Help plan McHenry watersheds

Submitted by Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

Community members are invited to discuss possible recommendations for projects to protect lakes, streams, and groundwater resources in southeastern McHenry County on Thursday, May 19. The meeting is part of an initiative to develop a watershed action plan for the Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds in southeastern McHenry County. A watershed is an area of land that drains water into a common receiving body or outlet such as a stream.

Projects identified in this plan can become eligible for state and federal grant funding to help local groups and individuals implement these projects. The meeting is being coordinated by The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

“We are working to develop recommendations for projects that support local priorities for protecting water quality,” said EDMC Watershed Coordinator Lynn Rotunno.

The Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds are located within Oakwood Hills, Prairie Grove and portions of Bull Valley, Cary, Crystal Lake and McHenry. The watersheds also include portions of unincorporated McHenry County and are within Nunda and Algonquin townships.

Community members who live, work, or play in these watersheds are invited to attend and participate in planning.

The meeting will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Algonquin Township, 3702 Route 14, Crystal Lake. To RSVP, email watershedinfo@mcdefenders.net or call (815) 338-0393 by Tuesday, May 17.

Community members that are not available to attend this upcoming meeting are encouraged to contact the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County at watershedinfo@mcdefenders.net to learn more and provide input. More information on this planning initiative is also available at foxriverecosystem.org/planning.htm. Additional meetings will be held monthly in the watersheds through December 2011. All meetings are open to the public.

Watershed planning is a collaborative, locally supported approach to protecting and improving water quality in lakes and streams, addressing groundwater protections, restoring healthy aquatic habitat, preventing community flooding, and considering other water resource-related concerns important for local communities.

The Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds are home to significant resources, including dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves, rare wetlands, rich farmland, dozens of parks, and several lakes enjoyed by community members as a source of recreation.

The streams in these watersheds drain to the Fox River, an important source of drinking water, community recreation, and wildlife habitat. Working to protect the Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds will support local communities and help restore Fox River water quality and wildlife habitat.

These planning projects are funded by Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act by way of a grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Water, to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Watershed planning oversight is the responsibility of CMAP. Planning Partners include the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Fox River Ecosystem Partnership and the Fox River Study Group.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a citizen-based, nonprofit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of our natural environment. For information about programs and membership, visit mcdef.org or email to mcdef@owc.net.