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The Salt Fork River
This river is one of Prairie Rivers Network's "hometown streams." The
Salt Fork River is a beautiful, tree-lined stream which meanders through
Champaign and Vermilion Counties in East Central Illinois with many
recreational opportunities. Even though we're a statewide organization,
we make sure we pay attention to the local rivers in our "backyard," and
work closely with the local watershed group, the Salt Fork River
Partners on river conservation projects.
Prairie Rivers staff are members of the Salt Fork Steering Committee, a
multi-stakeholder group that meets occasionally to discuss issues in the
Salt Fork River. We also partner with the Salt Fork River Partners,
Champaign County Forest Preserve District, and the Champaign County
Chapter of Izaak Walton League in the annual Salt Fork River Cleanup.
Other interesting issues that Prairie Rivers is involved with on the
Salt Fork River:
Drainage--Prairie Rivers Network has worked to draw attention to the
problems of increasing water flows in the river, which can lead to
downstream flooding and can increase streambank erosion as well. There
have been recurring plans to channelize and clear trees from the banks
of this stream. Prairie Rivers, working with local citizens, has helped
protect the river from these threats. For more information on drainage,
visit our Agricultural Drainage project page.
July, 2002, Fish Kill ? Attributed to the University of Illinois and the
Urbana Champaign Sanitary District, a large release of ammonia killed
over 100,000 fish along 25 miles of this high quality stream. Prairie
Rivers Network has been involved in making sure recovery efforts will
protect from future potential spills, and help the resource quickly
recover.
Power Plant--a 500 Megawatt power plant was proposed on the Salt Fork
River, near Sidney, Illinois. This plant, if improperly designed and
sited, could pose problems for the river and for the fish and mussels
that live in the river. Prairie Rivers is watching this project
carefully and working to make sure the plant, if constructed, is done in
a way that is protective of the stream, and possibly enhances wetlands
and other natural areas along its banks.
We encourage interested river conservationists to get involved and
volunteer with the Salt Fork River Partners. Contact Kim Erndt
() on Prairie Rivers' staff for more
information about this local watershed group.
References
Following are links to all the reference materials we have related to this
project.
Upcoming Events
Press Releases
| March 19, 2004 | Judge rules river is merely a ditch |
| March 1, 2004 | Hearing Set for Dredging on Upper Salt Fork River Prairie Rivers to Serve as Friend of the Court |
| December 30, 2003 | Environmental Interests Given Voice in Drainage Project Decision |
| November 17, 2003 | Group seeks to protect public resources on Salt Fork River |
| October 8, 2003 | Citizens want more protection for water and wildlife |
| September 4, 2003 | Antiquated Drainage Practices Are Ill-Advised |
| July 11, 2003 | Anniversary of the Salt Fork Spill -- River Groups Urge Resolution |
| July 1, 2003 | Local Government Taxing Body Plans Work that Hampers Salt Fork Fish Kill Recovery |
| June 2, 2003 | Educational Display Celebrates Rivers of the Vermilion |
| July 25, 2002 | Conservationists Move Towards Legal Action for Fish Kill on Salt Fork River |
| July 16, 2002 | River conservationists alarmed by local fish kill |
Special Reports
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