DeKalb County Watershed Plans

Many years ago, the state of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), using monies from federal EPA fines, established a program that funds local efforts to investigate water quality in watersheds. This program incorporates input from all stakeholders. The solutions to problems are much more effective when everyone contributes!  

In 2012, the DeKalb County Community Foundation and the DeKalb County Stormwater Management Committee were awarded funding to investigate the East Branch of the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River Watershed that stretches into Kane County, incorporates several municipalities and many different land uses. The PLAN was approved by IEPA in Fall 2014. Regions included in a Plan are eligible for state funding for implementation of recommended projects by IEPA. Stakeholders then can identify a project, find matching funds, and file an application with the IEPA.

In 2018, IEPA awarded a 319 grant to DeKalb County to investigate the Upper South Branch of the Kishwaukee River Watershed. This area stretches from Shabbona to just west of Sycamore along Route 64. In October of 2020 the USB Kishwaukee River Plan was approved.