TOPICS AND PRESENTERS:
This popular workshop was held in all three regions of the state. U.S. EPA, Illinois EPA, and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission presented in at both the northern Illinois (Lisle; March 3, 2010) and central Illinois (Bloomington; June 23, 2010) locations, covering the following major topics:
- the federal perspective regarding 319 grants
- completing the new on-line 319 application
- collecting the information needed for completing a 319 application
- assessing and describing the scope of a project for a 319 application
- developing a realistic project budget for a 319 application
In southern Illinois (Collinsville; March 28, 2011), Illinois EPA once again presented about preparing a competitive 319 grant application. To meet the needs of the southern audience, different topics were addressed.
- Northwater Consulting presented:
- EPA’s nine minimum elements
- components of an “implementable” watershed-based plan
- plan implementation and components of fundable 319 applications
- Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development discussed:
- details about implementation of local 319-funded projects
- lessons learned and advice to succeed in securing 319 funds
CASE STUDIES:
Local Illinois case studies of 319-funded projects were highlighted in all three regions:
- for Lisle:
- Spring Brook Meander Project – ideas for effective watershed planning
- Wonder Lake – implementing a watershed plan
- for Bloomington:
- Lake Sara Shoreline Bluff Stabilization – managing and implementing change as a volunteer group
- Kickapoo Creek Corridor Restoration Project – implementing a 319 project for a headwater stream restoration
- for Collinsville:
- La Moine River Watershed – watershed-based planning
- Rock Hills Trails Conservation Subdivision – 10 different best management practices at a low-impact residential site
- Arlington Wetlands – restoration, education, and outreach
SITE VISITS:
Site visits to 319 grant-funded projects were also conducted in all three regions:
- in Lisle: The Morton Arboretum
- the pervious parking lot and Meadow Lake
- led by arboretum staff
- in Bloomington: The Grove on Kickapoo Creek
- a subdivision and public park complex at the headwaters of Kickapoo Creek
- multiple stakeholders stationed themselves around the project area
- in Collinsville: Arlington Wetlands
- wetland restoration and boardwalk project
- led by Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development (partners with the Collinsville Area Recreation District)
VIEW LISLE AND BLOOMINGTON PRESENTATIONS
VIEW COLLINSVILLE PRESENTATIONS
VIEW ATTENDANCE, OUTCOMES, AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources. Watershed Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.
