CMAP has been involved in the development of numerous watershed plans in northeastern Illinois as a key step of implementing the Areawide Water Quality Management Plan.  Watershed planning is a collaborative approach that addresses a variety of water resource concerns and opportunities. As part of the planning process, strategy recommendations are developed to help restore the beneficial uses of impaired waters or protect and maintain the quality of unimpaired or threatened waters. These multi-objective plans acknowledge the value of water and other natural resources and, with this perspective, seek to improve quality-of-life in the watershed for both current residents and future generations.

CMAP has worked directly with local stakeholders to develop  or assisted with the development watershed plans and provided administrative oversight on behalf of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for plans developed by others, and assisted with plan implementation following completion of watershed plans. Additionally, other partners have completed a number of watershed-based plans as well.  View a full list of the region's completed watershed plans.