🐟 Mainstream - March 2025

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 03/04/2025 11:55 AM CST

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Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Newsletter

March 2025

Comp Plan Banner

Attend a Lake County Comprehensive
Stormwater Management Plan Meeting

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is hosting two public meetings across Lake County in April to receive feedback from residents in updating the 2025 Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. Attend either one of these open house meetings to learn more with exhibits and a presentation. SMC staff will also be available to discuss your stormwater and drainage concerns.

  1. Wednesday, April 9 from 5 – 7 p.m.
    Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd, Highland Park
  2. Thursday, April 17 from 5 – 7 p.m.
    Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake

Unable to attend the meetings? Take the Stormwater Management Survey to provide your feedback on stormwater issues that impact you. The survey deadline is April 30.

View the 2002 Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan being updated.

Learn more about updating the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan

Comp Collage

Top: SMC's first Open House Public Meeting at the Zion-Benton Public Library on February 20.

Bottom: SMC's second Open House Public Meeting at Lakefront Park Building in Fox Lake on February 25.

Register Now for the DECI Make-Up Workshop

Registration is now open for the Designated Erosion Control Inspector (DECI) Make-Up Webinar hosted by the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC). Register here to participate on Tuesday, March 18 at 8 a.m. via Zoom.

Make-Up Day: Tuesday, March 18
Time: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual on Zoom

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You will receive 4.5 professional development hours for attending. Registration is required.

If you have questions regarding the webinar, please contact Mea Blauer at iblauer2@lakecountyil.gov or at 847-377-7701.

SMC and IECA BMP Field Day is Coming

Interested in learning more about erosion and sediment best management practices? SMC and the Great Lakes Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) are hosting the second SMC and IECA Best Management Practices Field Day on Wednesday, April 23 from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.

Erosion, sediment and stormwater subject matter experts will review proper installation and common issues along with best management practices in live demonstrations. Please see the agenda on the registration page. Participants will receive five professional development hours from this program.

Register now for this event. If you have any questions, please contact Mea Blauer at 847-377-7701 or at iblauer2@lakecountyil.gov.

SMC Field Day

Through Wind, Rain or Heat

Something you may not know about our Wetland Specialists is that they work outside throughout the year in all seasons to perform their duties. SMC Wetland Specialists Juli Crane, Bill Santelik and Glenn Westman visit all areas of the county while enduring the summer heat, the winter freeze, and the wet or muddy in-betweens. Recently, the team visited Illinois Beach State Park with representatives from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and a wetland consulting firm. They discussed potential wetland restoration opportunities while a biting cold and sharp wind off Lake Michigan had everyone shivering even though they were bundled up.

Juli shared she would rather “the wind had gone around us rather than be lazy enough to go right through us,” but our Wetland Specialist team does what needs to be done to ensure the health of our wetlands!

cws winter

Meet SMC's Newest Staff Member, Christine Sher

Christine Sher joined the SMC team as an Executive Assistant in February to assist the Executive Director and support the team.  After finishing 20 years with the U.S. Navy at Great Lakes Naval Station, she transitioned out of the military with the help of the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program through Lake County Workforce Development. She was placed in a training program in the County’s Finance department before coming to SMC.

In her free time, Christine loves biking on the many trails and bike paths that Lake County has to offer.

SMC Christine