An Informed Public Voice
Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) is an advocacy organization that relies on public education to build a watershed community of caretakers. We live in an era of rampant misinformation. As demonstrated on our own social media posts, people can comment negatively as experts without evidence for their fears and claims. River restoration through dam removal is a controversial issue, mainly because of the widespread presentation of misinformation, misunderstanding of ecological concepts, rejection of scientific reports, and special interest concerns. FOTFR offers you a reliable source of river restoration information. Stay informed at our website’s Free the Fox tab. Or ask questions directly by emailing dam@FOTFR.org
Misleading Headlines
Recent headlines of “Fox River dam removal on hold for now…” was a misinterpretation of a letter from the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to a few municipalities in June. The message was further misinterpreted in two widely distributed articles. Here is the reality; the ACOE plans have not changed, nor will the recommendations for removal, and the timeline for deconstruction will not either (pending election results in November). The ACOE is addressing concerns with sediment, infrastructure, and recreation. This increased communication should lead to more progress with river restoration.
Carpentersville Dam – the latest information
Your last chance to physically visit the dam will be Labor Day weekend. After that, the project contractor, RES (formerly Applied Ecological Services) and property owner Kane County Forest Preserve District (KCFPD) will begin restricting public access to provide a safe construction site. This will include the parking lot, east side path, and downstream areas. Please be respectful of these restrictions. The process will be influenced by water levels, so predicting an exact timeline is not practical. Preliminary work is expected to be completed by the last week in September and then the actual deconstruction will be done over a month’s time. Cleanup will follow. If all goes well, our long-awaited dam-free paddle opportunity from Algonquin to Elgin will be possible in November.
Party Plans
This has been a long-awaited project. It’s not the first dam removal in the watershed, but a demonstration of the very similar removals to follow downstream. KCFPD plans a ribbon-tying ceremony to symbolize connecting two sections of the river. The latest project information will be available from the KCFPD. Friends of the Fox River has been a dam removal advocate for over 30 years. Expect to see several events associated with this episode in restoration history. Paddle trips, educational exhibits, and other forms of celebration are in the planning stages. Contact us with your celebration ideas and potential partnerships at info@FOTFR.org