Nippersink Creek

AUTHORITY:

Section 206, Water Resources Development Act 1996, as amended (Continuing Authority Program)

DESCRIPTION:

The Nippersink Creek Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project was completed in partnership with the McHenry County Conservation District. The goal of this project was to restore the natural features of Nippersink Creek and its adjacent natural area. Project goals were to restore stream hydrology, hydraulics and natural habitat; restore native emergent wetland communities, and restore native wet/mesic prairie communities.

COSTS:

Total Project Cost:

 $8,724,000

Federal Cost (65%):

 $5,674,100

Nonfederal Cost (35%):

 $3,049,900

 
STATUS:

A five-year construction contract was awarded in September 2014. Key construction activities included bank grading and installation of cobble riffles to reestablish floodplain hydrology, selective clearing of invasive/non-native trees and shrubs, and seeding and planting of about 500 acres of native vegetation.

Construction was completed in October 2019, and the completed project was turned over to the McHenry County Conservation District in July 2020.  Post-construction monitoring of the project features will continue through 2024.

Project Manager

Nicole Toth