Salt Fork River Court Decision

Judge Holly Clemons denied a request by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District (USFDD) to permanently increase its annual tax levy from $1.15 to $5.00/acre.  Six landowners from rural St. Joseph had filed objections because the request called for building dozens of permanent structures in the channel without a plan showing where they would be built, or how many trees would be destroyed to gain access to the construction sites.  The decision upholds those parts of Illinois law that require consideration of environmentally friendly ways to maintain drainage, and requires court oversight to protect the broader public interest.

The court order allowed the District a one-year increase to pay for development of a long-term maintenance plan.  In the absence of a definitive plan, the Court would not grant such a large increase. A smaller increase in the maintenance levy, large enough to cover annual expenses, was approved.

In a statement released today, three area conservation groups expressed support for the judge’s decision to require prior court approval of specific construction plans before authorizing the USFDD to proceed.  The USFDD’s request for a massive, permanent tax increase was denied, but a temporary increase was allowed for preparing detailed plans to be evaluated in the future.   

JP Peters of Save Our Trees:
“We are pleased that the drainage commissioners are committed to considering alternatives to traditional dredging and clear-cutting practices.  We look forward to working with them to develop a reasonable plan.  The Salt Fork River belongs to all of us, not just to farmers.  It needs to be shared by wildlife, fish, residents, visitors and people who live alongside it.  It should be appreciated and respected for what it can do for everyone.” 

Clark Bullard, Prairie Rivers Network board member who also testified as expert witness:
“The existing channel, first dredged in 1930 is an unstable shape that requires continuous re-dredging, destroying fish and wildlife habitat in the process.  We support the drainage district’s goal of re-shaping the channel into a stable, more natural form that is self-maintaining.  New technologies are becoming available, enabling drainage engineers to work with natural forces instead of against them.”

Suzanne Smith, Salt Fork River Partners:
“Now the drainage district will be required to bring channel maintenance plans before the court for review, giving taxpayers an opportunity to express any concerns regarding work that could adversely affect their property.   We see this as a step forward in the continued dialogue regarding the many uses of this beautiful natural resource of Champaign and Vermilion County.”

Contact Info: 

JP Peters (SOT) 217/469-7179
Suzanne Smith (SFRP) 217/621-7528
Cecily Smith (Prairie Rivers) 217/344-2371