Illinois river CREP: Sediment and nutrient delivery assessment

M. Demissie, Jim Slowikowski, Laura Keefer, Kip Stevenson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The Illinois River Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was initiated as a joint federal/state program with the goal of improving water quality and wildlife habitat in the Illinois River Basin. Based on long-term data and research, the two main causes of water quality and habitat degradations in the Illinois River were sedimentation and nutrient loads. To address these issues, the two main objectives of the Illinois River CREP are: 1) reduce the amount of silt and sediment entering the main stem of the Illinois River by 20 percent, and 2) reduce the amount of phosphorous and nitrogen loadings to the Illinois River by 10 percent. To assess the progress of the program towards meeting the two goals, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) are developing a scientific process for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. The process includes data collection, modeling, and evaluation. The monitoring and data collection component consists of a watershed monitoring program to monitor sediment and nutrient for selected watersheds within the Illinois River Basin and the collection and analysis of land use data throughout the river basin. Data collected at the monitoring stations and long-term data collected by other agencies are being used in evaluating the trends in sediment and nutrient delivery to the Illinois River. The paper presents results of the assessment based on available data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
Subtitle of host publicationAhupua'a - Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
EditorsR. Babcock, R. W. Walton
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: May 12 2008May 16 2008

Publication series

NameWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a - Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008
Volume316

Other

OtherWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'a
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period5/12/085/16/08

Keywords

  • Illinois
  • Nutrients
  • Restoration
  • Rivers
  • Sediment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Pollution

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