2020 Goal: Aggressive management of invasive species

Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee

Asian carp are more than a nuisance: they could endanger native species.

Building off efforts begun in 2003 to combat invasive animals and plants on land and in the water, the City of Chicago and its partner agencies will take even more proactive measures to eradicate these threats to native animals, plants and their ecosystems.

Policy-driven efforts, such as landscaping ordinances, must be consistently enforced. Chemical, biological and behavioral solutions will be deployed as needed, in compliance with health and environmental standards. Signs posted along all three rivers—particularly at boat launches—should communicate the risks of invasive species and teach people how they can help reduce those risks.

Recognizing its critical role as the connector between two of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems—and how inhospitable it would be for hordes of Asian carp to jump around just feet from the Riverwalk and other iconic and neighborhood destinations—the City of Chicago, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources, Ill. Chamber of Commerce, Ill. River Carriers Association, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) and many others, will push to complete a feasible plan for preventing aquatic invasive species transfer between the greater Mississippi River and Great Lakes ecosystems. By 2020, we will enact this plan. What’s more, the City and its partners should advocate for federal, state and local resources to support long-term infrastructure and other solutions to halt the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Making it happen

Complete a detailed, feasible and actionable plan for long-term solutions to halt the movement of aquatic invasive species through Chicago’s rivers.
Identify a mix of funding sources to support near-term and long-term solutions to aquatic invasive species transfer.
Develop and deploy educational signage, hotline numbers and other means of empowering river and riverfront users to be part of monitoring.
Explore the feasibility of an incentive program or contest for removal or capture of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.

Key players

City of Chicago, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources, Ill. Chamber of Commerce, Ill. River Carriers Association, MWRD, members of the Asian Carp Coordinating Committee and the ongoing Chicago Area Waterway System advisory group convened by the Great Lakes Commission, and Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

Our rivers, our role

Learn to recognize—and combat—invasive plants and other species on your own property and in protected open space in your community.
If you’re a boater or fisher, report sightings of aquatic invasive species to the Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources.
Let your elected representatives at all levels of government know you support efforts to combat invasive species.

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