Public invited to meeting on watershed projects
The public is invited to participate in new watershed planning projects designed to protect water resources in two eastern McHenry County watersheds.
Community members in the areas of Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek will have a chance to share their ideas and concerns as part of regional watershed planning initiatives.
The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and other participating organizations will host a public meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake. Come for a provided lunch at noon to meet with fellow watershed neighbors. All interested people are invited to participate in these planning processes. RSVP is requested by Sept. 21 to watershedinfo@mcdefenders.net.
Communities within the planning areas include Oakwood Hills, Prairie Grove, and portions of Bull Valley, Cary, Crystal Lake, and McHenry. The planning area also includes portions of Nunda Township, Algonquin Township, and unincorporated McHenry County.
A watershed is an area of land that drains water into a common receiving body or outlet such as a stream. The Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds are home to significant natural resources, including dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves, rare wetlands, and several lakes enjoyed by community members as a source of recreation.
Watershed planning is a collaborative, locally supported approach to improving water quality, considering groundwater protection, and restoring healthy aquatic habitat within a watershed. Input from the meeting will be considered in the development of plans for the Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds, said Lynn Rotunno, EDMC Watershed Coordinator.
The Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds drain into the Fox River, an important source of drinking water, community recreation, and wildlife habitat. Fox River water quality has been impaired by activities that have not adequately protected natural resources. Working to protect the Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds will support local communities and help restore Fox River water quality and natural habitat.
Those interested in learning more about these watersheds and how watershed planning can benefit local communities are encouraged to attend the first planning meeting. Additional day and evening meetings will be held in these watersheds through December 2011. Meetings are open to the public, and all who are interested in learning more about the planning projects are welcome to attend.
"Input from watershed community members is very valuable, in order to create watershed plans that consider local environmental concerns and priorities," Rotunno said.
Similar studies in the lower part of the Fox River watershed are being conducted by other planning Partners. CMAP will provide oversight of the comprehensive planning program.
For more information, visit foxriverecosystem.org/planning.htm. You can also contact Lynn Rotunno at watershedinfo@mcdefenders.net or call the EDMC office at (815) 338-0393.