December 29, 2005
To: Yellow Creek Watershed Partnership Attendees and Interested Persons
From: Bobbi Reagan, Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District
Re: Minutes from December 15, 2005, Quarterly Meeting, Freeport Public Library
Having a quorum present, the meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by President, Roger Carson.
The minutes of the September 15, 2005 meetings were reviewed. Having no objections, the minutes stand approved.
Old Business
- Stream Sampling Report (Karen Anderson Rivera):
- Samples were taken June 8 at two stations, Tiger Whip and Hideaway Park. The water at Tiger Whip was clean and normal for the headwater of a small stream. At Hideaway there was a lack of fish indicative of a muddy bottom stream; in addition the stream was too wide to get a good sample with the electric seine.
- A lengthy discussion ensured about the dam at Krape Park and re-establishing a fish ladder at the dam. The dam has a 4 foot drop and silt behind the dam. Three possibilities exist for the dam: remove it and install weirs; notch the dam and let release the silt slowly, plus weirs; or rock the whole thing. Karen and Kraig McPeek of USFW are both involved in a project being done on the Kiswakee. Karen will get us information about that grant.
- Soil samples could be taken by USGS of the silt layer to answer these questions: are their any toxins that would go downstream? How much silt, if the dam was removed would the silt coat surfaces downstream and kill downstream fish? If the dam was notched a little silt could be released a small amount at a time.
- There seems to be two different visions for the stream: Krape Park recreation and a live stream further up.
- Trout Unlimited has money to do projects in the Driftless area for fish restoration. Brook trout were native to Illinois. The Driftless Area Iniative also has money to do planning, as well as the Blackhawk Hills RC&D.
- Could small mouth bass be stocked upstream? There have been several fish kills over the years from certain chemicals on Yellow Creek. The bass would not leave if the habitat was good. Karen will check on a stocking permit; there may be leftover fish in the summer.
- NRCS Watershed Planner Jody Rendziak:
- Jody can help the group with watershed planning, document ideas and return for the next quarterly meetings. She can work on a planning process and move on through problem solving.
- This group has done a lot of work. She suggests having a technical writer to capture what has been done and organize the work. The group needs Inventory and Evaluation to know what data is needed.
- Landowner involvement and outreach are key to the group’s goals.
- A landscape architect can make models of what is needed in the watershed.
- Mark Keister moved to apply for a C-2000 grant, seconded by Steve Simpson. Motion passed. Mark Keister volunteered as coordinator and develop an application. Steve Simpson said he would help.
- Updates:
: There is a log jam west of Carson’s and west of Mill Grove Road.
- Park District
: They have surveyed half of the landowners up to Van Brocklin Road, and only one survey was not returned.
- Wetland Iniative Organization
: This group completed their survey in Jo Davies. Steve Spudich again requested the group to contact Don Hey to see if he can assist us in anyway. Mark and Bobbi will be contacting Mr. Hey.
- SCALE Grant
: This grant is not appropriate for us to use at this time. It is for groups who already have organized bank clean-up projects.
New Business
- Blackhawk Hills RC&D: Roger attended their planning meeting and shared what YCWP is doing.
- Annual Meeting
: An election of officers was held:
- Bobbi nominated Joe Ginger for President, seconded by Lee. Lee moved closed the nominations. Motion passed.
- Bobbi nominated Lee Butler for Vice-President, seconded by Joe. Bobbi moved closed the nominations. Motion passed.
- Bobbi nominated Della Moen for Secretary/Treasurer, seconded by Mark. Lee moved to close nominations. Motion passed.
- Mark nominated Craig Schroeder to replace Ken Muser as Board Director, seconded by Steve Simpson. Joe moved to close nominations. Motion passed.
- Terms of Office
: Drawing was held for terms of office for the directors:
- One Year Term
: Roger Carson, Steve Spudich, Mark Keister
- Two Year Term
: Jack Carey, Craig Schroeder, Gerald Leary
- Three Year Term
: Lee Butler, Joe Ginger, Della Moen
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Partnership will be Thursday, March 16. Time and location to be determined.
Minutes recorded by Bobbi Reagan