Mike Clifford Posted March 20, 2007 Report Share Posted March 20, 2007 Great article here. I especially like how detailed it gets, even stating some historical facts, etc...... Check it out, the link follows this clip: Creating the shallow, meandering stream in the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve is an unusual project for the Chicago area, officials say. When the $2.2 million transformation, which began this month, is completed, the stream will contain excess floodwater during heavy rains by allowing it to spill over the banks and spread out into the preserve. Water quality also will improve, helping support a wider array of life in the preserve, including wading birds, fish, mussels and native marsh grasses, experts say. The new stream will be built on dry earth using natural materials, including sand and gravel and tree roots to hold the base from washing away. Sections of the existing ditch will be blocked off with large metal plates. The plan calls for the new stream to wind back and forth across the old channel, so sections of up to 1,000 feet at a time will be opened up incrementally, with pumps sometimes used to redirect the flow, and some fish and mussels scooped up and relocated as well. "It's a combination of science and art," said Brook McDonald, president of the Naperville-based Conservation Foundation. Full Article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jude Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 Wow..what a cool project! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Kast Posted March 21, 2007 Report Share Posted March 21, 2007 I saw that article this weekend. I can't wait to see it completed. I may just have to stop by and take a pictorial update from time to time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick G Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 The article mentioned smallmouth as one of the fish that will benefit from this project. This "ditch" flows into Spingbrook Creek. There are largemouth, crappie and bluegill in Springbrook. I'm surprised to hear about the smallmouth. I don't know if the article is saying smallies are present now, or would find the newly restored waterway a suitable home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Kast Posted March 22, 2007 Report Share Posted March 22, 2007 I've fished Springbrook Creek this year where it flows into the Dup and haven't seen any smallies in there........ YET! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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