126 This classification was a turning point for the health of the Fox River that was initiated by the local community groups. The same pattern of strong, local involvement driving positive change can be seen today. In 2015, after a culmination of a decade of collaboration between the three major civilian groups listed above, The Fox River Implementation Plan (FRIP) was published.23 The plan’s main goal is to increase water quality by reducing excessive algae growth and improving dissolved oxygen in the river.24 To achieve water standards, the plan outlines a variety of different strategies including dam removal and phosphorus reduction.25 The FRIP is an example of the dedication that local groups have for preserving natural resources. The introduction reads, “The FRIP is the product of more than a decade of extensive planning, data collection, scientific assessment and modeling undertaken by the Fox River Study Group with the support of the IEPA, the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), the regulated community, and environmental groups.”26 The FRIP is evidence of the tremendous work that community groups undertake to protect their local environments. Due in part to the compelling case made by the FRIP, significant federal support was obtained for restoration projects. In June of 2022, 250,000 dollars in federal funds were obtained for the plans outlined in the FRIP.27 The IEPA, now in collaboration with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, will work to implement strategies that were outlined in the FRIP. Mainly, the groups will focus on removing dams to restore habitats, improve water quality, and recolonize local populations.28 These funds were only obtained because of the extensive activism executed by 23 The Fox River Study Group. Fox River Implementation Plan: A Plan to Improve Dissolved Oxygen and Reduce Nuisance Algae in the Fox River. Fox River Study Group, (2015). 24 The Fox River Study Group. Fox River Implementation Plan, xi. 25 The Fox River Study Group. Fox River Implementation Plan, xi. 26 The Fox River Study Group. Fox River Implementation Plan, 1. 27 Office of Dick Durbin. “Durbin Announces $250,000 In Federal Funding for Fox River Restoration.” Dick Durbin press release, (2022). 28 US Army Corps of Engineers. “IL Fox River Connectivity & Habitat Study.” Chicago District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. (2022).
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