershed-based plans are being developed throughout Illinois and elsewhere in the country to address nonpoint-source pollution prevention and water resource protection needs as well as provide a unique forum for public education, involvement, outreach, and community-capacity building opportunities.
Benefits of Participation in Planning
Planning on a watershed basis provides an opportunity to address quality-of-life issues related to natural resources that we share in common. Watershed planning enables development of solutions to common problems that better match the way in which water flows through our local landscapes. Watershed planning can increase public awareness and community support for local sustainability initiatives. Outcomes include recommendations for priority watershed projects and plans. Action items identified in the plan become eligible for state and federal funding to help local sponsors implement those projects.
FREP's Integrated Management Plan for the Fox River Watershed in Illinois
The Plan was developed by people living and working in the Watershed who are directly or indirectly related to the river and its tributaries. It was completed and approved in 1999.
The FREP Planning Committee and Action Teams shared equal responsibility for developing the Plan. The process included tours of the Watershed, information gathering, presentations, discussions, and ultimately the development of a vision, critical factors, and Action Team strategies. The public was invited to participate and serve on Action Teams.
The Plan is divided into six action areas: Recreation, Habitat, Land Use, Water Quality, Stormwater, Education
The 37 recommendations in this plan were evaluated in terms of the following criteria:
1. Lasting and enduring.
2. Feasible to accomplish, given the current political climate and/or resources available.
3. Fair.
4. Generate support and collaboration.
5. Cost-effective.
6. Time-effective.
7. Advances the vision.
The FREP Planning Committee and Action Teams shared equal responsibility for developing the Plan. The process included tours of the Watershed, information gathering, presentations, discussions, and ultimately the development of a vision, critical factors, and Action Team strategies. The public was invited to participate and serve on Action Teams.
The Plan is divided into six action areas: Recreation, Habitat, Land Use, Water Quality, Stormwater, Education
The 37 recommendations in this plan were evaluated in terms of the following criteria:
1. Lasting and enduring.
2. Feasible to accomplish, given the current political climate and/or resources available.
3. Fair.
4. Generate support and collaboration.
5. Cost-effective.
6. Time-effective.
7. Advances the vision.
The Fox River Basin:
The Fox River Basin is a collection of nested watersheds and serves as a vital drinking water supply for communities large and small. The Fox River Basin is a significant recreational resource, and home to 150 state-threatened and endangered species in the region. However, Fox River water quality has been impaired by land-use change and other activities that have not adequately protected the rich natural resources of the river basin.
The Fox River Basin is a collection of nested watersheds and serves as a vital drinking water supply for communities large and small. The Fox River Basin is a significant recreational resource, and home to 150 state-threatened and endangered species in the region. However, Fox River water quality has been impaired by land-use change and other activities that have not adequately protected the rich natural resources of the river basin.
The Planning Process:
Recent and current planning follows the Guidance for Developing Watershed Action Plans in Illinois, created by CMAP and IEPA. Additionally, this plan will work to address newer regional planning criteria including groundwater protection strategies.
Fox Subwatersheds that have developed Plans:
9 Lakes Watershed
Blackberry Creek
Boone-Dutch Creeks Watershed
Ferson-Otter Creek Watershed
Fish Lake Drain Watershed
Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watersheds *
Jelkes Creek *
Mill Creek Watershed
Nippersink Creek *
Poplar Creek Watershed
Sequoit Creek Watershed
Silver & Sleepy Hollow Creeks *
Squaw Creek Watershed
Tyler Creek Watershed *
Woods Creek Watershed
*Indicates subwatershed with an active group
Blackberry Creek
Boone-Dutch Creeks Watershed
Ferson-Otter Creek Watershed
Fish Lake Drain Watershed
Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watersheds *
Jelkes Creek *
Mill Creek Watershed
Nippersink Creek *
Poplar Creek Watershed
Sequoit Creek Watershed
Silver & Sleepy Hollow Creeks *
Squaw Creek Watershed
Tyler Creek Watershed *
Woods Creek Watershed
*Indicates subwatershed with an active group
Visit our Subwatershed Page for information about these and the other subwatersheds of the Fox River in Illinois
FREP Integrated Management Plan Documents:
Though the FREP Plan is dated, and new guidelines have since been set for current watershed planning, it represents a vision and guidelines that remain valid and we share them here.
4-Page Plan Overview
4-Page Plan Overview