River Riparian

AUTHORITY:

Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration, (Section 506, WRDA 2000)

DESCRIPTION:

The River Riparian project is located in the City of Chicago within River Park along the North Branch Chicago River and the southern part of Legion Park along the North Shore Channel between Foster Avenue and Bryn Mawr Avenue. Both parks are owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, but are leased to, maintained, and managed by the Chicago Park District. The confluence of the North Branch Chicago River and the North Shore Channel occurs within River Park,

The River Riparian Connectivity and Habitat Restoration study area consisted of three contiguous parks that straddle the Chicago River. All three parks are leased to, maintained and managed by the Chicago Park District (CPD), but are currently owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). The three parks are named Ronan Park (13-acres), River Park (30-acres) and Legion Park (50-acres), encompassing over 2-miles of contiguous river. The confluence of the North Branch Chicago River and the North Shore Channel occurs at River Park, which is also the location of the River Park Dam near Foster Avenue. The parks were integrated into the Chicago Park District system between 1917 and 1934. In the 1990s, the park district began to lease additional MWRD land and upgrading the walking and bike riding trails through much of the parks lining the river. All study lands are held by CPD through 100-year leases from MWRD.

PROJECT FEATURES: 

The concrete dam formerly located within River Park at the confluence of the North Branch Chicago River and North Shore Channel was removed. Concrete in the river channel in the vicinity of the dam was also removed and replaced with natural riverine substrates of boulder, cobble, gravel and sand. The channel was further stabilized by installing boulder riffles and native plantings. This in-water work restored riverine fish habitat and 48 miles of river connectivity.

Invasive and non-native trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs were removed from the river banks within the project area. The banks were regraded to have a more gentle slope and seeding and planting of native species was done.

COSTS:

Total Project Cost:

 $8,814,000

Federal Cost:

 $5,811,000

Non-Federal Cost:

 $3,033,000

*This project was funded with Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds.

STATUS:  

The project is complete except for contracted control of invasive plant species and ongoing planting of native species and monitoring of their establishment. This work will be completed in fall of 2022.

Project Manager

Chuck Shea