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Little Vermilion River (Illinois River tributary) facts for kids

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Little Vermillion River
Country United States of America
States Illinois
Cities Mendota, Troy Grove, La Salle
Physical characteristics
Main source Mendota Township, LaSalle County, Illinois
912 ft (278 m)
41°36′46″N 89°05′44″W / 41.6128095°N 89.0956426°W / 41.6128095; -89.0956426 (Little Vermilion River origin)
River mouth Confluence with the Illinois River, LaSalle, Illinois
447 ft (136 m)
41°19′29″N 89°04′53″W / 41.3247568°N 89.0814716°W / 41.3247568; -89.0814716 (Little Vermilion River mouth)
Length 34.7 mi (55.8 km)
Basin features
Progression Little Vermilion River → Illinois RiverMississippi RiverGulf of Mexico
Basin size 80,420 acres (32,540 ha)
Landmarks Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve
Population 14600
Tributaries
  • Left:
    Tomahawk Creek
  • Right:
    Mendota Creek
GNIS ID 412427

The Little Vermilion River is a 34.7-mile-long (55.8 km) tributary of the Illinois River, which it joins near LaSalle, Illinois, opposite the north-flowing Vermilion River. There is another "Little Vermilion River" in Illinois which is a tributary of the Wabash River.

Land Use

Approximately 75% of the land (60,580 acres (24,520 ha)) of the land in the watershed is devoted to agricultural activities, primarily corn (36,943 acres (14,950 ha)) and soybean (22,332 acres (9,037 ha)) production. Native wetlands account for 0.5% (434 acres (176 ha)) of land in the watershed.

Water Quality

An EPA report lists the southern section near La Salle, Illinois as impaired waterway due to excessive zinc from current and historic mining operations. It is also listed for elevated Fecal coliform bacteria levels due to the use of combined sewage overflow systems in use by several municipalities within the watershed.

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