Dixie Briggs Fromm

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The goal of the Dixie Briggs Fromm Stream Corridor Project was to stabilize and restore approximately 1,740 linear feet of Dixie Creek, within Dundee Township’s Dixie Briggs Fromm Nature Preserve. The resulting project will improve water quality within the stream as well as in the downstream Fox River. Methods used to stabilize and restore the creek and adjacent land, included slope re-grading, vegetated geogrid, stone toe slope protection, fiber roll, tree rootball revetments, rock checks, boulder habitat, removal of invasive plant species, installation of native plantings, natural rock riffles, stepped pools, and erosion control mats. A series of educational signs will provide information about nonpoint source pollution and highlight the restoration practices.

DIXIE BRIGGS FROMM PROPERTY
Dundee Township Open Space

Construction of the Dixie Briggs Fromm Stream Corridor Restoration Project is complete and monitoring and maintenance activities will be conducted by Dundee Township. For pre, during and post-project photos; see the link to "site photos".

PROBLEM

Due in part to watershed development, steep slopes on the site, and other factors, severe streambank erosion began to occur along Dixie Creek which flows from south to north through the Dixie Briggs Fromm Nature Preserve. This erosion accelerated in recent years and the resulting conditions included eroding streambanks with over 10’ vertical drop, several fallen trees, debris jams, and severe channel downcutting. The resulting conditions threatened to degrade rare streamside habitat including a calcareous fen, sedge meadows, and state endangered prairie plant species. Public safety and public utilities were also threatened.

SOLUTION

In order to address the stream cutting down and erosion problem, Dundee Township partnered with the Kane County Department of Environmental Management to stabilize the stream channel. The resulting stream restoration appears to have corrected the erosion problems and is expected to improve water quality, aquatic habitat, and natural areas along the stream.

PROJECT PARTNERSHIPS

This project was funded in part through an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Control grant. Matching funds and in-kind services were provided by Dundee Township Open Space. The project was administered by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, design and construction observation provided by Living Waters Consultants, Inc., project construction was completed by Earth Werks Landscaping & Restoration, Inc. The Kane County Department of Environmental Management managed this project for the Township.

QUESTIONS

Contact Ken Anderson, Project Manager with the Kane County Department of Environmental Management at andersonken@co.kane.il.us, or 630-208-3179.