Backwater Restoration Opportunities: Illinois River

Marlin, John C.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/107175 Copy

Description

Title

Backwater Restoration Opportunities: Illinois River

Author(s)

Marlin, John C.

Issue Date

2001

Keyword(s)

• Dredging -- Illinois River
• Mud to Parks project
• Sediment

Geographic Coverage

Illinois River

Abstract

During the past two centuries the Illinois River and its hydrology have been altered numerous times. Early navigation works, levees, diversion, agricultural and urban drainage practices, locks and dams and other changes all contributed to habitat modification. Over the years the river has changed from a free flowing stream bisecting a broad floodplain to a series of pools with substantial areas of leveed floodplain. The image conjured by the term “restoration” varies with the time frame used as a base. Given that all major navigation dams were in place by the1940's, a common vision of a restored river includes permanently flooded lakes and backwaters with sufficient depth to support the flora and fauna which were abundant in the early 1950's as well as recreational boating. Others envision a relatively free flowing river with a variety of backwater and side channel habitats.

Publisher

Urbana, IL : Illinois Water Resources Center

Series/Report Name or Number

Illinois Water Resources Center Special Report ; 27.

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/107175

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