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Facts
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What's the problem?
A Partridge Creek Planning Committee was formed to identify problems and solutions to erosion in this watershed. Problems that were identified in its 2004 study include:
- Sediment delivered to the Illinois River at Peoria Lake decreases fish and wildlife habitat and inhibits recreation and transportation accessibility.
- Erosion from cropland constitutes nearly one-third of the sediment delivered to the Illinois River from the Partridge Creek Watershed.
- There is a lack of appropriate vegetation along the streams.
- Removal of gravel from the lower reaches of Partridge Creek destabilizes the stream bottom.
- Unmanaged natural wooded areas are contributing significant amounts of sediment to Partridge Creek because they do not have plants that hold the soil in place for groundcover.
- Prime farmland is being lost to development.
- Stormwater ordinances and regulations do not seem to apply to all subdivisions and developments in the watershed.
- It is important to monitor contaminant levels in the drinking water supply and enforce current regulations that aim to protect groundwater.
- There is a lack of funding for Best Management Practice implementation by landowners.
- Landowners lack knowledge of where to look and how to submit grant applications.
- The public must be educated on the source of our watershed and water quality contamination as well as what they can do to improve the environment in the Partridge Creek Watershed. It is especially important that children receive this education; the Planning Committee is only successful if the habitat and water quality in Partridge Creek Watershed is preserved by future generations.
What are the problems around Partridge Creek Watershed?
The Peoria Lakes Watersheds face many challenges. Thankfully, there are opportunities for residents, governments, and landowners to use many basic and innovative solutions.
What can I do?
These stormwater and erosion issues can be controlled in many ways by many groups of people. Continue reading for what you can do to help solve these problems.
...as an elected official or government staff?
...as a farmer?
...as a landowner in the bluffs?
- Forest Management in Residential Areas
- Partridge Creek Steep Slope Landowners Guide
- Plant a Rain Garden
- Forest Management on the Illinois River Bluffs
...as an urban or rural landowner?
- Forest Management in Residential Areas
- Plant a Rain Garden
- Landscape with Native Plants
- Facts about using native plants in your garden
- Myths about using native plants in your garden
- Plant a prairie garden
- Plant a wetland garden
- Plant a woodland garden
- Plant a buffer strip on a slope
- Plant a swale
- Add border plantings
- Use shrubs
...as a concerned citizen?
- Help Educate Our Youth
- Educational Materials
- Redirect downspouts onto the grass and off the pavement.
- Use fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as recommended by the manufacturer. Overuse will damage vegetation and increase stormwater pollutants.
- Keep lawn chemicals off hard surfaces (driveways, sidewalks) and store indoors (preferably in the garage) when possible.
- Pick up pet waste.
- Mulch yard clippings and bag leaves.
- Clean up litter in your neighborhood.
- Keep hard surfaces clear of dirt and debris.
- Prevent motor oil and gas from spilling. One quart of oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water.
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