Over-wintering Pool Project:

This project will create a nearly 5-acre pool and wetland complex, to provide over-wintering habitat for native fish species and improve habitat for fish spawning and for other organisms along the West Branch DuPage River.

The deep-water pool will range from 10 to 15 feet in depth, and will be planted with native aquatic plants. The deeper section will provide nursery habitat for fish such as golden shiners, fathead minnows, mosquito fish, central mudminnows, blackstripe topminnows, pumpkinseeds, and green sunfish. A wetland area will surround the pool, serving as a transition zone to the surrounding landscape. The pool will be connected to the river by a 10- to 30-foot wide channel. The channel will be stabilized with natural rock and vegetation, and will be designed to include a natural pool and riffle system.

An Environmental Assessment  for this project has been completed.