top of page

Bronzeback
Stream and Wetland
Mitigation Bank

The Bronzeback Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank is a 190.6 acre area of land located in Ogle County, Illinois, owned by the GBG Family Limited Liability Partnership.  The Bank offers both stream and wetland credits for sale.  The work for this project began in 2017.  After several years of planning, permitting, studies, documentation and approvals, the Banking Instrument was approved in 2020.  Phase I of the Bank commenced construction in autumn of 2021, and was completed in December 2021.  The Bank's initial credits were released in March 2021. 

If you have a project requiring credits, we can help. 

For further information, call Guy at 815-275-6166.

STREAM AND WETLAND CREDITS FOR SALE

Mitigation Bank Service Area

The Bronzeback Stream and Wetland Mitigation bank is part of the Northern Service Area (blue), Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District.

Service Area 3_edited.jpg

Groundwater Wells - Monitoring

Groundwater levels are monitored using both manual read and electronic read wells.

044A7129_edited.jpg

Barometric Pressure Monitor

Along with the groundwater readings, barometric pressure readings are recorded and used to compensate the groudwater well data.  This ensures the most accurate readings.

Barrologger Summer 2021.jpg

Construction - Bank Shaping

In order to restore the streambank, construction included many areas of bank shaping to reconnect the flood plain to the Leaf River. 

Shown in photo:  Mark Meade Excavators, Inc. 

Riffle 3 in construction.jpg

Construction - Riffle Structures

Riffle structures were placed at various intervals in the river.

Shown in photo:  Mark Meade Excavators, Inc. 

Bank Shaping by Riffle 1 2021 Autumn_edited_edited.jpg

Construction - Leaf River

During construction, the old scars which emerged over many years were erased and the streambank was restored for Phase I of the Bronzeback Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank.

​Shown in photo:  Mark Meade Excavators, Inc. 

Construction 2 2021 Autumn_edited.jpg

Riffle Structure - Post Construction

A completed riffle structure showing the water elevation change, as well as the bank stabilization and the erosion control measures in place.

​

Riffle 1 Constructed.jpg

Winter Seeding - via drill

There are seven plant communities represented throughout the Bronzeback wetland.  They include:  Savanna, Mesic Prairie, Wet Mesic Prairie, Wet Prairie, Sedge Meadow, Shallow Marsh, and Riverine Backwater.

Winter Seeding with drill in process 2021 Dec.jpg

Winter Seeding - by hand

Certain areas of the Bronzeback wetland required hand seeding.

Winter Seeding hand seeding 2021 December.jpg

Completed Riffle Structure

This beautiful riffle structure is the first in a series placed in the Leaf River throughout the Bronzeback project.  Through heavy spring rains, the riffle structures have successfully reduced the flow of water upstream allowing for sediment to drop out of the water column.  This improves the river's water quality and clarity and allows for aquatic vegetation and sight feeders to colonize areas of the Leaf River.  Additionally, deep pools will provide habitat for many species of fish.

Riffle 1 2022 05 12.jpg

Riffle Pool & Surrounding Wetland

​

The riffle pool created behind each riffle structure in the river creates a habitat for fish and other aquatic species to live and thrive.  The erosion control blankets on the newly shaped banks provide stability until the wetland plants are fully established.  This spring 2022 photo shows the wetland plants emerging from the successful winter seeding completed in December 2021.  The banks have been shaped to reconnect the flood plain which provides habitat for waterfowl and other animals.

Pool behind riffle showing emerging wetland plants 2022 05 12.jpg
bottom of page