The Upper Rock River Ecosystem Partnership (URREP) was officially recognized by the State of Illinois as a Conservation 2000 Partnership in January 2000. State recognition followed nearly nine months of planning meetings that were facilitated by staff from the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Service. At that time, flooding, erosion and water quality issues were of great concern, particularly in the Willow Creek sub watershed.

A diverse number of organizations have participated in the partnership since its founding, including the cities of Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park, Rockton and Owen Townships, Rockford Park District, Boone County Conservation District, as well as the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District and Winnebago County’s Soil & Water Conservation District. View the complete list of partners.

From day one, the partnership members were interested in urban development issues. Shortly after the group’s formation, two subdivisions were proposed within the Rock River’s 100-year floodplain, prompting the group to review the proposals and offer comments regarding design of the developments. Recognizing that the issue of development might dominate partnership meetings, a Development Review Committee was formed to examine development proposals throughout Winnebago County. The Committee includes representatives from Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, Health Department, Farm Bureau, and Soil & Water Conservation District, in addition to the Sinnisippi Audubon Society, Natural Land Institute, City of Rockford, and Rockton Township. The Committee reviews projects based on Floodplain, LESA scores (Land Evaluation and Site Assessment), Natural Resource inventory, Land Use and Greenways PlanS, and Groundwater (if available). The Committee also makes recommendations to the appropriate planning commission and zoning boards.

Early education efforts included a watershed tour for local elected officials in April 2000 to highlight watershed issues and possible. Since 2000 the partnership has received 7 grants totaling $557,564 with another $117,251 in matching funds. Grants have helped to restore prairie site in the Kinnikinnick watershed, complete an assessment of the Knox Creek watershed, and restored 3500 feet of shoreline through demonstration projects along the Rock River.