Quasi Stochastic Modeling as a Ground Water Investigation Tool and Guide for Collecting Model Calibration Data

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve (LPNP) is located adjacent to the Des Plaines River in Will County, Illinois. LPNP large expanses of Dolomite Prairie, Sedge Meadow, and Marsh plant communities. These communities provide habitat for several threatened and endangered species including the Federally-endangered Leafy Prairie Clover and Hine's emerald dragonfly. There have been two distinct phases of ground-water modeling for LPNP. The first phase was an interpretive quasi-stochastic modeling effort. The current phase is a calibrated aquifer model based on the results of the first phase. The size and location of the LPNP recharge area was sensitive to ground water withdrawal. As additional withdrawals were added, the model recharge area was reduced in western extent. The size and location of the LPNP recharge area was also sensitive to the material properties of the upper bedrock units.