Improving the Calumet Water Trails: A Vision for Action by Curtis Witek

Improving the Calumet Water Trails A Vision for Action

December 6, 2013

CONTENTS

FOREWORD PROJECT OVERVIEW ― ― ― ―

Planning Context A History of Planning and Action Along the Calumet Water Trails Overview of Calumet Region Summary of Objectives and Strategies

1 2 3 4

ACTION ITEMS ― ― ― ― ― ―

Develop a shared vision for improving the Calumet Area Water Trails Build organizational capacity to engage stakeholders and implement water trail improvements and programming Expand water trail access and wayfinding Promote greater awareness, understanding, and recreational use of the water trail Preserve and enhance the ecological health of the waterways in the Calumet area Summary of Objectives, Strategies, and Recommended Actions

5 7 9 11 13 15

APPENDIXES ― ― ― ― ―

Appendix 1. Planning Process Appendix 2. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Appendix 3. Inventory of Environmental Education and Outdoor Recreation Opportunities Appendix 4. Additional Resources Bibliography

17 18 19 21 23

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Photo credit: Curtis Witek

At the same time, cities across the nation are rethinking their relationship with their rivers, lakes, and streams. Urban waterways, which many cities had turned their backs on and abused through the processes of urbanization and industrialization, are now being rediscovered as vital assets for revitalizing communities. Inspired by these visions for a restored relationship between urban areas, their residents, and the natural environment, Improving the Calumet Area Water Trails is a call to action for diverse stakeholders from across the Calumet region to reconnect with their waterways, and in doing so, work together to undo the damage of the past while revitalizing communities moving forward. Water trails are recreation routes on waterways with a network of public access points supported by broad-based community partnerships. Water trails provide both conservation and recreational opportunities. —National Park Service

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is the oldest urban forest preserve system in the nation, maintaining nearly 69,000 acres of open land for the education, pleasure, and recreation of the public.

Founded in 1963, Openlands is one of the nation’s oldest and most successful metropolitan conservation organizations, having helped secure, protect, and provide public access to more than 55,000 acres of land for parks, forest preserves, land and water greenway corridors, and urban gardens.

The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the nation.

FOREWORD

The Chicago region has a legacy of visionary thinking about the role of nature in the lives of urban residents. As our region embarks on important milestones such as the centennial celebration of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the oldest forest preserve system of its kind in the nation, and the Millennium Reserve, one of the nation’s largest urban open space initiatives, it is apparent that we are in the midst of a renaissance of visionary thinking about our region’s natural connections.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Planning Context Adopted in 1999, The Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails Plan, established a vision for a coordinated system of water trails of nonmotorized boating on ten of our region’s waterways. The plan proposed over 467 miles of water trails safe for canoeing and kayaking, 168 access and portage sites, coordinated signage, and established the Northeastern Illinois Water Trail Council. To date, more than 40 new launch sites have been added and over 200 miles of trails have been improved across the Northeastern Illinois region. Much works remains to be done, however, to reframe the Calumet Waterways—a predominantly industrial waterway system—as an asset around which community, ecological, and economic revitalization can all occur in concert with one another. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s GO TO 2040 Regional Plan and the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission's 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan and their related green infrastructure, greenways, trails, and blueways plans—cast a broad vision for a region connected by a system of restored land and water systems. The goal of Improving the Calumet Water Trails is to mobilize diverse stakeholders, individuals, and communities to revitalize a water trail system that: enhances the quality of life along the waterways, connects communities, brings awareness to the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage, protects and restores the ecological health of the waterways and surrounding lands, and expands recreational opportunities. The Calumet has a rich and complex history of regional planning and local action aimed at reconciling the region’s industrial and cultural landscapes with its globally significant ecological landscape (see right). Momentum is building behind efforts like the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, the Calumet National Heritage Area, and the Millennium Reserve Initiative, all of which envision a transformed Calumet region marked by restored natural areas, vibrant cultural communities, and a strong economy. Through a collaborative planning process conducted from December 2012 to December 2013, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Openlands, and the National Park Service convened the Calumet Water Trails Planning Team to connect these regional visions and initiatives to local action along the waterways. A revitalized water trail will not occur over night. It will require ongoing coordination between key actors (local, regional, state, and federal) working together across geographic scales and political boundaries to implement—and learn from—a wide range of actions that leverage community strengths and address challenges. The following vision provides a place to start.

Photo credit: Calumet Waterway Stewards

1833. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommend establishing a harbor at the mouth of the Calumet River

2002. Calumet Area Land Use Plan 2002. Calumet Area Ecological Management Strategy 2005. Calumet Open Space Reserve Plan 2012. Calumet Area Vision 1922. The Cal-Sag Channel is completed 2014. Construction begins on the Cal-Sag multi-use Trail Lake Calumet

Calumet River

Lake Michigan

2013. Blue Island Waterfront Planning

1946. William Powers Conservation Area Established

Regionally Significant Plans, Studies and Events: 1998. Calumet Ecological Park Feasibility Study 1999. Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trail Plan Biodiversity Recovery Plan Calumet Heritage Partnership formed 2004. Calumet Design Guidelines The South Suburban Calumet Area Open Space and Trail Plan 2005. Marquette Plan: Lakeshore Reinvestment Strategy 2006. Calumet Corridor Vision 2007. Greenways & Blueways Northwest Indiana Regional Plan 2009. Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways & Trails Plan 2010. GO TO 2040 2011. 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan for Northwest Indiana 2012. Green Infrastructure Vision 2.1 2012. Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda 2013. Next Century Conservation Plan 2013. Millennium Reserve-Calumet Core Initiative 2013. Illinois Lake Michigan Implementation Plan

2006. Wolf Lake Vision completed

PROJECT OVERVIEW

A History of Planning and Action Along the Calumet Waterways

2007-2012. Grand Calumet Sediment Remediation Projects 1992. Local environmental groups successfully oppose proposal for Lake Calumet Airport Pre-1830s. Illinois, Sauk, Pottawatomie, Miami, and Winnebago tribes migrated, hunted, and gathered along the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water and land trails Illinois Coastal Zone Boundary 2005. Thorn Creek Watershed Based Plan released

SOURCE: ESRI; National Hydrography Dataset; Illinois Coastal Management Program

The Calumet region is a geographic area that hugs the southern end of Lake Michigan extending from southern Cook County, Illinois, through Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Indiana. The unique dune and swale topography, wetlands, and other subtle features that characterize the region’s natural landscape are the result of receding glaciers during the last Ice Age about 14,000 years ago. Since that time, the landscape has continually evolved through the combined effects of natural forces—wind, stream geomorphology, fire, ecological succession, the wave action of Lake Michigan—and increasingly intensive human activity—Native American settlements and travel routes, hunting, farming, timbering, transportation infrastructure, sand mining, wetland drainage and infilling, and heavy industry. The resulting landscape is a constantly evolving mosaic of people, nature, and industry.

MICHIGAN

Lake Michigan

Planning Focus Area

Calumet Region State Boundaries Waterbodies Protected & Managed Lands

INDIANA

Green Infrastructure Vision 2.1

ILLINOIS

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Overview of the Calumet Region

SOURCE: ESRI; CMAP and Chicago Wilderness Green Infrastructure Vision Geodatabase; National Hydrography Dataset; US Census Bureau

STRATEGIES

1. Develop a shared vision for Improving the Calumet Water Trails

Engage diverse stakeholders in a collaborative planning process

2. Build organizational capacity to engage stakeholders and implement water trail improvements and programming

Establish a Calumet Water Trails Steering Committee as part of the Calumet Stewardship Initiative

3. Expand water trail access and wayfinding

Transform vision into action by engaging stakeholders through the Calumet Stewardship Initiative for implementation of priority projects and continued planning efforts

Foster cross-jurisdictional and bi-state coordination of the water trails Leverage the co-benefits of water trails to secure funding and other forms of assistance for water trail improvements Improve existing water trail infrastructure Construct new infrastructure where necessary Establish a canoe and kayak vendor(s) to serve the Calumet Water Trails

4. Promote greater awareness, understanding, and recreational use of the water trails

5. Preserve and enhance the ecological health of the waterways in the Calumet area

Increase general awareness about the water trails Educate the public about the water trails' history, ecology, and paddling safety Connect outdoor recreation to economic development and public health benefits Equip individuals and communities to improve their local streams and watershed Restore natural habitats and ecological processes from the stream to the watershed scale Integrate and institutionalize stormwater management, water quality control, and flood damage mitigation

PROJECT OVERVIEW

OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVE 1. Develop a shared vision for improving the Calumet Water Trails VISION STATEMENT Improving the Calumet Water Trails: A Vision for Action seeks to mobilize diverse stakeholders, individuals, and communities to revitalize a water trail system that: ― ― ― ― ―

Enhances the quality of life along the waterways Connects communities Brings awareness to the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage Protects and restores the ecological health of the waterways and surrounding lands Expands recreational opportunities

STRATEGIES ― Engage diverse stakeholders in a collaborative planning process ― Transform vision into action by engaging stakeholders through the Calumet Stewardship Initiative for implementation of priority projects and continued planning efforts

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS  Convene a Calumet Water Trails Planning Team (Completed 2013)  Conduct a series of stakeholder planning meetings, site visits, and public engagement activities (Completed 2013)

EXPERIENCE CALUMET WATER TRAILS

Photo credit: Laura Barghusen Stakeholders suggesting water trail improvements during a planning workshop. Photo credit: Curtis Witek

The Water Trail Map can be accessed at: www.openlands.org/northeasternillinois-regional-water-trails

In December 2012, the Forest Preserves of Cook County launched the Improving the Calumet Water Trails visioning process with the support of Openlands and a Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Grant through the National Park Service. Through a series of 4 stakeholder meetings the team was able to conduct an assessment of the waterways, environmental assets, recreation opportunities, stewardship activities, and a multitude of other resources in the region. Through the assessment and inventory of activities, the Vision helped identify 6 priority projects and the need for a long range plan.

PRIORITY PROJECTS:

― Establish a committee within the Calumet Stewardship Initiative to focus on water trails ― Distribute the Calumet Water Trails Vision and Map to key stakeholders ― Construct new access sites at Kickapoo Woods and Paarlberg Park ― Install water trail signage at launch sites and at key wayfinding locations ― Establish a canoe and kayak vendor(s) and boat storage facilities to serve the Calumet Water Trails ― Strengthen water trail programming including paddling safety trainings and education programs

The Calumet Water Trails (Vision Map) Proposed Launches:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Big Marsh Lake Calumet Hegewisch Marsh Riverdale Marina Kickapoo Woods* Indiana Avenue Paarlberg Park* Thornton Brewery

Lake Michigan

Calumet River

Alsip Little Calumet Beaubian Woods Gouwens Park Riverfront Park Powderhorn Lake Wolf Lake Calumet Park

*High Priority Projects

ILLINOIS INDIANA

Established Launches:

Grand Calumet River

Established Launch Proposed Launch Waterbodies* Protected & Managed Lands Green Infrastructure Vision 2.1

*Extent exaggerated for legibility Source: Calumet Water Trails Asset Inventory (2013) :

OBJECTIVE 2. Build organizational capacity to engage stakeholders and implement water trail improvements and programming STRATEGIES ― Establish a Calumet Water Trails Steering Committee as part of the Calumet Stewardship Initiative ― Foster cross-jurisdictional and bi-state coordination of the water trails ― Leverage the co-benefits of water trails to secure funding and other forms of assistance for water trail improvements

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS  Coordinate water trail improvements, management, and programming through the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, the Northeastern Illinois Water Trail Council , and the Illinois Paddling Council  Incorporate this plans’ strategies into other regional planning efforts including the Millennium Reserve: Calumet Core Initiative, the Illinois Coastal Management Plan and Green Infrastructure planning IDENTIFY COMMUNITY STRENGTHS & CONCERNS REFINEMENT

ACTION PLANNING

IMPLEMENTATION

EVALUATION

An ongoing water trail planning process that can be coordinated by the Advisory Committee.

Stakeholders suggesting water trail improvements during a planning workshop at Sand Ridge Nature Center. Photo credit: Curtis Witek

The Calumet Stewardship Initiative (CSI) is a coalition that promotes a sustainable relationship between people and nature in the Calumet region of Northwest Indiana and Northeast Illinois. CSI envisions a Calumet region marked by vibrant communities and cultures, healthy natural areas, and a strong economy. The Illinois Paddling Council (IPC) was organized in 1963 and is a not-for-profit association of paddlers and paddling organizations in Illinois. The Illinois Paddling council is dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of all phases of canoeing and kayaking in Illinois, to assure access to the state's waters, and to protect and preserve the natural resources within the state. The Millennium Reserve: Calumet Core is a 220-square mile opportunity to transform a region in transition. Its goal is to catalyze innovative partnerships and action in the Calumet region that: honor its cultural and industrial past, restore and enhance the natural ecosystems, support healthy and prosperous communities and residents, and stimulate vigorous and sustainable economic growth. On January 31, 2012, the Illinois Coastal Management Program (ICMP) received Federal approval from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management. This program will help protect and manage the natural and cultural resources along our magnificent 63 mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Calumet Region Illinois Coastal Zone Millennium Reserve Calumet Core Waterbodies Protected & Managed Lands Green Infrastructure Vision 2.1

OBJECTIVE 3. Expand water trail access and wayfinding STRATEGIES ― Improve existing water trail infrastructure ― Construct new infrastructure where necessary ― Establish a canoe and kayak vendor(s) to serve the Calumet Water Trails

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS  Construct new access sites at Kickapoo Woods, Paarlberg Park, Riverdale Marina, Thornton Brewery, Indiana Avenue, Hegewisch Marsh, Big Marsh, and Lake Calumet  Ensure basic water trail amenities are present at each access site  Install water trail signage at access sites and key wayfinding locations

WATER TRAIL INFRASTRUCTURE: Access Points (National Recreation Trail Criteria): The National Trail System Act of 1968 authorized the creation of a national trail system comprised of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails, and National Historic Trails. As a subset of the national recreation trail designation, trails in the National Water Trails System must meet the four criteria for National Recreation Trail designation as follows: ― The trail (and its access points) must be open to public use and be designed, constructed, and maintained according to best management practices, in keeping with the anticipated use ― The trail is in compliance with applicable land use plans and environmental laws ― The trail will be open for public use for at least 10 consecutive years after designation ― The trail designation must be supported by the landowner(s), (public or private), on which access points exist Support Facilities Attracting a local vendor who can rent and sell canoes and kayaks and provide boat storage is a key step in activating the water trails. Other basic amenities include: parking, water, restrooms, garbage cans, portages, boat lock-ups, and signage. Information & Signage Information about the location of access points, water conditions, and wayfinding points will make the trail more attractive and accessible for paddlers. Water trail signage should: ― Identify access sites ― Promote awareness of the trail and interest in using it ― Explain paddling safety ― Note and interpret natural, historic, and cultural features of the corridor

Recommended Infrastructure Improvements

Lake Calumet

Alsip Boat Ramp

Riverdale Marina

Wolf Lake

Beaubian Woods

Little Calumet Boat Ramp

Lake Michigan

ILLINOIS INDIANA

Big Marsh

Calumet River

Calumet Park

Hegewisch Marsh Powderhorn Lake

Kickapoo Woods

Proposed Vendor/Storage site

Gouwens Park

Proposed Water Trail Signage Metra Lines and Stations

Riverfront Park

Established Launch Proposed Launch

Paarlberg Park

Waterbodies Protected & Managed Lands

Grand Calumet River

Indiana Avenue

Thornton Brewery

The CalumetSag Water Trail logo

OBJECTIVE 4. Promote greater awareness, understanding, and recreational use of the water trails STRATEGIES ― Increase general awareness about the water trails ― Educate the public about the water trails' history, ecology, and paddling safety ― Connect outdoor recreation to economic development and public health benefits

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS  Coordinate paddling and rowing events, festivals, and celebrations that promote the water trail to local residents and visitors  Distribute water trail maps and information through the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, local media  Develop a water trail website  Develop a self-guided water trail tour highlighting important historical and ecological sites  Integrate watersheds and urban stream ecology into environmental education programs  Hold paddling safety classes on the water trail and at nearby lakes and pools  Promote the Calumet region as an urban outdoor recreation destination  Leverage water trail improvements to expand ecologically-sound waterfront development  Support the completion of a network of greenways and multi-use trails in the Calumet region like the Cal-Sag Trail, the Burnham Greenway Gap, and other planned trails To many local residents, the Calumet Water Trails are perceived as “open sewers” and “unsafe.” However, local and regional partners alike are coming together to change this message. Through youth education, public outreach events like river clean ups, tours, and festivals, and strategic marketing, we can reframe the Calumet Water Trails as valuable community, economic, and natural assets.

Photo credit: Laura Barghusen

Examples of Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education Events and Programs The Calumet Water Trails offer a variety of outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. There are several distinct stretches that provide a diversity of paddling and rowing experiences. The Upper Little Calumet River (Left) meanders through the Southland suburbs. The river’s wooded banks make this stretch a great place to spot wildlife like Great Blue Heron, American Egrets, and turtles. Photo credit: Curtis Witek

Shown left are Calumet Is My Back Yard (CIMBY) students from Morgan Park taking water quality samples at the Sand Ridge Nature Center. CIMBY is an environmental service learning program that engages Calumet-area high school students and teachers in longterm efforts to care for and learn about the Calumet region's forest preserves and other natural areas. Photo credit: Chicago Public Schools Service-Learning Initiative

The City of Blue Island recently received support through the Millennium Reserve to develop a rowing center, boat house, and community facility at Fay’s Point. The new Fay’s Point Marina and Intercollegiate Rowing Center will attract rowers from across the Calumet region and beyond, providing much-needed facilities, a venue for competitive and recreational paddling and rowing, along with new economic development opportunities. See Appendix 3 for an inventory of additional outdoor recreation and environmental education programs, sites, and opportunities. Photo Credit: Calumet Waterway Stewards

OBJECTIVE 5. Preserve and enhance the ecological health of the waterways in the Calumet Area STRATEGIES ― Equip individuals and communities to improve their local streams and watershed ― Restore natural habitats and ecological processes from the stream to the watershed scale ― Integrate and institutionalize stormwater management, water quality control, and flood damage mitigation

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS  Support citizen-based monitoring, restoration, and clean up projects  Educate and incentivize the public to take action on private land that improves stream and watershed health  Engage diverse communities in planning, implementing, and maintaining stormwater best management practices that capture rain where it falls  Restore in-stream and riparian habitats where possible  Expand and connect the green infrastructure network throughout the Calumet region  Support land-based restoration projects that improve the ecological health of the waterways in the Calumet area

The Green Infrastructure Vision (GIV) identifies 1.8 million acres throughout the Chicago Wilderness region that can be restored, protected, or connected through conservation and thoughtful, sustainable development practices. The GIV guides the protection and development of an accessible, interconnected network of healthy ecosystems that contribute to economic vitality and quality of life for all the region’s residents. Photo credit: Curtis Witek

Volunteer Stewardship Days and Restoration Projects 1. Van Vlissingen Woods Volunteer Stewardship (Chicago Park District) 2. Tree Care on the Burnham Greenway (Calumet Ecological Park Association) 3. Eggers Woods Volunteer Stewardship (Calumet Ecological Park Association) 4. Hegewisch Marsh Volunteer Stewardship (Chicago Park District) 5. Powderhorn Prairie Volunteer Stewardship (Friends of the Forest Preserves) 6-8.Grand Calumet River Sediment Remediation Projects (US EPA) 9. Beaubien Woods Volunteer Stewardship (The Field Museum) 10. Whistler Woods Volunteer Stewardship (Friends of the Forest Preserves) 11. Gully Walkers (Friends of the Chicago River) 12. Kickapoo Woods Watershed Restoration Project (Friends of the Chicago River) 13. Kickapoo Prairie Volunteer Stewardship (Friends of the Forest Preserves) 14. Annual Little Calumet River Cleanup (Calumet Waterway Stewards)

Volunteer Stewardship Days & Restoration Projects Waterbodies Protected & Managed Lands Green Infrastructure Vision 2.1

SUMMARY

OBJECTIVES

STRATEGIES

1. Develop a shared vision for Improving the Calumet Water Trails

Engage diverse stakeholders in a collaborative planning process

2. Build organizational capacity to engage stakeholders and implement water trail improvements and programming

Establish a Calumet Water Trails Steering Committee as part of the Calumet Stewardship Initiative

3. Expand water trail access and wayfinding

Transform vision into action by engaging stakeholders through the Calumet Stewardship Initiative for implementation of priority projects and continued planning efforts

4. Promote greater awareness, understanding, and recreational use of the water trails

5. Preserve and enhance the ecological health of the waterways in the Calumet area

Equip individuals and communities to improve their local streams and watershed Restore natural habitats and ecological processes from the stream to the watershed scale Integrate and institutionalize stormwater management, water quality control, and flood damage mitigation

 Convene a Calumet Water Trails Planning Team (Completed 2013)  Conduct a series of stakeholder planning meetings, site visits, and public engagement activities (Completed 2013)  Coordinate water trail improvements, management, and programming through the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, the Northeastern Illinois Water Trail Council , and the Illinois Paddling Council  Incorporate this plans’ strategies into other regional planning efforts including the Millennium Reserve: Calumet Core Initiative, the Illinois Coastal Management Plan and Green Infrastructure planning  Construct new access sites at Kickapoo Woods, Paarlberg Farm, Riverdale Marina, Thornton Brewery, Indiana Avenue, Hegewisch Marsh, Big Marsh and Lake Calumet  Ensure basic water trail amenities are present at each access site  Install water trail signage at access sites and key wayfinding locations  Coordinate paddling and rowing events, festivals, and celebrations that promote the water trail to local residents and visitors  Distribute water trail maps and information through the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, local media  Develop a water trail website  Develop a self-guided water trail tour highlighting important historical and ecological sites  Integrate watersheds and urban stream ecology into environmental education programs  Hold paddling safety classes on the water trail and at nearby lakes and pools  Promote the Calumet region as an urban outdoor recreation destination  Leverage water trail improvements to expand ecologically-sound waterfront development  Support the completion of a network of greenways and multi-use trails in the Calumet region like the Cal-Sag Trail, the Burnham Greenway Gap, and other planned trails  Support citizen-based monitoring, restoration, and clean up projects  Educate and incentivize the public to take action on private land that improves stream and watershed health  Engage diverse communities in planning, implementing, and maintaining stormwater best management practices that capture rain where it falls  Restore in-stream and riparian habitats where possible  Expand and connect the green infrastructure network throughout the Calumet region  Support land-based restoration projects that improve the ecological health of the waterways in the Calumet area

SUMMARY

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDIX 1

Planning Process Community engagement was essential for creating a shared vision for the Calumet Water Trails. Therefore, we employed an assets-based and collaborative planning approach that involved diverse stakeholders and communities in planning meetings, paddling and environmental education events, and the plan review process. Two innovative public engagement tools were developed to facilitate this collaborative approach: ― Urban Stream Explorations was a worksheet that guided paddlers to look for wildlife, natural stream features, and evidence of human impact as they paddled down the Little Calumet River. This served as a public education and data collection tool. ― Crowdsourcing the Calumet was a public engagement tool that leveraged the power of user-generated content, social media, and mobile devices to promote wider participation in the planning process. By sending tweets with the hashtag: #CWT2013, text and images sent directly from the water could be collected, and mapped. Although use of this tool was limited for this project, we believe crowdsourcing can be a powerful tool for gathering public input, especially if the target audience is active on social media.

SUMMARY OF PLANNING ACTIVITIES: ― ― ― ―

Four planning meetings with key stakeholders Two public paddling events and three water trail surveys One design studio and one conference presentation Feedback collected online through email and the Crowdsourcing the Calumet platform 17

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

Community support

Bad reputation

Activate assets

Bad press

Existing educational and stewardship programs

Barriers to collaboration

Build capacity

Climate change

Competing uses

Engage communities

Competing uses

Geographic challenges

Connect Calumet communities

Corruption

Governance challenges

Develop a green economy

Information gap

Develop partners

Ecological impacts of urbanization

Lack of awareness

Develop regional connections

Lack of funding

Economic development

Lack of vendor

Educate the public

Negative perception of waterways

Engage new users

Existing knowledge and data Past and current planning efforts/initiatives Geographic benefits Leverageable assets Organizational capacity Physical benefits Strong cultural and historical connections Strong networks and partnerships Untapped potential

Physical and biological impediment Poor utilization of resources and local knowledge Limited water trail access Small user community

Data for this SWOT Analysis was collected during two Planning Team meetings on January 31 and April 10, 2013 (n=28).

Improve public health Improve water trail infrastructure Leverage knowledge, data, and technology Market the Calumet Restore ecosystems Use available funds

Geographic challenges Lack of community support Lack of funding Lack of leader No implementation or action Perception as unsafe Private sector opposition Tragic incident

APPENDIX 2

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (for the Calumet Water Trails)

APPENDIX 3

Existing and Proposed Recreational Programs, Sites, and Opportunities

Annual Celebration Paddling Programs Proposed Paddling Programs Proposed Rowing Programs Proposed Recreation Site Existing Trails Planned Trails Waterbodies Protected & Managed Land

SOURCE: CMAP 2009 Greenways & Trails Plan; Openlandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Calumet Connections

Nature Center Paddling Training Environmental Education Site Proposed Paddling Training Site Waterbodies Protected & Managed Lands

APPENDIX 3

Existing and Proposed Environmental Education Programs, Sites, and Opportunities

APPENDIX 4

CASE STUDIES

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Notable examples of urban water trails, urban riverfront developments, and watershed planning efforts

Local and national organizations and agencies that can help facilitate, plan, design, and implement waterfront and watershed projects

Blue Island/Blue Water Project www.blueisland.org/bluewater (202) 354-6900

American Rivers www.americanrivers.org (202) 347-7550

The Bronx River Alliance http://bronxriver.org/

Center for Neighborhood Technology www.cnt.org (773) 278-4800

National Water Trail System www.nps.gov/WaterTrails (202) 354-6900 The River Town Program www.pecpa.org/river-town-program

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning www.cmap.illinois.gov (312) 454-0400 Illinois Coastal Management Program www.dnr.illinois.gov/CMP/Pages/default.a spx (773) 278-4800 Metropolitan Planning Council www.metroplanning.org (312) 922-5616 National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca (312) 863-6287

Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission www.nirpc.org (312) 863-6253 Openlands www.openlands.org (312) 863-6253 Northwest Indiana Urban Waters Partnership urbanwaters.gov/nwi (219) 879-3564 x123 South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association www.ssmma.org (708) 206-1155

VOLUNTEERING

Funding for green stormwater infrastructure, habitat enhancements/restoration, public-use improvements, and other projects

Calumet and Chicago area organizations that engage volunteers in water trail, waterway and watershed improvement activities

Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Possible funding: $50,000 to $300,000 Contact: Todd Hogrefe todd.hogrefe@nwfw.org (612) 564-7286 www.nfwf.org/chi-cal/Pages/2013rfp.aspx 2013 Deadline: September 17

Sustain Our Great Lakes Possible funding: $25,000 to $1,500,000 Contact: Todd Hogrefe todd.hogrefe@nwfw.org (612) 564-7286 www.sustainourgreatlakes.org/Apply.aspx 2013 Deadline: February 14

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program Possible funding: $30,000 to $150,000 Contact: Lisa Cotner DNR.CMP@illinois.gov (312) 814-6414 www.dnr.illinois.gov/cmp/pages/grants.aspx 2013 Deadline: December 16

Section 319 Possible funding: $50,000 to $1,200,000 Contact: Nonpoint Source Unit (217) 782-3362 www.epa.state.il.us/water/financialassistance/non-point.html 2013 Deadline: August 1

Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program for Stormwater Management Possible funding: $15,000 to $3,000,000 Contact: Watershed Management Section (217) 782-3362 www.epa.state.il.us/water/financialassistance/igig.html 2013 Deadline: December 13

Alliance for the Great Lakes www.greatlakes.org 312-939-0838 Calumet Stewardship Initiative calumetstewardship.org Friends of the Chicago River www.chicagoriver.org (312) 939-0490 Friends of the Forest Preserves www.fotfp.org (312) 356-9990 Illinois Water TrailKeepers www.illinoispaddling.org/trailkeepers Northwest Indiana Paddling Association www.nwipa.org Shirley Heinze Land Trust www.heinzetrust.org (219) 242-8558

APPENDIX 4

FUNDING

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative. "Wolf Lake Vision." Assessed August 7, 2013. See http://naturalsystems.uchicago.edu/urbanecosystems/calumet/cdrom/plans/wolf%20lake%20vision.pdf Calumet Rivers Development Project. "Calumet River Corridor Economic Development Vision and Strategy." Assessed August 7, 2013 See http://www.blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/calumet-river-corridor_economic-development-vision-and-strategy-draft-final-report_200703.pdf Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning "GO TO 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan.” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/2040/main Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. “Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan.” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/bike-ped/greenways-and-trails Chicago Plan Commission "Chicago Nature and Wildlife Plan & Update." Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/chicago_nature_andwildlifeplan.html City of Chicago, Department of Environment. "Chicago Brownfields Initiative Report." Assessed August 7, 2013 See http://www.culturalcommunications.com/BFreport/brownfields13.pdf City of Chicago, Department of Environment. "Chicago Climate Change Action Plan." Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.chicagoclimateaction.org City of Chicago, Department of Environment. "Hegewisch Marsh Site Plan." Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.csu.edu/cerc/documents/HegewischMarshSitePlanFINAL.pdf City of Chicago, Department of Environment. “Calumet Area Hydrologic Master Plan (HMP). Executive Summary (Volume I).” Assessed August 7, 2013. See http://naturalsystems.uchicago.edu/urbanecosystems/calumet/cdrom/problem%20solving/HydroMasterPlanExecSumm.pdf City of Chicago, Department of Environment. “Calumet Area Ecological Management Strategy” Assessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/urban/calumet/local-resources/downloads/Calumet_Area_EMS_full_report.pdf City of Chicago, Department of Housing and Economic Development. "Chicago Sustainable Industries (CSI)." Accessed August 7, 2013. See https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/chicago_sustainableindustries.html City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development. "Calumet Area Land Use Plan." Assessed August 7, 2013 See http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/calumet_area_landuseplan.html City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development. "Calumet Area Open Space Reserve Plan." Assessed August 7, 2013 See http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/assets/1/7/CalumetOpenSpaceReservePlan_2005.pdf City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development. "Calumet Design Guidelines." Calumet Design Guidelines. Assessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/calumet_design_guidelinesandlanduseplan.html City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development. "Calumet Open Space Reserve." Assessed August 7, 2013 See http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/calumet_open_spacereserve.html City of Chicago, Department of Public Health. “Transforming the Health of Our City Chicago Answers the Call.” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.cityofchicago.org/dam/city/depts/cdph/CDPH/PublicHlthAgenda2011.pdf

Forest Preserve District of Cook County. "Recreation Master Plan." Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://fpdcc.com/recreation-master-plan Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "Coastal Management Program (ICMP).” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/cmp/Pages/default.aspx Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources “Watershed Diagnostic Study of the Little Calumet-Galien River Watershed.” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/calumet.pdf Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. "Detailed Watershed Plan for the Calumet-Sag Channel Watershed: Volume 1.” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.mwrd.org/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_B7EB07819A404EB370B004B00FB00C8A0EB33400/filename/CalSag-DWP.pdf National Park Service. "Calumet Ecological Park Feasibility Study." Assessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.lincolnnet.net/environment/feasibility/calumet1.html Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission. "Thorn Creek Watershed Based Plan." Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/tmdl/implementation/thorn-creek/thorn-creek-watershed-based-plan.pdf Northwest Indiana Regional Plan Commission and Openlands. “Greenways & Blueways Northwest Indiana Regional Plan.” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.openlands.org/filebin/pdf/Greenways_Projects_Northwest_Indiana_Regional_Greenways_and_Blueways_Plan.pdf Openlands. “Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trail Plan.” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.openlands.org/nirwt Sellers, Rod. "Calumet River Highlights." Calumet River Highlights. Southeast Historical Society. Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://naturalsystems.uchicago.edu/urbanecosystems/calumet/cdrom/photos%20and%20maps/Rod's%20Calumet%20River%20slide%20show4.pdf Sellers, Rod. "Chicago's Southeast Side Southeast Side Industrial History." Southeast Historical Society. Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://naturalsystems.uchicago.edu/urbanecosystems/calumet/cdrom/photos%20and%20maps/Rod's%20SE%20Side%20Hist%20slide%20show3.pdf Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, City Design Practice. “Recognizing a Global Resource: The Need for a 100 Year Vision for the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence River Region.” Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://thegreatlakescenturyblog.som.com/recognizing-a-global-resource South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association. "Green River Pattern Book: An Illustrated Guide to Sustainable Urban Planning and Design Principles and Environmental Design / Energy Conservation Best Practices." Accessed August 7, 2013. See http://s3.amazonaws.com/chicagoriver/rich/rich_files/rich_files/371/original/calumet-river-handbook-20090116-calumet-river-web-opt.pdf South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association and Openlands Project. “South Suburban Calumet Area Open Space Initiative” Accessed August 7, 2013. See https://sites.google.com/a/ssmma.info/main/home/initiatives/environment/open-space The Forest Preserves of Cook County . "5-Year Capital Improvement Plan." Assessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.fpdcc.com/downloads/FinalCIP1-10-2012.pdf

BIBLIOGRAPHY

City of Chicago, Office of the Mayor. "2015 Sustainable Chicago Action Agenda." Assessed August 7, 2013. See http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/progs/env/SustainableChicago2015.pdf

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Improving the Calumet Area Water Trails: A Vision for Action Improving the Calumet Water Trails: A Vision for Action is the product of collaborative effort directed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Openlands and the National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. Oversight and input was provided throughout the planning process by the Calumet Water Trail Planning Team consisting of representatives from: Alliance for the Great Lakes, Calumet Ecological Park Association; Calumet Environmental Resource Center; Calumet is My Backyard; Calumet Memorial Park District; Calumet Stewardship Initiative; Chicago Park District; Chicago Public Schools: Calumet Is My Back Yard; Chicago River Canoe and Kayak; Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau; City of Blue Island; Cook County Bureau of Economic Development; Cook County Department of Environmental Control; Fishin' Buddies; The Forest Preserves of Cook County; Friends of the Chicago River; Friends of the Forest Preserves; Friends of the Parks; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; Greencorps Chicago; Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Coastal Management Program; Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant; Illinois Paddling Council; Illinois Water TrailKeepers; Metropolitan Planning Council; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago; National Park Service; Northwestern Indiana Paddling Association; Openlands; South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association; Southeast Chicago Historical Society; Southeast Environmental Task Force; Steelheaders; The Field Museum; The Rowing Group; Thornton Township High School; US Environmental Protection Agency; USDA Forest Service; and Village of South Holland.

PROJECT TEAM:

Written and designed by Curtis Witek, Student Conservation Association Fellow, National Park Service Edited by Kindy Kruller, Senior Planner, The Forest Preserves of Cook County Edited by Laura Barghusen, Associate Greenways Director, Openlands Edited by Diane Banta, Outdoor Recreation Planner, National Park Service December 6, 2013