The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail
It's official -- The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail - is now a National Park Service Water Trail
After several years of dedication by the Core Development Team to make this possible, the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail has been designated a new recreational water trail by the National Park Service's National Trail System.
June 2, 2023
After several years of dedication by the Core Development Team to make this possible, the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail has been designated a new recreational water trail by the National Park Service's National Trail System.
June 2, 2023
Fabulous Fox! Water Trail Website
On the website you'll find access sites, online and printable maps, itineraries and information on safety.
We are constantly adding and updating information.
CLICK TO VISIT THE WEBSITE
We are constantly adding and updating information.
CLICK TO VISIT THE WEBSITE
FREP joined with the Southeast Wisconsin Fox River Partnership and the Village of Waterford, Wisconsin, to pursue the designation of all or portions of the Fox River in Wisconsin and Illinois as a National Water Trail through the National Park Services' National Water Trail System. Technical assistance from the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program has been awarded and planning is now proceeding.
Core Development Team Co-Chairs: Karen Miller, FREP and Kane County Development Department, for Illinois; Tom Slawski, Southeast Wisconsin Fox River Partnership, for Wisconsin; Brian Daly, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP); Tom Slawski, Southeast Wisconsin Fox River Partnership; Rick Kania, Southeast Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC); Jaki Berggren, Visit McHenry Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dave Blank, Real Racine Convention & Visitors Bureau. Sigrid Pilgrim, Illinois Paddling Council; Art Malm, Friends of the Fox River and Fox River Study Group.
Core Development Team Co-Chairs: Karen Miller, FREP and Kane County Development Department, for Illinois; Tom Slawski, Southeast Wisconsin Fox River Partnership, for Wisconsin; Brian Daly, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP); Tom Slawski, Southeast Wisconsin Fox River Partnership; Rick Kania, Southeast Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC); Jaki Berggren, Visit McHenry Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dave Blank, Real Racine Convention & Visitors Bureau. Sigrid Pilgrim, Illinois Paddling Council; Art Malm, Friends of the Fox River and Fox River Study Group.
Contact: If you are interested in joining the committee to pursue the Fabulous Fox! River Water Trail designation,
please contact Karen Ann Miller at millerkaren@co.kane.il.us
please contact Karen Ann Miller at millerkaren@co.kane.il.us
Water Trail Update March 2024
The designation of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail was celebrated at the annual Fox River Summit on March 14th. Karen Miller and Kane County staff are working with marketing consultant, Kim Gilmore, to implement a marketing plan for the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail. A branding and style guide will be available soon to those who would like to promote their projects, events or access as part of the FF!WT. Anyone who would like the guide and/or brochures, please contact Karen Miller.
Hey & Associates has been interviewing landowners along the Fox River in Kane County who are interested in making improvements to or adding non-motorized access sites. This information will be used to prioritize projects that may be funded through Kane County’s American Rescue Plan funding.
Hey & Associates has been interviewing landowners along the Fox River in Kane County who are interested in making improvements to or adding non-motorized access sites. This information will be used to prioritize projects that may be funded through Kane County’s American Rescue Plan funding.
Water Trail Update February 2024
The Kane County Development Department hosted a kickoff luncheon for public landowners along the Fox River in Kane County on Jan. 31st. The purpose of the luncheon was to introduce the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail Kane County Access Infrastructure Program with the goal to improve the access site infrastructure along the Fox River in Kane County. The project’s consultant, Hey & Associates, talked about how they plan to approach gathering data, interview public landowners and determine opportunities to improve and add to existing access sites.
Water Trail Update January 2024
As we approach the New Year, still on a high from the designation on June 3rd, Kane County is excited to announce contracting with Hey & Associates to assist with the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail Access Infrastructure Project. Work with Hey & Associates will include outreach, data gathering, feasibility and prioritization of potential access site improvements along the Fox River in Kane County utilizing “Universal Design Guidelines.” Suitability factors to be used for site identification and prioritization will include:
· Public owner interest and involvement · Functionality of current access facilities including accessibility constraints
· Permitting complexities
· Proximity to important supportive services for visitors · Proximity/connectivity with other historical/ecological/cultural and/or recreational features · Estimated construction cost
· Long-term costs of maintaining the proposed site access infrastructure
Funding for the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail Access Infrastructure Project is provided by the Kane County American Rescue Plan Fund and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Engineering Design, Permitting, Bidding and Construction of the potential access site improvements will be determined once the first phases of the Project are complete.
· Public owner interest and involvement · Functionality of current access facilities including accessibility constraints
· Permitting complexities
· Proximity to important supportive services for visitors · Proximity/connectivity with other historical/ecological/cultural and/or recreational features · Estimated construction cost
· Long-term costs of maintaining the proposed site access infrastructure
Funding for the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail Access Infrastructure Project is provided by the Kane County American Rescue Plan Fund and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Engineering Design, Permitting, Bidding and Construction of the potential access site improvements will be determined once the first phases of the Project are complete.
Waukesha County, Wisconsin is looking forward to constructing accessible improvements and a fishing pier at Fox River Park.
The FF!WT Core Development Team continues to meet monthly. Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 4th at 1:00 PM via Microsoft Teams. All are welcome. Please reach out to Tom Slawski for an invite.
Water Trail Update April 2023
As the Core Development Team anxiously awaits Secretary of the Interior Debra Haaland’s decision about designation of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail (FF!WT) into the National Park Service’s National Water Trails System, we were excited to learn on April 7th that Kane County has been awarded a $270,000 grant from the Tourism, Attractions & Festivals program from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to be used to improve infrastructure along the Fox River and market the FF!WT. On April 27th, DCEO awarded Kane County $100,000 through their Route 66 and Local Tourism Program which will be used for marketing the FF!WT.
Please contact Karen Ann Miller for additional information, brochures and stickers.
Water Trail Update March 2023
The
Core Development Team for the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail (FF!WT) was
excited to learn from National Park Service (NPS) staff that our
application for designation into the National Water Trails System has
been forwarded as a nomination to the Secretary of the Interior, Debra
Haaland, after passing staff’s cursory and in-depth reviews.
At this time, LaSalle County, Illinois does not meet the criteria of the NPS because of lack of public access, so the potentially designated portion of the FF!WT includes from the headwaters in Waukesha County, Wisconsin to the southern border of Kendall County, Illinois. The Team anticipates a decision by Secretary Haaland regarding designation on or before June 3rd.
A requirement by NPS staff, is that all access site signage be installed by May 1st. The Team has been working with landowners to produce and install the signage designed by the Team and approved by the NPS.The Kane County Development Department graciously offered to contract with the Kane Division of Transportation to produce the signs for the 27 access sites in Kane County. Karen Miller, Illinois Co-Chair of the FF!WT and Executive Planner for the Kane County Development Department, is currently delivering those signs to the landowners for installation. In the coming weeks look for signage at each of the over 70 access sites along the Fox River and plan a paddling trip using the information included on the FF!WT website! Also, brochures and stickers are available! Contact Karen Miller to request those.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
At this time, LaSalle County, Illinois does not meet the criteria of the NPS because of lack of public access, so the potentially designated portion of the FF!WT includes from the headwaters in Waukesha County, Wisconsin to the southern border of Kendall County, Illinois. The Team anticipates a decision by Secretary Haaland regarding designation on or before June 3rd.
A requirement by NPS staff, is that all access site signage be installed by May 1st. The Team has been working with landowners to produce and install the signage designed by the Team and approved by the NPS.The Kane County Development Department graciously offered to contract with the Kane Division of Transportation to produce the signs for the 27 access sites in Kane County. Karen Miller, Illinois Co-Chair of the FF!WT and Executive Planner for the Kane County Development Department, is currently delivering those signs to the landowners for installation. In the coming weeks look for signage at each of the over 70 access sites along the Fox River and plan a paddling trip using the information included on the FF!WT website! Also, brochures and stickers are available! Contact Karen Miller to request those.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Water Trail Update October 2022
The
Team developing the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail is working hard to
complete our application for designation into the National Park
Service’s National Water Trail System by November 1st. We have been
obtaining letters/resolutions of permission by landowners of access
sites and letters of support from stakeholders. Anyone interested in
providing a letter of support please contact Karen Ann Miller.
Earlier this month the Kane County Board approved $1.2 million in federal recovery funds to be used for planning, marketing, infrastructure for new and improved access and signage for the section of the Fox River in Kane County. The approval of this funding will allow the County to apply for additional state matching grants through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grant Program.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Earlier this month the Kane County Board approved $1.2 million in federal recovery funds to be used for planning, marketing, infrastructure for new and improved access and signage for the section of the Fox River in Kane County. The approval of this funding will allow the County to apply for additional state matching grants through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grant Program.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Water Trail Update August 2022
On August 2nd
the Core Development Team met to continue discussion about the
application for designation into the National Park Service’s National
Water Trail System. The Team has approved access site signage.
Tom Slawski and Karen Miller have been working on obtaining permission from each of the landowners of access sites and letters of support from others. Other Team members and Kane County Development Dept. staff are working on different sections of the Management Plan.
Tom and Karen met with three members of the National Park Service committee that reviews the applications on August 24th and received compliments on our website and maps. Gilmore Marketing Concepts, Inc. continues to work on a marketing plan for the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail in Kane County. Kim Gilmore sent out surveys to a large number of our partners; interviewed a smaller number of partners and hosted a Summit with a couple of dozen partners on August 30th.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Tom Slawski and Karen Miller have been working on obtaining permission from each of the landowners of access sites and letters of support from others. Other Team members and Kane County Development Dept. staff are working on different sections of the Management Plan.
Tom and Karen met with three members of the National Park Service committee that reviews the applications on August 24th and received compliments on our website and maps. Gilmore Marketing Concepts, Inc. continues to work on a marketing plan for the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail in Kane County. Kim Gilmore sent out surveys to a large number of our partners; interviewed a smaller number of partners and hosted a Summit with a couple of dozen partners on August 30th.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Water Trail Update July 2022
A lot going on with the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail (FF!WT) as we approach the November 1st
deadline to submit our application to the National Park Service (NPS)
for designation into their National Water Trail System! Thanks to the
Kane County Development Department 10,000 updated FF!WT brochures were
printed and are being distributed.
Anyone or an organization interested in brochures please contact Karen Miller. Kane County has hired Gilmore Marketing Concepts, Inc. (GMCI) to develop a marketing plan for the FF!WT in Kane County. Hopefully this plan can be a model for the other counties along the Fox River. Within the past couple of weeks GMCI has sent out surveys to a small sample of those who interact with the Fox River. If you received the survey we would greatly appreciate it if you would complete it.
Signage for the access sites has been completed! Our graphic artist, Matt Kania from Map Hero, designed two signs for each access site that complies with NPS criteria. One sign includes a map of the area, safety tips and the link to the FF!WT website and will be installed facing the land side. A second sign includes the name of the access site and the river mile. Two copies will be installed, one facing the land side and another facing the river side of the access site. Each landowner is being asked to produce and install the signs at each of their access sites.
If you have contacts with any of the landowners please encourage them to respond to our request to produce and install the signs at each of their access sites. We are also looking for individuals, organizations and businesses willing to help pay for the production and installation of signs. Our Team has also sent letters to all landowners of the 80 sites along the Fox River asking for their consent to be included in the FF!WT. This is a new requirement of designation. Please encourage any landowners you know to do so by Sept. 1st.
We will also be sending additional requests for letters of support to stakeholders and officeholders along the River. Over the years we have received over two dozen but are looking for more to bolster our application. Our latest letter of support was from Fox Metro. Thank you! If you are interested in providing a letter of support please contact Karen.
Our next virtual Core Development Team meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, August 2nd at 1:00. If you are interested in participating please contact Karen for the link. If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Anyone or an organization interested in brochures please contact Karen Miller. Kane County has hired Gilmore Marketing Concepts, Inc. (GMCI) to develop a marketing plan for the FF!WT in Kane County. Hopefully this plan can be a model for the other counties along the Fox River. Within the past couple of weeks GMCI has sent out surveys to a small sample of those who interact with the Fox River. If you received the survey we would greatly appreciate it if you would complete it.
Signage for the access sites has been completed! Our graphic artist, Matt Kania from Map Hero, designed two signs for each access site that complies with NPS criteria. One sign includes a map of the area, safety tips and the link to the FF!WT website and will be installed facing the land side. A second sign includes the name of the access site and the river mile. Two copies will be installed, one facing the land side and another facing the river side of the access site. Each landowner is being asked to produce and install the signs at each of their access sites.
If you have contacts with any of the landowners please encourage them to respond to our request to produce and install the signs at each of their access sites. We are also looking for individuals, organizations and businesses willing to help pay for the production and installation of signs. Our Team has also sent letters to all landowners of the 80 sites along the Fox River asking for their consent to be included in the FF!WT. This is a new requirement of designation. Please encourage any landowners you know to do so by Sept. 1st.
We will also be sending additional requests for letters of support to stakeholders and officeholders along the River. Over the years we have received over two dozen but are looking for more to bolster our application. Our latest letter of support was from Fox Metro. Thank you! If you are interested in providing a letter of support please contact Karen.
Our next virtual Core Development Team meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, August 2nd at 1:00. If you are interested in participating please contact Karen for the link. If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Water Trail Update April 2022
The Core Development Team (CDT) met virtually on Tues. April 12th. Thanks to a donation from one of our members, Sigrid Pilgrim, the CDT decided to join the
River Management Society.
The Team is looking for funding to complete our application to the
National Park Service National Water Trails System. Funders will help
pay for access site signage. Speaking of signage.
The CDT is on its way to finalizing signage for the access sites,
designed by Matt Kania of Map Hero. Mark VanKerkhoff, Director of the
Kane County Development and Community Services Dept. has offered to pay
for printing of brochures for the 2022 paddling
season. Any local governments or organizations that would like
brochures for distribution please contact Illinois Co-Chair,
Karen Ann Miller.
Kane County is in the process of interviewing consultants to develop a marketing plan for the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail in Kane County. Earlier this month Karen Miller attended an Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, North Carolina where she learned helpful information regarding how outdoor recreation benefits the economic development of an area. She also represented the FF!WT at the McHenry County Conservation Congress.
Karen also learned about the U. S. Coast Guard’s “If Found Contact” program which provides stickers to place on your canoe or kayak. This sticker can save the Coast Guard up to $40,000 in search fees if they can determine no occupants were on the boat at the time it wandered from shore. Anyone owning a canoe or kayak who would like a sticker please contact Karen Ann Miller.
The next CDT meeting is scheduled for Tues. may 10th at 1:00 PM. Please contact Karen for more information.
Kane County is in the process of interviewing consultants to develop a marketing plan for the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail in Kane County. Earlier this month Karen Miller attended an Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, North Carolina where she learned helpful information regarding how outdoor recreation benefits the economic development of an area. She also represented the FF!WT at the McHenry County Conservation Congress.
Karen also learned about the U. S. Coast Guard’s “If Found Contact” program which provides stickers to place on your canoe or kayak. This sticker can save the Coast Guard up to $40,000 in search fees if they can determine no occupants were on the boat at the time it wandered from shore. Anyone owning a canoe or kayak who would like a sticker please contact Karen Ann Miller.
The next CDT meeting is scheduled for Tues. may 10th at 1:00 PM. Please contact Karen for more information.
Water Trail Update March 2022
It was good to be back in person at the 10th
Fox River Summit where Karen Miller presented an update on the Fabulous
Fox! Water Trail and shared a table with FREP. The Core Development
Team (CDT) of the FF!WT is looking for individuals with knowledge about
the flora and fauna of the Fox River in Illinois to write a small
section for the Management Plan. Please contact Karen Miller to assist.
The Team has also been spreading the word at The Conservation Foundation’s A River Flows Through It series and the Friends of the Fox event at the Carpentersville Dam. The CDT is seeking funding to print brochures for the upcoming paddling season. We are also working with our consultant, Map Hero, to develop signage for the 80 access sites along the Fox River.
Consider attending our next monthly virtual meeting on Tues. April 12th at 1:00 PM. Contact Karen for more information.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Consider attending our next monthly virtual meeting on Tues. April 12th at 1:00 PM. Contact Karen for more information.
If you would like more information or learn how to get involved, please contact Karen Ann Miller at: millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Water Trail Update February 2022
The Core
Development Team is working with the Convention & Visitors Bureaus,
Economic Development Corporations and Chambers of Commerce to obtain
funding for printing and distribution of brochures for the 2022 paddling
season. The Team is also working to design access site signage to meet
the criteria of the National Park Service and continues to work on other
requirements of the application for designation. The Team looks forward
to providing an update on the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail at the Fox
River Summit in March!
The Core Development Team is
scheduled to meet virtually on Tues. Nov. 2nd at 1:00 PM. Please contact
Karen Ann Miller for more information about anything FF!WT.
Water Trail Update January 2022
At the request of Congressman Bill Foster,
Madam Chairman Corinne Pierog and the Kane County Development Department
hosted a paddle on the Fox River between North Aurora Island Park and
Veterans Memorial Island
Park in Aurora on Sun. Sept. 12th for about a dozen local
elected officials and organizations. Howling Wolfe Canoe and Kayak in
North Aurora provided the gear and instructions. A few months ago,
Congressman Foster, a kayaker, expressed interest
in the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail (FF!WT). See photos below.
The Core Development Team is
scheduled to meet virtually on Tues. Nov. 2nd at 1:00 PM. Please contact
Karen Ann Miller for more information about anything FF!WT.
Water Trail Update October 2021
At the request of Congressman Bill Foster,
Madam Chairman Corinne Pierog and the Kane County Development Department
hosted a paddle on the Fox River between North Aurora Island Park and
Veterans Memorial Island
Park in Aurora on Sun. Sept. 12th for about a dozen local
elected officials and organizations. Howling Wolfe Canoe and Kayak in
North Aurora provided the gear and instructions. A few months ago,
Congressman Foster, a kayaker, expressed interest
in the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail (FF!WT). See photos below.
The Core Development Team is
scheduled to meet virtually on Tues. Nov. 2nd at 1:00 PM. Please contact
Karen Ann Miller for more information about anything FF!WT.
Presentations
Fox River Summit Presentations
Core Development Team Meeting Notes
July 2021
The Team
developing the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail recently added itineraries and
updated maps and information to fabulousfoxwatertrail.org!
Over 50 examples of planned routes are available along the Fox River in Wisconsin and Illinois. The itineraries and downloadable maps organize all the information you may need for a fun trip on the Fox and the surrounding area.
Information included in the itineraries are the locations of and distances between starting and ending access sites, portages around dams, fees and/or permits that may be required, and a description of each trip. Along the way exist many opportunities to visit historic and cultural sites as well as businesses that rent canoes or kayaks and restaurants and ice cream shops. Links to websites that provide updated information about these opportunities are in each itinerary. To complete your trip download the appropriate map(s) to your phone or print them for your convenience.
October 2020
Enjoying the natural resources in the Fox River Watershed has proven to be a popular activity during COVID-19. As studies have shown, being outside can improve self-esteem and concentration; encourage more physical and recreational activities; create opportunities for safe socialization in public spaces and improve relaxation and mood. The Core Development Team continues to educate about the opportunities the FF!WT offers. In addition, Karen Miller taught a Learn from the Experts class for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County on the FF!WT. This summer Tom Slawski and Karen Miller contributed data and input to the development of a Fox River Corridor Plan for the area between Burtons Bridge & North Chapel Hill Bridge led by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Lastly, itineraries for the Illinois side of the Fox River is anticipated to be added to fabulousfoxwatertrail.org soon, thanks to work done by Karen Miller, Sigrid Pilgrim and Art Malm.
July 2020
The Core Development Team (CDT) of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail has not met recently, but work continues! Karen Miller, Illinois co-chair, has been working with Kane County staff from the Development Department, Department of Transportation and the Forest Preserve District on a series of five articles in Kane County Connects to encourage recreation on the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail and the land- based trails as well as patronizing local businesses. Portions of these articles were also published in the Illinois Paddling Council newsletter.
You can find the articles by following these links:
Explore Kane! From Gray's Mill to RiverEdge Park, All Kinds of Attractions in Southern Kane County
How to Explore Kane County and Support Local Businesses During Restore Illinois
Kane County Trails Offer Perfect Escape During Phase 3
Northern Kane is Perfect for Paddling, Biking and Hiking
Recreation Opportunities in Central Kane County
Karen is also developing a series of itineraries for the Illinois portion of the Fox River. Itineraries for Wisconsin can be found at: Itineraries Sigrid Pilgrim is updating the list of entities that rent canoes and/or kayaks. The Coronavirus pandemic has eliminated, hopefully temporarily, tourism funding to pay for the printing and distribution of FF!WT brochures this paddling season. Karen does have some brochures. If you would like brochures please contact her.
January 2020
The Core Development Team of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail met at the Village of Waterford, Wisconsin on Tuesday January 21st. The Team discussed the completion of the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources Stream Protection Grant which provided resources to develop the FF!WT logo, mapping, brochure, online portal and powerpoint template from Map Hero, a graphic artist. In 2019, over 40,000 brochures were printed and distributed through funding from the National Park Service, Kane County, the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and the Convention & Visitors Bureaus along the Fox River. The Team began discussions on repeating that process for 2020. David Spiegelberg from Travel Wisconsin educated the Team about their Destination Marketing Grant and how we might apply. Recent past and future outreach efforts were reviewed. The next Team meeting is scheduled for Tues. Feb. 25th from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park in Ringwood, Illinois. Anyone wanting brochures, please contact Karen Ann Miller at millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Sept. 2019
On September 23rd the Core Development Team (CDT) bid a grateful and fond farewell to Angie Tornes from the National Park Service (NPS) who has been guiding us through the process to create the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail. Amidst the expressions of appreciation, Angie presented Illinois co-chair Karen Miller and Kane County with a Partner Excellence Award on behalf of the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. Angie’s departure doesn’t mean the Team has completed the tasks needed to submit an application to the NPS for consideration as part of the National Water Trail System. Angie has laid the groundwork for the CDT to move forward with developing a Management Plan, continue to request letters of support and resolutions and other tasks. So, if you have not submitted a letter of support or passed a resolution on behalf of your local government or organization in support of the Fabulous Fox! please contact Karen Miller who can send you templates. In the meantime, the CDT continues to process all the comments provided during the five open houses held in June. Appropriate suggestions will be added to the next version of the maps which can be found at fabulousfoxwatertrail.org.
Past Reports
2015-17
2018-19
Enjoying the natural resources in the Fox River Watershed has proven to be a popular activity during COVID-19. As studies have shown, being outside can improve self-esteem and concentration; encourage more physical and recreational activities; create opportunities for safe socialization in public spaces and improve relaxation and mood. The Core Development Team continues to educate about the opportunities the FF!WT offers. In addition, Karen Miller taught a Learn from the Experts class for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County on the FF!WT. This summer Tom Slawski and Karen Miller contributed data and input to the development of a Fox River Corridor Plan for the area between Burtons Bridge & North Chapel Hill Bridge led by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Lastly, itineraries for the Illinois side of the Fox River is anticipated to be added to fabulousfoxwatertrail.org soon, thanks to work done by Karen Miller, Sigrid Pilgrim and Art Malm.
July 2020
The Core Development Team (CDT) of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail has not met recently, but work continues! Karen Miller, Illinois co-chair, has been working with Kane County staff from the Development Department, Department of Transportation and the Forest Preserve District on a series of five articles in Kane County Connects to encourage recreation on the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail and the land- based trails as well as patronizing local businesses. Portions of these articles were also published in the Illinois Paddling Council newsletter.
You can find the articles by following these links:
Explore Kane! From Gray's Mill to RiverEdge Park, All Kinds of Attractions in Southern Kane County
How to Explore Kane County and Support Local Businesses During Restore Illinois
Kane County Trails Offer Perfect Escape During Phase 3
Northern Kane is Perfect for Paddling, Biking and Hiking
Recreation Opportunities in Central Kane County
Karen is also developing a series of itineraries for the Illinois portion of the Fox River. Itineraries for Wisconsin can be found at: Itineraries Sigrid Pilgrim is updating the list of entities that rent canoes and/or kayaks. The Coronavirus pandemic has eliminated, hopefully temporarily, tourism funding to pay for the printing and distribution of FF!WT brochures this paddling season. Karen does have some brochures. If you would like brochures please contact her.
January 2020
The Core Development Team of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail met at the Village of Waterford, Wisconsin on Tuesday January 21st. The Team discussed the completion of the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources Stream Protection Grant which provided resources to develop the FF!WT logo, mapping, brochure, online portal and powerpoint template from Map Hero, a graphic artist. In 2019, over 40,000 brochures were printed and distributed through funding from the National Park Service, Kane County, the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and the Convention & Visitors Bureaus along the Fox River. The Team began discussions on repeating that process for 2020. David Spiegelberg from Travel Wisconsin educated the Team about their Destination Marketing Grant and how we might apply. Recent past and future outreach efforts were reviewed. The next Team meeting is scheduled for Tues. Feb. 25th from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park in Ringwood, Illinois. Anyone wanting brochures, please contact Karen Ann Miller at millerkaren@co.kane.il.us.
Sept. 2019
On September 23rd the Core Development Team (CDT) bid a grateful and fond farewell to Angie Tornes from the National Park Service (NPS) who has been guiding us through the process to create the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail. Amidst the expressions of appreciation, Angie presented Illinois co-chair Karen Miller and Kane County with a Partner Excellence Award on behalf of the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. Angie’s departure doesn’t mean the Team has completed the tasks needed to submit an application to the NPS for consideration as part of the National Water Trail System. Angie has laid the groundwork for the CDT to move forward with developing a Management Plan, continue to request letters of support and resolutions and other tasks. So, if you have not submitted a letter of support or passed a resolution on behalf of your local government or organization in support of the Fabulous Fox! please contact Karen Miller who can send you templates. In the meantime, the CDT continues to process all the comments provided during the five open houses held in June. Appropriate suggestions will be added to the next version of the maps which can be found at fabulousfoxwatertrail.org.
Past Reports
2015-17
2018-19
The National Water Trails System, established by the National Park Service (NPS), is a network of water trails the public can explore and enjoy. The network is overseen by a community of water resource managers who benefit from ongoing information sharing and collaboration. The System serves to bring existing and newly identified water trails together into one cohesive national network.
The NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program offers technical assistance for water trail development and can culminate in designation as part of the National Water Trails System.
The Fox Water Trail Initiative received initial funding to develop plans for a National Water Trail for the Fox. They are currently awaiting the NPS to return to reviewing proposals and granting trail status, before a final application is submitted for the Fox River.
The NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program offers technical assistance for water trail development and can culminate in designation as part of the National Water Trails System.
The Fox Water Trail Initiative received initial funding to develop plans for a National Water Trail for the Fox. They are currently awaiting the NPS to return to reviewing proposals and granting trail status, before a final application is submitted for the Fox River.