Stream Maintenance

Small stream maintenance

The MWRD’s Small Stream Maintenance Program (SSMP) removes obstructions and debris that could slow natural drainage in small streams and rivers throughout Cook County. Blockages in rivers and streams can cause standing or slow water upstream and contribute to flooding. The Small Stream Maintenance Program also removes invasive plants, downed trees, low hanging branches, dense weeds, and addresses eroding stream banks. We remove thousands of yards of debris from local streams each year.

A person wading in a river working to remove a large amount of dead tree branches — Before and After: SSMP work on the North Branch of the Chicago River in the Miami Woods are of the Cook County Forest Preserves in Morton Grove.

View of the same river after the dead tree branches had been removed — Before and After: SSMP work on the North Branch of the Chicago River in the Miami Woods are of the Cook County Forest Preserves in Morton Grove.

A large amount of trees and other debris accumulated at a bridge and blocking the flow of a large river — Before and After: SSMP work on the Des Plaines River at Dundee Rd in Wheeling.

The same bridge over a large river after the dead trees and other debris had been removed — Before and After: SSMP work on the Des Plaines River at Dundee Rd in Wheeling.

Debris Blockage Removal on the Des Plaines River at Dundee Rd: Before and After - Video

Skimmer boats and debris boat

Our two skimmer boats, Skim Pickens and Skimmy Dipper, patrol the Chicago River to remove trash and floating material. Our larger debris boat removes debris that could slow the flow of the river or cause a navigation hazard. Together, our skimmer boats and the debris boat remove thousands of cubic yards of trash and debris each year. These debris collection boats provide a vital community service by improving water quality and the recreational experience for thousands of people canoeing, kayaking, boating, and enjoying the waterways.

A small boat on the water with the Chicago skyline in the background

A large boat and barge using a crane to lift large dead tree branches out of the waterway to be disposed of

How you can help prevent waterway blockages

You can help prevent waterway blockages and debris in rivers and streams

Don’t leave yard waste near streams.
Don’t litter! Properly dispose of trash.
If you live on a stream, consider landscaping with native plants and removing invasive plants such as buckthorn. Many native plants have a strong root structure that resists erosion.
Report waterway blockages to the MWRD