Wetlands, lakes, and streams are very sensitive to disturbances in their watersheds, particularly urban development. Protection and management of these resources are particularly critical because Kane County is one of the fastest growing counties in Illinois and its population is projected to increase by more than 75% between 1990 and 2020.

Some protection of wetlands is provided by existing regulatory programs. Federal regulations authorized under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act require a permit for the discharge of dredged or fill material into wetlands or other waters of the United States. Federal guidelines also authorize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to identify in advance of specific permit requests, aquatic sites that will be considered as areas generally unsuitable for disposal of dredged or fill material. The Chicago District of the Corps has applied this discretionary authority to high quality habitat sites in other counties where ADID studies have been performed. The Corps also will generally require an individual permit, which allows public input, for proposed modifications of all high quality habitat sites and all high functional value wetlands.

Even with existing protections, however, the rapid pace of urban development has led to unacceptable losses of wetland functions in the county. With this in mind, the ADID team and its advisors will be identifying protection and management strategies for wetlands, lakes, and streams. These strategies may include improved education, regulations and best management practices, acquisition, and restoration.