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There are 13 dams on the main stem Fox River in Illinois (or 14, because some count Aurora as having two dams, separated by Stolp Island.) There are three dams in Wisconsin.
These mainstem dam locations in Illinois range from 5.7 miles above the Fox/Illinois River confluence at Ottawa (Dayton Dam) to river mile 98.9 near McHenry. The dams range in length from 143 to 600 feet and their height varies from 2.8 to 29.6 feet.
Many of the dams on the Fox River were originally built in the early to mid-1800’s to provide mechanical power for grist or sawmills. These dams have been rebuilt with concrete over the years and today most function to maintain high pool levels for recreational boat use and aesthetics.
The dams impound 70% of the river’s length, and 75% of its surface area. This summary is taken from the recently completed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fox River Connectivity & Habitat Study, which in turn recommended removal of 9 of the dams in Illinois. The release of this study has stirred up much discussion and also opposition and controversy, as evidenced by all signs and banners along certain reaches. As cited in the USACE report, FREP has always promoted dam removal as the most effective way to improve habitat and water quality, and restore ecological health and diversity.
This will likely be a local issue of focus in 2024. To learn more, please come to the 12th annual Fox River Summit on March 14th in Burlington Wisconsin. We will discuss more about the current status of the USACE study and project, and other issues of importance to the Fox River watershed.
We also have a much larger challenge, with 2023 being declared the planet’s warmest year on record, according to an analysis by scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. Along with the historic heat, Antarctic sea ice coverage dropped to a record low in 2023.
“After seeing the 2023 climate analysis, I have to pause and say that the findings are astounding,” said NOAA Chief Scientist Dr. Sarah Kapnick. “Not only was 2023 the warmest year in NOAA’s 174-year climate record — it was the warmest by far. A warming planet means we need to be prepared for the impacts of climate change that are happening here and now, like extreme weather events that become both more frequent and severe.”
So how do we take enough action so climate change is not substantially worse, and at the same time help our watershed become more resilient?
I hope to see you all at the Fox River Summit, where you may be able to get some ideas and inspiration on making our watershed more resilient and healthier.
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