Final Report: Your Water Your Future – A Residential Household Survey To Assess Our Water Future

The continued expansion in residential growth in McLean County impacts water quality and quantity in many ways, including raising concerns about the availability of water for the future. Yet, much of the current research on non-point source pollution continues to focus on agricultural producers as the primary source, with very… Continue reading

McLean County, Illinois Stream Buffer Regulations

Article VII of this document contains regulations pertaining to establishing, maintaining and protecting areas of vegetation surrounding all streams within the local jurisdiction. This document also proposes to establish a minimal requirement for designing buffers to protect the water supplies in McLean County. Additionally, information about applying for permits for development… Continue reading

Normal, Illinois Stream Buffer Ordinance

Section 28.2 of this document contains regulations pertaining to establishing, maintaining and protecting  areas of vegetation surrounding all streams within the local jurisdiction. This document also proposes to establish a minimal requirement for designing buffers to protect the water supplies in Normal. Additionally, information about applying for permits for development near… Continue reading

The Importance of Protecting Vulnerable Streams and Wetlands at the Local Level

This article makes the case for expanded state and local protection of vulnerable streams and wetlands. Vulnerable streams and wetlands include the very smallest streams and wetlands that do not have a permanent surface water connection to larger waterbodies, yet are still vital parts of the ecosystem. Headwater streams and… Continue reading

Ecological Principles and Guidelines for Managing the Use of Land

The five ecological principles deal with time, species, place, disturbance ,and the landscape. These principles dictate several guidelines for land use. These guidelines suggest that land managers should examine impacts of local decisions in a regional context, plan for long-term change and unexpected events, preserve rare landscape elements and associated… Continue reading

Mackinaw River Ecosystem Partnership Bylaws, 2003

The purpose of MREP is to better understand and work for the improvement and ecological sustainability of the Mackinaw River watershed. The Partnership serves to facilitate communication and cooperation among those dedicated to preserving and improving the quality and ecosystem integrity of the Mackinaw River watershed. This is a summary… Continue reading