The Illinois Department of National Resources (IDNR) has closed the Middle Fork River according to their website:
The IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals has identified a significant seepage of water from neighboring lake embankments within Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Out of an abundance of caution, the river has been closed to public access until IDNR can fully assess the stability of the riverbank. IDNR will follow up with more information as it becomes available.
TO: Director Jim Montgomery
FROM: Capt. Matthew Viverito #486
SUBJECT: Conditions on the Middle Fork Vermilion River and Vermilion River
Central Zone – Captain Viverito #486 advises that in consultation with the Office of
Mines and Minerals a hazard to public safety exists on the Middle Fork River and
Vermillion River. The hazard mentioned above has occurred due to significant
seepage from a neighboring lake embankment. This seepage increases the instability
of the riverbank, making navigation of the river significantly more dangerous to the
public should the riverbank fail. These conditions affect Middle Fork/Vermilion River
from the town of Potomac to the confluence of the Vermilion River proper at
Vermilion County Road 1580 North. These conditions also exist on the Vermilion
River from the confluence to the Illinois/Indiana state line.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has the authorization to designate
Restricted Boating Areas when navigation is significantly dangerous.
Section 2030.80 Hazardous Navigation Conditions –Designated Restricted
Boating Areas In the event that the Department of Natural Resources determines the
presence of conditions that make navigation of a body of water significantly
dangerous to the public, the Director of the Department of Natural Resources may, in
coordination with the federal government, designate Restricted Boating
Areas on any affected body of water within the jurisdiction of the State of Illinois. This
designation shall be made by public announcement in local media and by posting at
local public boat launches and marinas, and the restricted area shall be physically
marked by buoys, signs, manned watercraft, or yellow police tape. This designation
will remain in effect until the Director of the Department of
Natural Resources determines that navigation is no longer significantly dangerous to
the public, but in no case shall the designation remain in effect longer than 90 days.
Rescission of the Restricted Boating Area designation shall be publicly announced in
local media and posted at local public boat launches and marinas, and any markings
shall be removed.
I recommend immediately implementing a Restricted Access Area on the Middle Fork Vermilion River and the Vermilion River from the town of Potomac to the
Illinois/Indiana state line.