Presentation Description:
The dams on the Fox River were constructed to provide mechanical power for local industry. In some cases, the impoundment created by the dams were a source of ice cut for refrigeration. Power is no longer generated by these dams, nor are ice blocks harvested. The dams have been found to significantly degrade habitat and water quality, disrupt fish and mussel dispersal, and present a safety hazard to humans.
Much has been accomplished to improve local water quality over the past 50 years. Now, the cheapest and easiest way to further improve Fox River water quality, safety, recreation opportunities and remove it from Illinois’ list of impaired waters is to restore its natural habitat through dam removal.
Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) has been advocating for river restoration for over 30 years. FOTFR representatives Gary Swick and Art Malm will address the Fox River’s natural history, the water and habitat quality problems created by the dams, address common concerns with support from scientific data, and provide an update to the Army Corps’ dam removal plans with an exciting vision for the future.
About the speakers:
Art Malm is a retired registered professional engineer and a graduate of Cornell University’s College of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Art made water pollution control and public water supply his profession for five decades. His public and private sector experience includes the design, construction and operation of municipal and industrial water and water pollution control infrastructure. In his career he managed nearly a quarter of a billion dollars of public infrastructure projects. Since retirement Art spent six years as a Trustee for the Fox River Water Reclamation District during which time he became increasingly focused on the restoration of our Fox River. Art currently serves on the boards of Friends of the Fox River and the Fox River Study Group.
Gary Swick has been an environmental educator his entire adult life. He has been restoring the natural environment for over 40 years. He has been with Friends of the Fox River for 30 years, and an advocate for river restoration through dam removal that entire time. He may look tired and grumpy, but he has never been more excited about the future of the Fox River.
This event will be hybrid, for those who are unable to attend in person. If you are unable to attend in person please considering ordering takeout from Duke’s!
Pre-registration is required for Zoom attendance, but not for in-person attendance.
Pre-registration is required for Zoom attendance.
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Socializing begins at 5pm in-person, program begins at 6 pm.
Cohosted by The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen
Green Drinks is a monthly, informal meeting between people in the environmental field and environmentalist that takes place throughout the globe. McHenry County’s Green Drinks is held on the first Wednesday of every month at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake. Every month features a new speaker on a topic related to environmentalism. Join us!