There were 31 proposals, 8 were funded, ½ of the grants were similar to ours. Our grant was favorable reviewed and was one of the final, but did not get approved. The strengths of the proposal were: had a clear statement scope of the project; good partnerships; liked the small geographic scope; liked the transfer methods to other watersheds; the project had strong management. The weaknesses of the proposal were: the urgency was not clear as to why it was a priority; the land condition and habitat problem link was not clear; it was not clear how the team would obtain landowner involvement. We can reapply in 2006. They looked favorably upon this grassroots organization working together.

The creek is low now. A tree is blocking ½ way across, the tree will become a "strainer". Cannot paddle from Hideaway to Krape park at this time. There was a discussion of lashing the downed trees to the side of the bank rather than clearing them out.

Sixteen out of 35 letters have been mailed to landowners along Yellow Creek, about ½ have responded positively. The Park District recognizes the creek is private property. If the landowners agree to let the park district use their property, the park district will indemnify them during park activities. There should be something in place by early 2006. There will be a canoe activity next week up to Forest Road.

The Board will meet in early August at the Park District office to finalize the by-laws. Steve Spudich moved the Board present an all encompassing proposal of the by-laws to the general membership one month in advance of the September meeting, seconded by Joe Ginger. Motion passed.

Steve Spudich requested the letter be written to the mayor and city council on the item of the flood plain maps that was discussed at the last meeting. The letter would request that the city council write a letter to FEMA to update the Freeport Flood Plain Map. We need to address that somewhere a change was made to the flood plain map and encourage the city to get an independent agency to determine where the flood plain boundary is. Roger will write and send the letter.

1) There is a tree across the creek at Carson’s that is collecting debris. Suggested to pull it parallel to the creek with a cable and a dead-man anchor. The comment was made that downed trees changes the current and erodes the opposite stream bank. 2) The canoe group know of 3 trees that are down, they will take a photo and mark the location with a GPS unit. 3) The Silver Creek Museum train bridge area has a blockage east of Walnut. Roger will follow-up with them and look at the area.

Volunteers assisted the IDNR with a fish shocking at Hideaway park and near Tiger Whip Road. They did not see any decent game fish, saw areas with sand and gravel bed, saw small fish for food. No sign of cat fish, 2 bullheads were noted. The fish survey report will be ready in the fall. Brook Stickleback were seen which indicates high water quality. The measured a 29" carp at Tiger Whip.

Possibilities included: private foundations; corporate foundations; re-apply for the CPI in 2006. A committee of Steve Simpson, Roger Carson, Stan Slachetka, Mark Keister and Bobbi Reagan was formed to submit a modified planning grant to the Sugar Pecatonica Ecosystems Partnership.

Roger Carson will contact Harriett Gustafson at the Journal Standard for a "Looking Back" article on the history of Yellow Creek. He will talk with Mike Cassidy, Ken Musser and Ron Fluegel.