Priority Lake and Watershed Implementation Program

Summary: Under "Conservation 2000," a long-term comprehensive natural resource bill, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) initiated several programs designed to protect, restore, and enhance lakes and lake activities. One such program, the Priority Lake and Watershed Implementation Program (PLWIP), is a reimbursement grant program that began in 1997. Through this program, the Illinois EPA works cooperatively with managers of publicly-owned inland lakes to implement lake protection, enhancement, and restoration activities. In general priority lakes are defined by the Illinois EPA as unique, high quality aquatic resources, those which serve multiple purposes (recreation and public water supply) or lakes in need of protection or restoration.