'Active River' plan presents opportunities
The recent publication of the Army Corps of Engineers report that outlines their analysis and recommendations for removing the nine dams on the Fox River presents an opportunity for communities to further enhance our greatest asset - our Fox River.
The ACOE has properly noted that the river is no longer an energy resource for industrial purposes. Its role is properly identified as an environment to nurture and treasure, a source of fresh water and a recreational powerhouse providing tremendous economic opportunities for the cities and residents throughout the valley.
Many initial reactions to major changes for the Fox River are often based on concerns for property values and diminished recreational opportunities. In fact, in St. Charles a plan exists that would address these valid community concerns as well as the ACOE report recommendations. That plan is known as the Active River Project developed in 2013 and reflecting conceptual plans supported by engineering studies.: www.stcharlesactiveriver.org.
Ten years ago, community leaders in St. Charles had the vision and foresight to recognize the factors highlighted in the recent ACOE report and initiated a task force which included the nonprofit River Corridor Foundation, the City of St. Charles, the St. Charles Park District and the Kane County Forest Preserve to identify the issues and opportunities associated with the St. Charles dam.
That effort created a nationwide search for designers of successful riverfronts across the country. Active River identifies methods of maintaining the water level north of the UP rail trestle, creating new shoreline property that cannot be developed, greatly improving fish and mussel migration, improving water flow in the original river channel to help manage algae and lilies, improving vehicular traffic on Main Street, improving river and pedestrian safety, creating new recreational opportunities and providing new economic resources for the community.
I encourage all to review the Active River Plan and to embrace the opportunities it represents.
John Rabchuk
St. Charles