The Core Development Team for the Wisconsin-Illinois Fox River Water Trail Initiative has been busy collecting existing data regarding canoe/kayak access points including signage, parking, and amenities on land at the access location. Data collection on river segments regarding the journey experience such as time expected to travel a segment, hazards, dams and portages, and experience level is also needed. This data will be used to develop maps of the Fox River, a public website and plan for suggested future improvements.

 

We need your help to collect data in Illinois during this paddling season!  Collection forms that can be accessed electronically through Google Drive or as paper forms have been developed, along with instructions for data collection volunteers.

 

If you are interested in becoming involved in this exciting initiative to develop a water trail for the Fox River please contact Karen Ann Miller at millerkaren@co.kane.il.us with any questions.

 

Please sign-up to receive updates on the Wisconsin-Illinois Fox River Water Trail Initiative through the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership monthly Downstream newsletter at foxriverecosystem.org. 

 

We hope you will join us on this exciting venture!

 

This Smart Growth Network webinar explains how communities are using form-based codes to create vibrant, walkable places.

Chris Zimmerman of the Form-Based Codes Institute and Smart Growth America draws upon his experience in Arlington, Virginia to explain what form-based codes are, how they work and, most importantly, why they matter to planners and public officials who want to create walkable communities.

Arlington County used FBC as part of an effort to transform Columbia Pike from an auto-oriented corridor into a lively Main Street lined with restaurants, retail and attractive public spaces. Chris uses this example to explore the basics of FBC for planners and others who are familiar with the concept and want to learn more. 

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has also developed a toolkit for communities looking to adopt form-based codes as an alternative to conventional zoning regulations. 

The webinar was originally recorded on June 21, 2017 and is a available for viewing through Smart Growth America's online webinar archives. 

The Annual Kane County Recycling Extravaganza was very well attended again this year, with 1288 residents served over the four hour event on Saturday, July 8th. The event flowed smoothly and no one had to wait for more than a few minutes to have their items unloaded.

The extravaganza included document shredding, and accepted for recycling: electronics, books, paint, bicycles, fluorescent tubes, mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, textiles, batteries, garden tools and Styrofoam.

Kane County residents brought in over 50 tons of material for recycling or reuse!

"I want to thank the Kane County Office of Emergency Management for their stellar assistance directing and managing traffic for these large events. This work is difficult and often thankless. But without them it would not be possible for residents to be able to drive as quickly and safely through the event." said Jennifer Jarland, Kane County's Recycling Program Coordinator and event manager. "Thank you also to all of the many old and new volunteers and also to the partners who provided excellent service! We truly could not do it with out you!"

Contact Jennifer Jarland, Kane County Recycling Coordinator at recycle@countyofkane.org, or 630-208-3841.

Weigh in on the five ON TO 2050 Alternative Futures with CMAP's iPad kiosks at public locations across the region. Each has five engaging apps for users to learn about and comment on a future with Changed Climate, Walkable Communities, Innovative Transportation, Constrained Resources, or Transformed Economy.  

Some kiosks will stay in one location through August 2017, while others will be moved throughout the region, including at public events and festivals. 

One of the kiosks will be making a rotation through various public venues in Kane County. See below for the dates and locations:

• Now - July 19th -- Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin
• July 20 - 23 -- Kane County Fair Grounds in St. Charles
• July 24 - August 13 -- St. Charles Public Library
• August 14 - 31 -- Town and Country Public Library in Elburn

Find a kiosk near you by exploring this interactive map and list.  (Green pins on the map are active locations, blue pins are future locations and yellow pins are past locations.)  Contact Cindy Cambray of CMAP for more details.

Tune in to learn about various aspects of choosing a remediation technology, including advantages/disadvantages, success and long term effects of different types of cleanup. You can learn about the differences between remediation corridors vs. single sites, and how to work with the regulators, especially the state. This webinar will give you the tools to make informed decisions about your projects and remind you of special considerations to make while working on Brownfield sites. 

When: