The Upper Illinois River Conservation Based Recreation Master Plan evaluates both conservation and recreation opportunities along this vital waterway. The plan synthesizes the needs and perspectives of more than two dozen partner organizations across multiple jurisdictions to prioritize management and development recommendations. The project will enhance visitor experiences in response to growing recreational pressure while protecting and conserving natural resources, ensuring ecological health, promoting land stewardship, and fostering strong partnerships with local organizations and landowners. This vision for the future safeguards the river and its tributaries so future generations may continue floating, kayaking, and fishing along this treasured community asset.

Prism Design Studio served as the lead consultant during the project and as the primary planner and landscape architect for the masterplan. Other consultants included a river, trails, and conservation planner; a water resources specialist; a biologist; a GIS analyst and environmental scientist; and a recreation and ecology management specialist.