Last week, Danville City Council voted to remove two dams, the Ellsworth Park Dam and the Danville Dam, in the Vermilion River system. They now join the ranks of other cities throughout Illinois that have removed or modified defunct dams to improve safety and enhance aquatic habitat. Funding for this removal comes from Governor Quinn’s Dam Removal Initiative, which was part of a 2009 capital construction bill. The Des Plaines River in Riverside, IL and the Fox River in Yorkville, IL have already benefited from successful dam removal and modification, and thanks to decision-makers in Danville, the Vermilion River will be the next to benefit.
The removals in Danville have been debated for nearly a decade, and the benefits to fish habitat and safety are well-documented. (This link is the full report from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on these dams, and takes a few minutes to load.) Despite these benefits, many have expressed concerns about how the removals might change the character of the river, sometimes resulting in heated exchanges. But not all were opposed to the removals, including a brave group of students from North Ridge Middle School who argued that the removals will make the river a much safer place for future generations to enjoy. After being presented with facts and testimony, the Danville City Council chose a brighter future for their river and their residents.
This is a significant victory for one of our state’s most prized river systems. We look forward to seeing this stretch of the Vermilion River transformed and returned to a more naturally flowing condition. We will be sure to keep you updated on the progress.
