Hydrogeologic Analysis
Hydrogeologic Analysis of the Klein Fen
In Illinois, and across the United States, Fens are among the rarest of wetland
communities, thereby emphasizing the value of their potential restoration. Wetland
restoration, in general, is of particular importance in Illinois, where over 90% of our
original wetland acreage has already been lost. In northeastern Illinois alone urban
sprawl and development pressures of the Chicago metropolitan area are especially
great and open land is at a premium.
The water table aquifer that is supporting the Klein Fen is highly dependent upon the
groundwater flow from the 200 acre property immediately to the west. Any development
on this property would prevent valuable precipitation and surface water from infiltrating
the soils and percolating down to the water table aquifer that feeds the Fen. Few
quantitative studies have been done on the hydrology of fens. Consequently predicting
the cumulative impacts of disturbances on their hydrologic functions is extremely difficult.
However, recent studies suggest that very small changes in the amount of groundwater
discharge into a Fen are sufficient to drastically modify the Fen surface-water chemistry.
This consequently will also drastically modify the vegetation and the associated
surface-water hydrology.
It is difficult to evaluate the potential cumulative impacts on Fen hydrology because
geologic settings of Fens and the surrounding areas are often complex and the methods
used to evaluate them are inexact. This is a rare and valuable resource that must not be
damaged.
It is because of this valuable resource that The Friends of Klein Fen are asking The
DuPage County Forest Preserve District to purchase the adjacent land to ensure the
long-term viability of the Klein Fen. We also believe that the restored prairie could be
used as a resource for education, trails, hiking and other outdoor activities for the
community.
In Illinois, and across the United States, Fens are among the rarest of wetland
communities, thereby emphasizing the value of their potential restoration. Wetland
restoration, in general, is of particular importance in Illinois, where over 90% of our
original wetland acreage has already been lost. In northeastern Illinois alone urban
sprawl and development pressures of the Chicago metropolitan area are especially
great and open land is at a premium.
The water table aquifer that is supporting the Klein Fen is highly dependent upon the
groundwater flow from the 200 acre property immediately to the west. Any development
on this property would prevent valuable precipitation and surface water from infiltrating
the soils and percolating down to the water table aquifer that feeds the Fen. Few
quantitative studies have been done on the hydrology of fens. Consequently predicting
the cumulative impacts of disturbances on their hydrologic functions is extremely difficult.
However, recent studies suggest that very small changes in the amount of groundwater
discharge into a Fen are sufficient to drastically modify the Fen surface-water chemistry.
This consequently will also drastically modify the vegetation and the associated
surface-water hydrology.
It is difficult to evaluate the potential cumulative impacts on Fen hydrology because
geologic settings of Fens and the surrounding areas are often complex and the methods
used to evaluate them are inexact. This is a rare and valuable resource that must not be
damaged.
It is because of this valuable resource that The Friends of Klein Fen are asking The
DuPage County Forest Preserve District to purchase the adjacent land to ensure the
long-term viability of the Klein Fen. We also believe that the restored prairie could be
used as a resource for education, trails, hiking and other outdoor activities for the
community.
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