This scenario planning decision support tool for the Kankakee River basin as a first case study/proof-of concept. Hydrology models, both surface water and groundwater, and ecology of the Kankakee River watershed will be combined to evaluate the effects of habitat restoration on water suppy ecosystem services, agricultural irrigation demands, urbanization, and waterfowl habitat, and sportsman and recreational user interests. Various scenarios for restoration identified with peer input were tested for the watershed. Each scenario results in different individual and aggregate values for ground water recharge, surface water storage, waterfowl habitat, sportsman and recreational use, and agricultural capacity. Some scenarios were be tested under future climate change and urbanization projections and compared to results from the current composition of the landscape. One scenario will consist of the Chicago Wilderness Green Infrastructure Vision (GIV).
The project has three primary goals:
- Accurately reconstruct the extent and composition of the 1800’s Kankakee River watershed and Grand Kankakee Marsh to serve as a baseline for ecosystem valuation and identify suitable areas for wetland restoration.
- Build surface water and ground water models coupled to ecosystem services models for valuing waterfowl production, surface water storage, groundwater recharge, hunter and recreational user value and agricultural production. Assess peer-derived restoration scenarios.
- With the model, assess sensitivity of peer-derived scenarios of wetland restoration, at present and under projected effects of climate change and increasing urbanization.
