Chain O’Lakes Watershed Based Plan & Illinois Section 319 Program

This presentation provides an overview of the Fox Chain O’Lakes Watershed planning process and goals as part of the Illinois EPA Section 319 grant initiative. It explains that a watershed plan is intended to be an actionable roadmap to improve water quality by addressing key issues such as excess nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and bacteria in the Chain O’Lakes system, and to secure funding for implementation projects.

The presentation describes the watershed’s geographical scope and importance as a recreational and ecological resource spanning multiple municipalities, and outlines the purpose of the Illinois EPA Section 319 program in supporting collaborative watershed efforts. It emphasizes the need for a formal plan to coordinate monitoring, stakeholder engagement, pollutant loading analyses, and the development of best management practices targeted at priority areas. Key components covered include watershed characterization, pollution loading and modeling, and identification of strategies and management measures to reduce impairments.

The presentation also highlights the planning elements required—such as stakeholder involvement, education and outreach, goals and targets, responsible parties, and monitoring—along with the need for financial and technical assistance to move from planning to implementation.