Dear Local Stakeholder:

A watershed is all the land that drains into and surrounds a water-body.  The newly formed Spring Creek Watershed has been organized to create a watershed plan for the region.  Our partnership is made up of local conservation organizations, municipalities, forest preserve districts, technical consultants and private landowners (please see our complete list of partners on the following page).  We have received a $91,000 grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to create a plan for the watershed.   We are appealing to you, as a local stakeholder, for support.  While most of our matching funds will come from time donated by our volunteers and committed partners, we need to raise an additional $24,000 in cash in order to complete our task. Citizens for Conservation,an Illinois 501(c)(3) corporation has agreed to act as our fiscal agent for this process and donations are tax deductible.

The process for creating a watershed plan will take approximately 18 months and be guided by our technical committee.  During the 18 months we will meet with local public and private stakeholders to study the watershed’s current conditions, assess problems, determine appropriate solutions, and create a plan that will serve as a guidance document for future planners.  This process is funded by IEPA so that local decision-makers have input into planning, as opposed to outsiders.  A watershed plan is also the best way to bring needed funds to the region for future projects for those same stakeholders. 

I am serving as the coordinator of this project. My background is with 20 years of work as an environmental  consultant, volunteer, and grant writer. In my current work I also serve as coordinator of the Upper Des Plaines River Ecosystem Partnership, Bull Creek  Watershed, and I manage a Flint Creek project in North Barrington. We truly appreciate any donation you might consider for this project.  I have listed several good reasons you might consider supporting this project below. Spring Creek Watershed is excited to share this endeavor with local landowners and businesses and hope you will support our efforts in any way you can. Our current donations have ranged from $250 to $1500.

Advantages to Homeowners for supporting the Spring Creek Watershed:

• Grants to improve and protect the watershed can be applied for on private and public land
• A Local plan allows for local input and control over information
• The process allows local stakeholders access to professional technical support at no charge
• The process allows for a dialogue with other planners on local stakeholder goals and plans

Advantages for businesses to support the creation of the Spring Creek Watershed plan:

• Your name and logo will be on the Spring Creek plan indefinitely and the Spring Creek website www.springcreekwatershed.info
• You will make a small investment to create a big return for local stakeholders
• You will make a great contribution to the larger community

Please make check Payable to Citizens for Conservation

Care of Nancy Schumm

220A Thornhill Court

Lake Barrington, IL 60010

847-975-8391