Yellow River Bank Restoration Project proposed for River Park Square in Plymouth

The Kankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin Development Commission has submitted an application and conceptual plans for a Yellow River restoration project at River Park Square in Plymouth.

Executive Director Scott Pelath submitted the application on behalf of the commission. The project aims to improve bank stability, enhance fish habitat, and restore floodplain connectivity along a stretch of the Yellow River running through the downtown park.

The restoration area begins approximately 480 linear feet upstream of the South Michigan Street Bridge and extends approximately 115 linear feet upstream of the LaPorte Street Bridge. In practical terms, the work starts in the vicinity of the walking bridge and extends downstream to the kayak launch.

The project takes a two-bank approach. On the east or south bank, slope protection will be installed using rock and woody materials to improve bank stability and provide fish habitat along this shoreline.  On the north or west bank, the project will utilize grading through an existing spoils pile from previous dredging to improve channel function and restore floodplain connectivity.

All disturbed areas will be seeded. Erosion control mats, secured with 12-inch wood stakes, will also be used. Trees removed during construction will be replaced.

No date has been set for the start of construction, though there is a possibility work could begin sometime in 2027.

The conceptual plans represent the first step in the approval process, with detailed engineering and permitting still to come before any ground is broken.