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RECEIVED

CLERK'S OFFICE

MAR 1 2008

STATE OF ILLINOIS

Pollution Control Board

OR!

itt

PRAIRIE PARKLANDS PARTNERSHIP

Illinois Pollution Control Board

100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Re: Rule Making

Water Quality Standard Improvement

Lower Des Plaines River

Dear Mr. Therriault:

The Prairie Parklands Partnership, one of 41 ecosystem programs created to

enhance and protect watersheds throughout the state, supports the Illinois

Environmental Protection Agency's proposed tightening of the water quality

standards for the lower Des Plaines River.

Our boundaries include 1,477 square miles and contain over 15 watersheds.

We are a grassroots coalition of public, private and not-for-profit entities

including five different watershed groups. Jackson Creek with its tributary

Manhattan Creek, as well as Grant Creek, flow into the lower Des Plaines

River and are within our Partnership boundaries. Jackson Creek is a high

quality stream which supports diverse and sensitive plant and animal

species. Stabilizing and restoring sections of Grant Creek and Jackson

Creek are projects being undertaken by the Midewin National Tallgrass

Prairie, which also is within our Partnership boundaries. Improvement of

water quality in the lower Des Plaines River would benefit species upstream

in the aforementioned watersheds.

As our area becomes increasingly urbanized, the desire for public access to

our waterways also increases. People fishing along the Brandon Road

Bridge below Brandon Locks, is a common site. A variety of birds can be

viewed in this same area. Wading birds, ducks, gulls, terns and the

occasional bald eagle and peregrine falcon can be viewed in the shallows

below the dam. Improved water quality along the river would benefit both

wildlife and the people drawn to its shores.

Our Partnership considers the lower Des Plaines River an important natural

resource to be protected, preserved and enhanced for the future.

Thank you for considering our comments.