Resources
In order for you to have a fun, safe, enjoyable trip, we’ve provided links to sites that promote river safety and give information on the potentially fatal danger of low head dams. Please review these links before heading out to explore the rivers and stream of Illinois.
Boat Education animation on Dangers of Low head dams
Chicago Area Paddling/Fishing Guide
Chicago Area Dams from Chicago Area Paddling/Fishing Guide
Streamflow information saves lives and protects property during floods. The U.S. Geological Survey (http://il.water.usgs.gov) operates and maintains a national network of over 7,300 streamgages. Illinois gauge information can be found here.
Commander Bob’s Boating Safety Notebook – Canoes and Kayaks
Low-head dams: A not-so clear and present danger
National Inventory of Dams – Army Corps of Engineers database of dam locations and information
Smart Start to Paddling
There are also great resources on dam policy, public safety, river restoration, fisheries and water quality improvement. Please check out these resources for these additional considerations.
American Rivers – a national river conservation organization – has some useful resources located here with a collection of other resources here
River Alliance of Wisconsin Dam Program – Wisconsin has been a national leader in river restoration and dam removals.