Hennepin Canal project in the works
The Friends of the Hennepin Canal, instrumental last fall in keeping the canal open despite state budget cuts, now wants to see the canal restored to its original working condition.
The nonprofit group is developing a “Renaissance Hennepin Canal” plan to reach its restoration goal.
President Gary Wagle and Director Cathy Foes presented their proposal during a meeting last month in Annawan.
Wagle showed slides on the Schropshire Canal near Birmingham, England, and talked about the popularity of canal cruising in Europe. The same opportunity could be available on the Hennepin, he said.
“We have a treasure in our own backyard, unique to the entire United States,” Wagle said. “We have a 100-mile, full-water canal flowing through picturesque central Illinois. If the locks were restored to working order, the tourism potential would be significant, and we would save our canal for future generations.”
About 40 people attended the presentation from surrounding communities, including Pam Erby, chairwoman of Rock Falls Tourism.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Erby said. “It’s a source that has been untapped ... It’s exciting to know there are so many people who do love the canal. It’s a resource that’s hidden.”
Phase 1 calls for transforming the canal into a navigable waterway, with working locks, from the Guard Lock at Rock Falls through Lock 24 at Geneseo. Locks 22, 23 and 24 would need to be restored. The culverts that have replaced bridges on this section of the canal are 12 feet in diameter, easily wide enough for leisure boats, Wagle said.
The next project meeting is July 15 at the Annawan Best Western, where the group will meet with a representative of the Resource Conservation and Development Agency to help with strategic planning.
The idea for the canal restoration came as a result of the strong community support shown for the canal during the past couple years, Foes said. At the 2007 anniversary celebration of the canal, the Friends were hoping for 350 people – 2,500 showed up.
Then last year, when the governor announced the closing of the canal, the Friends collected more than 5,000 signatures of people opposed to the decision.
The support of the local communities for the canal has been tremendous, she said.
With that enthusiasm and support spurring them on, the Friends have decided to press on with a restoration project. The ultimate goal is to have all 100 miles restored for recreational boats.
“The restoration would expand the recreational opportunities that have always existed along the Hennepin Canal,” Foes said. “This could open up not only domestic tourism but also international tourism. The restoration of the canal could be a very beneficial development for the rural communities all along the canal.”
To learn more
Meeting: The next Renaissance Hennepin Canal project meeting is 6 p.m. July 15 at the Best Western Annawan Inn, 315 N. Canal St., Annawan, where the group will meet with a representative of the Resource Conservation and Development Agency to help with strategic planning.
Online: Visit http://fhcanal.home.mchsi.com for more on Friends of the Canal.
