Depiction of Graue Mill at Fullersburg Woods after project completion
Current dam and mud flats at Graue Mill
The Salt Creek Watershed Network endorses the master plan to repair and restore the Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods. With the population and development boom of the Chicago suburbs in Cook and Dupage Counties, The Fullersburg Woods dam, erected in 1934, has become a direct cause of the worst pollution along the entire watershed, resulting in algae blooms, a de-oxygenated dead zone, greatly reduced aquatic varieties, mud flats and invasive plant species. Especially during dry periods when the water is low, the foul smell and dark appearance of the water behind the dam becomes painfully apparent.
Recent efforts at dam removals that have already occurred across Chicagoland have significantly improved water quality, flora and fauna while adding natural beauty to the area from stream bank restoration efforts that will accompany the dam removal.
The professional teams involved, led by the Dupage River Salt Creek Workgroup, have employed extensive experience to develop a plan that incorporates research, data analysis, environmental knowledge and successful track records of other like projects while carefully balancing community outreach input and an awareness to maintain a healthy nostalgic atmosphere wanted by all of us. Canoeing and kayaking through cleaner water, increasing varieties and quantities of fish to their natural upstream from the dam, and a healthier more natural waterway are just are few of the benefits rapidly seen elsewhere.
Opposition coming from the Graue Mill and museum to oppose the Salt Creek claims that the concrete dam is a historic relic that needs to be saved. In fact, the dammed water has not powered the Graue Mill’s waterwheel for most of the past 30 years. While we understand and do not discount this sentiment, it is our unanimous position that the many benefits stated above and the successful track record of similar projects in the region far outweigh the perceived drawbacks and therefore have our full support and endorsement.
More facts and information at: http://restoresaltcreek.org
Sign the on-line petition: https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/Illinois?actionId=AR0272531
More about benefits of dam removal in Chicagoland at: http://restoresaltcreek.org/chicago-rivers-a-discussion-on-dam-removals-on-the-des-plaines-fox-dupage-and-chicago-rivers/