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.