Claude (AI Assistant). “Technical Summary of Fox River Geographic Facts, Environmental Issues, and Economic Benefits.” Generated summary incorporating geographic data, water quality research, and recreational/economic impact studies for the Fox River watershed through Plano, Illinois. August 18, 2025.
The Fox River flows northeasterly through Plano, Illinois (Kendall County) as part of a 202-mile waterway that drains 2,570 square miles across northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin before joining the Illinois River system. Located approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago, the river maintains a gentle gradient through the glaciated prairie landscape with relatively shallow valley banks characteristic of Midwestern agricultural watersheds. While the river faces significant environmental challenges including water quality problems from mercury, PCBs, fecal bacteria, sediment, and pesticides that have led to Illinois EPA impairment designations, along with safety hazards and ecological fragmentation caused by aging dams, it also provides substantial economic and recreational benefits. The river generates millions in tourism revenue, supports the 158-mile Fabulous Fox Water Trail designated by the National Park Service, serves as a drinking water source for over 330,000 people in cities like Elgin and Aurora, and offers diverse recreational opportunities including paddling, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation that connect communities and support local economies throughout the watershed.