The Kaskaskia River Basin feasibility study examines the Federal interest in implementing solutions to critical problems identified in a comprehensive watershed plan. The plan will help to restore, preserve and protect the Kaskaskia River Basin by developing and providing new techniques and innovative approaches to some of the Kaskaskia Watershed’s most critical issues.

Specific issues to be addressed include: enhancing the Kaskaskia River as a transportation corridor, improving water quality within the basin, enhancing, restoring, and preserving habitat for plants and wildlife, increasing economic and recreational opportunities, and reducing flood impacts.

The study authority allows for the development of a comprehensive plan that would address ecosystem restoration, flood risk management, navigation, and water supply in the basin; however, funding for this current study has been appropriated to produce a study that focuses on Ecosystem Restoration. By focusing on a central component of the authorization, the Corps, our sponsor and partners will be able to address potential Ecosystem Restoration issues.

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is dedicated to the study of the ecology of the big rivers, the workings of the watersheds that feed them, and the ties to river communities. NGRREC ‘s three pronged approach to big river issues includes research, education and implementing practices.

This approach is exemplified through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies placing land conservation specialists throughout the Kaskaskia River watershed. These specialists provide technical expertise and outreach to landowners wanting to optimize their farming practices in an effort to address the sediment and nutrient loading in the waterways and improving soil health.

Additionally, NGRREC scientists have been working to monitor water quality within the Kaskaskia River Watershed through the strategic placement of a GREON buoy in Carlyle Lake. NGRREC’s participation in the Kaskaskia River Basin Comprehensive Watershed Study is a natural extension of the work currently being done and will outline a viable path forward for NGRREC and stakeholders within the watershed.

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Risk-informed and Timely (SMART) studies have a maximum total study cost of $3 million dollars with 50 percent of the study costs provided by the Federal government and a 50 percent matching contribution by a non-Federal interest(s). Studies must be delivered within a 3 year timeframe from the date that the cost share agreement is executed between the Corps and the non-Federal sponsor. The study is anticipated to start in fall 2015 and is expected to be completed in late 2018 or early 2019. Non-Federal interests for a Corps study may be a State, a political subpart of a State, a Native American (Indian) Nation, quasi-public organizations chartered under State laws (e.g., a port authority, flood control district, water management district, or conservation district), an interstate agency or a non-profit organization.