NIPC Releases Regional Water Trail Plan Draft for Public Comment

Chicago, July 15, 1999:  The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC) today released a public hearing draft of the first Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails Plan. The plan proposes a system of 470 miles of water trails for canoeing and kayaking on the region's waterways. The waterways in the proposed plan include Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, the Des Plaines River, Salt Creek, the Du Page River, the Fox River, Nippersink Creek, the Kishwaukee River, the Kankakee River, and the Calumet Area waterways.

"A plan for a regional system of water trails can help us achieve coordinated, safe access for more people," said John Swanson, NIPC's Acting Executive Director. "Waterways cross political boundaries, and canoers and kayakers may not be aware of local rules and conditions. Through cooperative planning and management, local governments can provide consistent information and combine their resources and expertise to provide the best experience for water trail users."

Swanson added, "The process of developing this plan has already brought together key groups including paddlers, planners, recreation providers, and funding agencies." The plan was developed by NIPC in conjunction with Openlands Project and the Illinois Paddling Council. Funding was provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

One hundred and sixty eight established and proposed access and portage sites are recommended as part of the regional water trail system. The access sites, approximately 3 to 5 miles apart, are all on public land, thanks to the forward thinking efforts of our region's forest preserve and conservation districts, park districts, municipalities, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. There are 50 different agencies owning the 168 sites in the proposed plan. Most sites need only minimal improvements such as coordinating signage or minor access or portage improvements, such as gravel screening for a path.

Public hearings on the plan will be held on Monday, August 16, 1999 from 10:30 to 1:30 in NIPC's offices at 222 South Riverside Plaza in Chicago and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kane County Government Center in Geneva. Copies of the draft plan or information about the plan or the hearings can be obtained by calling Lori Heringa at 312-454-0400.

Right click here to either view or download the executive summary of the Regional Water Trails Plan Draft.

Right click here to either view or download the fact sheet for the Regional Water Trails Plan Draft.

The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission is the comprehensive planning agency for the six-county metropolitan area. In addition to planning, the agency provides technical and research assistance and reviews state and federal grant requests for local governments.

222 South Riverside Plaza * Suite 1800 * Chicago IL 60606 * (312) 454-0400 * FAX (312) 454-0411