Vermilion River (Middle Fork) The river meanders deeply through Illinois' Grand Prairie glacial deposits, exposing scenic, steep, valley slopes with high bluffs of geological note. Illinois River (Oregon) Wild and Scenic Management Plan Illinois River on KalmiopsisRivers.org Illinois River Descripton for Rafters and Kayakers Celebrated by Barry McKenzie, Tom Fliss, Matt Curry, Zander Davis, and Zach Collier by paddling from Miami Bar to Oak Flat on April 30 to May 2, 2017. Coal ash contaminants can include arsenic, barium, boron, chromium, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and sulfate, which are known to cause birth defects, cancer and neurological damage in humans and can harm and kill wildlife, especially fish. The Wild and Scenic Illinois River, leaves civilization and heads into the wilds of Southwestern Oregon's Kalmiopsis backcountry. That is why river advocates are planning to hold their own “People’s Hearing” with expert testimony, witnesses of coal ash spills in North Carolina and Tennessee, and opportunities for the public to ask questions and raise concerns. It’s waters, wild fishery, scenery, botanical … The Collins Archaeological District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located along the east bank of the river and includes 1000-year-old burial mounds. A local guide company sends more than 10,000 paddlers down the river in warm-weather months on a 13-mile river trail that brings them directly past the coal ash pits. Mountain Meadow Restoration in California, Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products in Our Water, Integrated Water Management Resource Center, America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, About America’s Most Endangered Rivers® Campaign. Alice’s Garden: Solutions for Clean Water in Milwaukee, Year of the River: The Elwha and White Salmon. Simply capping an unlined ash pit will not stop the groundwater contamination, nor can the armoring prevent the eventual failure from the erosive force of the river. This is a list of the designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers in the United States. We work with partners in collaboration to restore our region and def These free-flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values are preserved for the enjoyment of present and future generations. It is also home to over three million cubic yards of toxic coal ash from the Vermilion Power Station. The river is flanked by nearly 10,000 acres of public land and boasts tall bluffs, forested bottomlands, wildflowers and abundant wildlife. The bluebreast darter and silvery salamander are among the 24 state-threatened or endangered species that rely on the ecological health of the river and adjacent open space. Salmon, Native American culture, history, whitewater boating, unmatched beauty, world-renowned fishing, solitude, what don't Northwest rivers offer in abundance? Run Description Guidelines Flow Information Archives. The erosion rate of the bank next to these pits suggests that the Middle Fork will compromise the impoundments in the next 8 to 18 years, but a record flood could cause a breach at any time. Illinois Has One Wild and Scenic River—and It’s Contaminated With Coal Ash. Less than 1/2 of 1% of our rivers are protected under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. The Upper 14 miles of the Farmington River West Branch were included as a Wild and Scenic River after a failed attempt in 1981 to divert West Branch waters into the East Branch reservoir system. The Middle Fork has been extended into the marsh by drainage ditches. Danville is currently redeveloping its riverfront and intends to link this revitalized open space to the city’s adjacent downtown as a way of attracting tourists and boosting their local economy. 19 talking about this. November on the Illinois Scenic Corridor. A precious river —The Wild and Scenic Illinois River is a national treasure—the epitome of America’s Great Outdoors. Inside the unlined coal ash pits, the groundwater saturates the coal ash, then seeps continuously into the Middle Fork. Take action: Ask the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to require Dynegy to clean up its coal ash before they contaminate Illinois’ only Wild and Scenic River more. Located in southwest Oregon, the Wild and Scenic Illinois River flows from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary to its confluence with the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, a distance of 50.4 miles. The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is Illinois’ only Wild and Scenic River, and one of the most beautiful and biologically-diverse in the Midwest. The Wild and Scenic Illinois River, leaves civilization and heads into the wilds of Southwestern Oregon’s Kalmiopsis backcountry. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Coal a… Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program, Section 7 Flowchart & Sample Determinations. U.S. Sens. Public participation will only occur if the Illinois EPA voluntarily holds a hearing— a request that has, to date, been ignored. ... Aaron Babcock and crew head towards the bottom drop of Green Wall on the Illinois River. This is one of the most underappreciated, beautiful stretches of river on the West Coast and fall is one of the best times to visit the river's … read more Illinois River Located in southwest Oregon, the Illinois Wild and Scenic River flows from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary to its confluence with the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, a distance of 50.4 miles. The owner of the station, Dynegy, wants to permanently leave the coal ash in three unlined pits along the banks of the river. The plant sits on the bluff above the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, and the 3.3 million cubic yards of coal ash produced over its 55-year operating life were dumped into three massive pits in the floodplain below. Previous attempts at bank reinforcement to stop erosion have not been sustainable and can be found in tatters on the bank. In 2011, Dynegy closed the Vermilion Power Station— a former coal-fired power plant on the only private inholding along 17 miles of Wild and Scenic river. The owner of the station, Dynegy, wants to permanently leave the coal ash in three unlined pits along the banks of the river. The coal ash pits were built irresponsibly close to the river. Canoers, kayakers, and other citizens have had enough of … Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area / Wild and Scenic Illinois River Corridor. Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. The Illinois River example is one more reason for Congress to act quickly in order to prevent large-scale instream mining on 15 or more miles of the beloved Wild and Scenic Chetco River. Proposed by such environmental legends as John and Frank Craighead and Olaus Murie, and championed through Congress by the likes of Senators Frank Church and Walter Mondale, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, P.L. Some rivers may be listed more than once if they have designated sections in different states. Join us for an all virtual event January 14-24, 2021 – complete with films, workshops, art … 90-542, as amended, to determine the eligibility of the Illinois River in Oklahoma for addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Coal ash contaminants are seeping into the Middle Fork and the natural forces of the meandering river are rapidly eroding the riverbank next to the ash pits. 1101 14th Street NW, Suite 1400 Washington, DC 20005 | Phone: ©2019 American Rivers, All Rights Reserved. 1271 et seq.) The Wild and Scenic Illinois River flows out of civilization into the wild. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects more than 12,700 miles of rivers and streams in the U.S. Wild and Scenic Rivers are designated into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to preserve their free-flowing condition and to protect and enhance their outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and other similar values. You can get there by turning onto the Illinois River Road in Selma. Latest News (December 1, 2020) Maine's senators introduced legislation to designate the York River in Maine as a wild & scenic river. From the boundary of the Siskiyou National Forest downstream to its confluence with the Rogue River. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542;16 U.S.C. Located in southwest Oregon, the Illinois Wild and Scenic River flows from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest boundary to its confluence with the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, a distance of 50.4 miles. 1271 et seq.) Contaminants stain the riverbank and create stagnant orange pools when the river is at low flow. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must require Dynegy to clean up its site to avoid catastrophe and an expensive cleanup that would burden taxpayers for years. The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is a tributary of the Vermilion River (Wabash River) in Illinois.The Middle Fork rises in Ford County and flows southeast to join the Vermilion near Danville.. Udall, Heinrich introduce long-awaited legislation to protect portions of the Gila River Illinois Illinois has approximately 86,076 miles of river, of which 17.1 miles of one river are designated as wild & scenic—approximately 2/100ths of 1% of the state's river miles. Permits for floating the Wild Illinois are necessary year-round, but are not restricted and there is no fee; primary boating season is March through mid-May. KS Wild values healthy forests and rivers and we advocate for wildlife and wildlands. Public Law 90-542 created the System in 1968 when Congress affirmed: "It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United Forest: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, with the Medford District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) District: Wild Rivers Ranger District Description: Eight Dollar Mountain is one of the most significant botanical sites in Oregon, representing a major area of species endemism in the state. Illinois River In 2003, Western Rivers Conservancy protected an extensive reach of the lower Illinois River by purchasing an 871-acre property and conveying it to the Siskiyou National Forest. Check out antique shops, artist studios and local farmers’ markets along the way. This special place is home to numerous unique and endangered species. This year, 2018, marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and is a time to redouble our national commitment to protecting these natural treasures. Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Congress has specified in some Wild and Scenic River designations, that rivers are to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the NPS in partnership with local governments, councils, watershed groups and non-governmental organizations, generally through the use of cooperative agreements. The National Wild and Scenic Illinois River at Sixmile Creek Recreation Area. Designation as a wild and scenic river is our nation’s strongest form of protection for free-flowing rivers … Which attracts more than 12,700 miles of Rivers and we advocate for wildlife and wildlands Power Station less 1/2... 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