FLOOD07038

• County: Statewide
• Community: All
• Stream Name: All
• Basin: South Platte
• Title: ASFPM Abstracts, etc. 1994
• Date: 1/1/1994
• Prepared For: ASFPM
• Prepared By: ASFPM
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Educational/Technical/Reference Information

l
~~
f; -)
, '

~.
f
~

i
k
i

"
~.
L
!
~
,
~

f
~-.
I'
!

y;
r
~.. i
r
,

THE CHANGING NATURE OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE PRAIRIES
OF NORTH ILLINOIS

by

Steven L Apfelbaum

ABSTRACT

This paper presents first-tiIni~ evidence that many existing streams in northern lllinois were
non-existent and did not have recognizable channels during pre-settlement periods (prior to
1800). Historic discharge data (1886-1904) for the Des Plaines River is compared with more
recent data (1943-1988) from the same gauge station (Riverside, IL) and suggest that median
values of discharge have increased from less than 50 cubic feet/second to 400-800 feet per second
(greater than 12 fold increase).

Data (1886- I 904) is also pres!:nted suggesting that the Des Plaines River with a watershed area of
620 square miles (to Riverside, IL) had no discharge on average 25% of the year (=92 days,
N=19) and for another 32% ofthe year (-1 17 days, N=19) less than 60 cubic feet per second.

This study suggested that land use changes in the upland watershed have resulted in significant
changes in historic diffuse overland flow maintained hydrologic system. Increased runoff, reduced
infiltration (ground water recharge) and reduced evaporation of water have likely occurred
region-wide.

Restoration of ecological systems may be greatly influenced by these changes m regional
hydrology.

A technical paper detailing this research project is currently being prepared for submittal to a
technical journal. When available, reprints can be obtained from this author.

Steven I. Apfelbaum, Applied Ecological Services, Inc., P.O. Box 256 (17921 Smith
Road), Brodhead, Wisconsin 53520-0256, Tel. [phone]