2005 Year in Review

Governor's Conference Highlights Environmental Progress

Source: Bob Frazee; (309) 694-7501, ext. 226; rfrazee@uiuc.edu; Author: Leanne Lucas

Twenty years of progress will be showcased at the tenth biennial Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System October 4, 5 and 6 at the Holiday Inn City Centre in Peoria.

"We're elated to be able to highlight the significant steps that have been taken to protect our Illinois River for future generations," said Bob Frazee, a natural resources educator with University of Illinois Extension and conference co-chair.

Local, state and federal agencies, as well as numerous organizations, have stepped up to make progress that helps reduce soil erosion, protect water quality and enhance wildlife habitat, Frazee added.

Prominent conservationists from the government and the private sector will be featured speakers at the conference that continues a tradition begun in 1987 with then Governor James R. Thompson, Frazee said.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn chairs the Illinois River Coordinating Council, and he will moderate an evening session on Tuesday, October 4, on the Illinois River System that is free and open for public discussion.

In addition, Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton has been invited as the keynote speaker for the noon luncheon on October 5. Norton, a lifelong conservationist, is the first woman to head the Department of Interior.

Other highlights include:

- Chad Pregracke, founder and president of Living Lands and Waters, will speak about LL&W's efforts to preserve and restore the nation's major rivers and watersheds--work that has received international recognition.

- Directors of various state departments and federal agency heads will elaborate on their focus and vision for the Illinois River System.

- Concurrent sessions will include presentations on watershed planning, integrated management, nature-based tourism, stewardship, sediment reuse, and wetland restoration and monitoring. Numerous exhibits from the sponsoring organizations and agencies will also be on site.

Registration for the three-day conference costs $125 and includes six meals and a CD compilation of the proceedings of the nine previous conferences. Daily rates are $85 for Wednesday and $55 for Thursday. Late registrations (after September 17) will incur a $20 late fee.

For an additional fee of $20, attendees can begin the conference with an all-day conservation tour on Tuesday, October 4. This is a guided, air-conditioned motor coach tour of river-related sites from Peoria to Hennepin. Wetland restoration, silt removal, sand and gravel mining, barge loading, as well as recreational and historic cultural resources, are just a few of the attractions included on the itinerary. Lunch is provided and reservations are required.

The conference is sponsored by more than 60 federal, state, regional and local agencies and groups, including U of I Extension. Registration materials are available from sponsoring agencies or on the Web at Heartland Water Resources.

For further information, contact the Heartland Water Resources Council at (309) 637-5253, or Bob Frazee, U of I Extension, at (309) 694-7501, extension 226.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
August 31, 2005