Minutes from the 2008 meetings have been added and can be viewed here.

Seven more photos have been added to the Kent Creek Restoration Project Photo Gallery.

Meeting minutes from last November, January, March, and May have been added and can be found here.

Also, the 2009 meeting schedule is now up.

Download the complete Watershed Modeling Study [1.7 MB PDF]

The watershed of the south branches of Kinnikinnick Creek and Kent Creek

“This modeling study was funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources under the Conservation 2000 Program. The grantee was the Upper Rock River Ecosystem Partnership (URREP) of Rockford, Illinois. The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District administered the grant on behalf of URREP and retained Baetis Environmental Services, Inc. of Chicago Illinois to perform this study. Baetis’ principal investigator for the modeling study was David B. Pott.”

The water model study covers the following:

• Watershed Characterization
  • Physiography, Topography and Stream Courses
  • Soils
  • Land Use / Land Cover and Water Pollution Sources
• Watershed Modeling
  • Model Development
  • Model Confirmation
  • Model Results
  • An Example Application

The two creeks have BASIN models that can be used to evaluate proposed land use changes available to anyone who wants them.

Download the complete Watershed Modeling Study [1.7 MB PDF]

The Upper Rock River Ecosystem Partnership (URREP) is currently seeking project ideas for the Conservation 2000 Ecosystem Program funded through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Annually, the residents of the Upper Rock River watershed can submit grant proposals to fund conservation projects. URREP is hosting a grant proposal meeting on November 14th 5:45p.m. at the Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District Headquarters, located at 4833 Owen Center Rd., Rockford, Illinois 61101. All persons wishing to protect and enhance habitat in the watershed are encouraged to bring project ideas to this meeting.

URREP is a coalition of local stakeholders including – landowners, farmers, scientists, environmental groups, recreation enthusiasts, and governmental agencies all voluntarily working to protect the natural resources in the Upper Rock River watershed. Membership is open to all that support the goals and mission of the partnership. Over the years URREP has received over $550,000 in funds from C-2000 to preserve and restore natural areas, educate people, and plan for the future. URREP has also developed a Strategic Plan that has identified many critical projects needed in the watershed and can serve as a guidance document for project ideas. A copy of this plan can be obtained by contacting Chairman Jack Armstrong at 815-398-2974.

Ecosystem Projects are funded in the following categories:

• Habitat: “On the ground” application of land and water management, creation, restoration, and enhancement techniques that promote increased biodiversity or improved ecological functions.
• Land Acquisition: 30 year/perpetual easements and fee simple acquisitions that protect habitat and restore ecosystem functions.
• Education/Outreach: Projects that reach a target audience informing them of the importance of or techniques used in the restoration, preservation, and/or management of ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Planning: Development of plans that integrate Partnership goals with Program Guidance principles and/or with the mission of related and relevant programs.
• Resource Economics: Unique economic development projects directly associated with human access or sustainable, non-destructive use of an ecosystem.
• Research: Investigation, data analysis and research of ecological factors in the Partnership area that can be used
  to advance Partnership goals and the Program’s mission.

For a description of the detailed C-2000 program requirements and the application process, visit the IDNR website. The final online grant application deadline is February 2007.

Contact Joshua Sage (815)547-7935 or jsage@boonecountyconservationdistrict.org for more information.

During a four hour planning session in May 2006, URREP members identified four primary strategic issues that can be summarized as the need for:

1. Improved Watershed Education

Lack of awareness of the issues facing the watershed is at the root of many problems the area currently faces. The general public is not the only group uninformed about watershed issues – elected officials and URREP members also need more information so that they can practice and promote actions within the watershed that will lead to greater sustainability of the resources found here.

2. Resource Sensitive Land Use Planning and Ordinances

Land conversion – from open, agricultural land to residential and commercial uses – is happening at a rapid pace in the Upper Rock watershed. Local land use plans and development ordinances (e.g. zoning, subdivision, stormwater) set the minimum standards that must be followed when land is being developed. Presently, local plans and ordinances do not promote the use of “conservation design” principles, nor do they encourage innovative stormwater management practices.

3. Preservation of Open Space

There is a strong interest in having a comprehensive land preservation program in the watershed. While there are various “greenway” or other open space plans, there is no comprehensive land preservation strategy for the region. The effort would include natural land protection as well as preservation of farmland.

4. Membership Growth & Development

There is a feeling that the partnership needs to do a better job of “educating” members about watershed issues, while also needing to increase membership size and diversity. As an all volunteer group, the URREP can only accomplish its goals if members are willing and able to take an active role in advocating the partnership’s messages to the media, elected and appointed officials and other residents in the area.