Request Dredging Assistance
Working to Keep Our Waterways Safe and Navigable
Dredging helps maintain safe and navigable waterways by removing accumulated material that can restrict boat traffic and water flow. It is estimated that as much as 100,000 cubic yards of new sedimentation is deposited in our Fox River and Chain O’Lakes every year from runoff entering our watershed and shoreline erosion. The primary focus of our dredging effort is to maintain main navigational channels and channel mouths leading into the lakes that are part of the public waterway and service a higher number of boaters.
We strongly believe in the necessary work to remove, and recover, these sediments. Did you know that the FWA receives no funding from the owners of the hundreds of thousands of parcels and roadways, drainage districts, and various other entities whose run-off flows into our waterway, unless they buy a sticker? The annual dredging and sediment processing program is funded through the purchase of boat stickers while much of the equipment and sediment dewatering facilities have been funded by grants the FWA has sought and received. Through these grants the FWA has built up its capacity, yet more is needed. The funding of the annual dredging operation through sticker purchases severely limits the amount of dredging that can be completed. More dredging is needed to better preserve our Lakes and Fox River which is why the FWA continues to investigate additional funding models that are reflective of the communal impact on sedimentation.
Working Together to Tackle the Sedimentation Problem
As said, the primary sources of sediment are runoff that is eroding soil throughout our communities, neighborhoods and shoreline erosion. Prevention is the most cost-effective approach so if you have erosion on our property or shoreline don’t wait to take action to prevent that erosion. If you live on a private channel that is filling in, identify and address the problem areas on land while working to remove sediments that have accumulated. Unaddressed sediments eventually make their way into the lakes where sediment removal is more time consuming and expensive.
Submit a Dredging Request
Currently the FWA has projects identified that match its capacity for several seasons and a backlog of applications to be reviewed so we are not accepting new applications. We will review the possibility of reopening applications in the fall of each season (Date TBD).
Need Work Done Now? If you are experiencing immediate navigation or access issues at your property, we recommend working with your neighbors by contacting a local dredging contractor to coordinate private work at your own expense.
