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SPRING 2022 VOLUME 22 ISSUE 1
CLEAN WATER ACT AT 50
By Robert Hirschfeld settlements have often struggled Richard Nixon’s EPA Administrator,
This image of the earth, with all its to balance the extraction of value William D. Ruckelshaus, urged him
water extracted and set beside it at from the land and the thoughtful to sign the bill into law, telling the
scale, brings home just how limited stewardship of it. But the explosive president, “It seems reasonable to
and precious this life-giving resource growth of industry throughout the me to spend less than one percent of
is. The largest blue sphere represents 19th and 20th centuries provided a the Federal budget and 0.2 percent of
all water on earth. The middle sphere rapidly expanding population with the the Gross National Product over the
represents all freshwater. And that tiny means to inflict new horrors onto our next several years to assure for future
dot floating above Georgia represents lands and waters, at a pace and scale generations the very survival of the
all that water that exists on the earth never-before-seen. Gross National Product.” Nevertheless,
in lakes and rivers. That’s it. All the Nixon vetoed it. But Congress, again
fresh surface and groundwater that By 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Ohio by wide margins, overrode the veto
sustains life on earth. And yet, despite was one of the most polluted rivers and the Clean Water Act became
knowing full well that humans cannot in the country. A stretch of 50 miles American law.
survive more than a matter of days from Akron to Cleveland was entirely
without clean water, we have been devoid of fish. In the preceding The Clean Water Act is a milestone
reckless with it. We have polluted it, century, the Cuyahoga had caught fire in American history; it is one of the
poisoned it, mined it, and wasted it. at least a dozen times. But by 1969, first modern environmental laws and
something had changed. So when the its importance and influence are still
Aldo Leopold wrote, “Our tools are Cuyahoga burst into flames again, felt today. In many respects, the Clean
better than we are, and grow faster this time due to petroleum products Water Act succeeded. The Clean Water
than we do. They suffice to crack the dumped directly into the river, the Act targeted what’s known as point-
atom, to command the tides, but they story of a burning, smoking river source pollution - pollutants entering
do not suffice for the oldest task in was met with shock and horror at its waters from the end of a pipe. And,
human history, to live on a piece of utter wrongness. A shift had occurred indeed, the volume of pollutants
land without spoiling it.” in Americans’ attitudes toward entering waterways, particularly
the environment. from factories and sewage treatment
Indeed, as far back as we can peer facilities, decreased significantly. The
into the past, it’s evident that human The burning of the Cuyahoga, along loss of wetlands (caused by filling
with other prominent environmental them) was slowed. Many waterways
maladies around the US, galvanized are cleaner today than when the Act
a nascent environmental movement was passed. Continued on page 11
and took it mainstream. Clean water
was something that transcended IN THIS ISSUE
boundaries and differences. A slew
of new environmental measures 2 DIRECTOR’S NOTES
followed. The US EPA was established 3 ETHANOL’S FALSE PROMISE
in 1970. And in 1972, Congress, in 4 FUTURE SUMMERS
a show of overwhelming bipartisan 5 MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS
support for the environment, passed 9 RURAL DRINKING WATER
the Clean Water Act. 10 PRN BRIEFS
11 CERTIFIED WILDLIFE HABITAT
12 MAKE A TAX FREE GIFT
2
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
ELLIOT BRINKMAN
I hope this edition of the Prairie Rivers Network
newsletter finds you well! As nature once again WHY WE GIVE
comes to life all around us, I hope you’re able to
get out to fully enjoy it. Having two small children, As children of environmentalists, we
it has never been more apparent to me that you learned that conservation, sustainable
don’t have to go far to explore and connect with living, and environmental stewardship
the natural world. While we often make weekend trips to our favorite parks
are our responsibilities to one another.
We have marched, canvassed,
and preserves, almost every day we find magic close to home in the form of
campaigned, and fundraised for these
newly sprouting plants, blooming wildflowers, and nesting birds. Through
causes.
these experiences and observations, we too are renewed and re-committed
to protecting the vast, interconnected natural world. Now we aim to share those values with
the next generation. Our contribution
This is a special year for PRN. We have entered our 55th year as a non-profit is based in our nature school, Sprouts,
organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the health of our lands where we work to include accessible
and waters so that people and wildlife can thrive. This year also marks the nature daily in children’s lives,
50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act which provides foundational water encouraging lifelong appreciation of
and dedication to nature. But our small
quality protections nationwide. In these many decades, we have made so
impact isn’t enough on its own.
much progress. In addition to celebrating the progress that we have made
together through these years, we must also set a path forward to address As a community, we must support one
the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. another’s efforts for a better planet.
We are lucky to live in an area so
Our work has continually been inspired and informed by you, our supporters, well-versed in environmentalism, but
who understand the connection between the nature that surrounds us and PRN’s decades of service and efforts
the health of our planet as a whole. In these pages, you’ll find that continues preserving our precious resources
to ring true. Together, let’s continue to be stewards of the places we love, prove their impact. Their focus and
and in doing so protect the only planet we have. / /
tenacity will continue to positively
impact this community and beyond
for years to come. We give to PRN
because we want future generations
to have the resources, environment,
and Earth they deserve.
OUR MISSION: Protect Water. Heal Land. Inspire Change. Caity Peterson and Ellen Saathoff
Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we
protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife
to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF K I M K N OW L E S
Policy Specialist
J O N M CN U S S EN EL LI OT B RI N K M A N
President Executive Director J EFF KO H M S T EDT
Communications and Outreach
W I L LI A M VA N H AG E Y K I M ER N DT- PITCH ER
Coordinator
Secretary Habitat and Agriculture Programs
Specialist V I CK I E N U D EL M A N
J E A N FL EM M A
Operations Manager
Treasurer C AT I E G R EG G
Agricultural Programs Specialist A M A N DA PA N K AU
M A RG A R E T B RU N S
Energy Campaign Coordinator
CL A R K B U L L A R D RYA N G RO S S O
EL LY N B U L LO CK Water Resources Associate A N D R E W R EH N
RO B K A N T ER Water Resources Engineer
RO B ERT H IR S CH FEL D
M I CH A EL RO S EN T H A L Water Policy Specialist S A R A H S COT T
CH A R LOT T E W E S TCOT T Membership Development Assistant
3
PROTECT WATER.
ETHANOL’S FALSE PROMISE
Although promoted by industry as an environmentally-friendly renewable fuel source,
ethanol is actually fueling climate change. In our latest episode of Stories from the
Floodplain, Dr. Tyler Lark from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses his recent
report on ethanol’s contribution to higher carbon emissions and how the nation’s landscape
has been changed to satisfy its false promise. Here’s a brief excerpt.
PRN: Can you give a summary of your research and fertilizer, you get some nitrous oxide emissions from the
what you found about ethanol? nitrogen application, which is a potent greenhouse gas. You
Tyler: With this study, we set out to understand the role that get additional emissions there, so it’s really that component
corn ethanol development and the broader renewable fuel associated with land use, which is what we focused on in
policy had in shaping the American landscape, including the the study. It’s a key factor in that overall balance, so that’s
associated impact on greenhouse gas emissions and water what we want to take a closer look at, in hindsight, now that
quality. We found that, perhaps unsurprisingly, when you we’ve seen this policy enacted for about 15 years.
increase demand for corn for use as a fuel, that stimulates
crop prices. And then that, in turn, causes expansion of corn PRN: Where are we right now, in terms of the renewable
acres with consequences for carbon emissions, fertilizer fuel standard (RFS) and this policy? It’s set to terminate
use, and nutrient pollution. in 2022, right?
Tyler: We’re really at a pivotal moment for this Renewable
PRN: You found that ethanol isn’t a particularly climate Fuel Standard, the policy that governs renewable fuels in
friendly fuel. In fact, it may be no better, or it may even be our transportation supply in the US. The policy, which was
worse than gasoline in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. enacted back in 2007, in its current form, stipulates biofuel
Which elements of the ethanol production cycle are really volumes and types annually through the year 2022. What
driving ethanol as a greenhouse gas emitter? happens next is essentially up to the EPA. This year, they’re
Tyler: This concept of land use change is really important doing large environmental reviews and collecting a bunch
and critical in that overall greenhouse gas balance of of stakeholder input and external feedback and trying to
ethanol relative to other fuels. And so it’s this idea that if understand this issue and decide what this policy should
you expand the area of land use for cropland in general, look like moving forwards. It’s essentially a decision point
or corn in particular, there are associated consequences where the decisions made this year for this policy will
for the environment. Anytime you, for example, plow up probably help define what our renewable fuel portfolio
something like a perennial grassland and put that into and what our landscapes look like moving forward in the
annually cultivated cropland, you’re going to release some foreseeable future. It’s a chance to take a step back, kind
additional carbon emissions, some additional carbon from of look at where we’ve come from, and what the outcomes
the soil out into the atmosphere. [This is also true] if you of that have been, and where we as a society want to go
switch your crop rotations on existing crop lands, from moving forwards.
something like soybeans or wheat to corn.
To hear the full conversation, visit prairierivers.org/podcast.
We know corn is a relatively intensive crop, and it takes There are new episodes of Stories from the Floodplain every
extra fertilizer to help it grow. When you apply that month. Subscribe, listen, and let us know what you think!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
ANNUAL DINNER
SEPTEMBER 16
4
HEAL LAND.
WHAT WILL FUTURE SUMMERS LOOK LIKE?
By Kim Erndt-Pitcher with the sensitive stages of bud swell and leaf emergence
I LOVE spring. But summer is my absolute favorite season. in many trees. And now, with the increased use of herbicide
Bring on the heat and humidity, the abundant insects and tolerant crops which allow for the use of herbicides over
other wildlife, and of course the lush green vegetation! It is the top of growing crops, we also see symptoms show up
a time when we eat vegetables out of the garden, watch the throughout much of the growing season.
apples and pecans grow on the trees, and pull honey from
the beehives. It’s also when my family loves to go hiking in When you visit an area and see folded, curled, and cupped
the Shawnee and paddling, fishing, and swimming at the leaves on a redbud, and then notice all the redbuds look the
many awesome lakes here in Southern Illinois. same… and that sycamore, and those white oaks, and even
the herbaceous plants… you begin to ask questions. What
But lately summer has become a stressful time for many, does this mean for the long term health of these plants?
myself included. Living in a state that is dominated by How does this impact invertebrates and birds? What about
agriculture means pesticide pollution, in particular, our children who play here? We don’t have answers to most
herbicide drift, is common. And many people are dealing of these questions, and that only adds to the stress for so
with it year after year. many people.
For the past five years, I have worked alongside some Herbicides sprayed onto crops don’t just drift onto
amazing people. We have spent many days in the late neighboring farmland, they can travel long distances, move
spring and summer monitoring for symptoms of herbicide onto your property from your neighbor’s lawn, and run off
drift in crops, trees, and native plant communities. We’ve fields and lawns during rains to contaminate our streams
seen symptoms in more places than we can monitor. In fact, and drinking water. They can volatilize, leave their intended
they’ve been present at many places we visit. target, and land where they harm wild plants, insects and
other animals, and directly and indirectly harm the people
of Illinois.
Symptoms of herbicide drift are on the trees and plants
along the lakes we play in; they are in our yards and
gardens every year. We see them in trees while hiking, in the A Need for Radical Change
orchards where we pick peaches, and just driving around. It Our lawmakers and state regulatory agencies are not
is difficult on an emotional level to witness and document taking the actions necessary to better regulate and enforce
herbicide injury year after year, especially at a site you’ve the Illinois Pesticide Act. The people of Illinois and our
visited for 4+ years in a row. Tree health is declining, and environment are paying the cost. Landowners are paying
some are dying. We need radical changes now. the cost—financially, emotionally, and mentally.
Seeing the Signs We’ve heard from people all over the state who have
The signs of herbicide drift can be observed as early as the been impacted by pesticide drift. At PRN we are working
first part of May. Some trees are exposed to drift during early to improve the rules that govern use of the most harmful
spring herbicide applications. This timing often coincides pesticides. Through our Tree and Plant Health Monitoring
Program, we’ve documented symptoms of injury on nature
preserves, state lands, private gardens, orchards, and
specialty crops. But much more needs to be done.
Over the coming year, we will expand our tissue sampling
and monitoring efforts, we will reach more decision makers,
and we will work harder to build awareness on this issue
that ultimately touches all of us. / /
Business & Community
2021 MEMBERS & SUPPORTERS
We are so grateful to our network of 1,400+ members.
Thank you for your generous support!
PLATINUM $4,000+
Altar’d State
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UCE
HANN
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THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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$50 - $99 Angela and Robert Gruendl Diane and Douglas Ower
Debbie and Charles Pastors Anonymous (9) Jeffrey Haas Karen Parjani
Lois Pausch Megan Acevedo Rosa and Ibrahim Hajj Jerry Peterson
George Pellum Dorelle Ackermann Cheryl Wiest and Ken Hartke Brett Peugh
Pamela Pena Martin, in memory of Niels Svendsen Ryan Adams Laura Hartung Pokorny Family
Jean and David Peters Jeannine Adomaitis Jodi Heckel, in memory of Niels Svendsen Jen and Wayne Politsch
Anne Phillips Jane Amundsen Randal Hendee Lisa and Robert Porteous
Sigrid and Alan Pilgrim Charlene Anchor Linda and Fred Henize Laurel and Scott Preece
Jacquie Hill and David Plath Michael Ander Shanelle and Jason Herman Judy Prindable
Trish Quintenz Joseph Appell Lois and Wayne Hochstetler Ann Prisland
Jerry Rasmussen Patricia Babich-Smith Kay Hodson Sarah Rae
Lori Rath Rick Balsbaugh Margaret and Charles Hollowell Meg and Bob Rauschenberger
Ravanh Family, in honor of Marge Donoghue Ellen Baranowski Nancy Holm Kathryn and Edward Remsen
Andrew Rehn Bruce Barkley Kaylie Honkala Michelle and Shaughnessy Rice
Bruce Renwick Brenda Baxter Sara Hook, in memory of Niels Svendsen Pam and Lan Richart
Libby Reuter, Watershed Cairns Kimeri Swanson-Beck and Tom Beck Jennifer Hueni Susan Robertson
Robin Sahner and Bruce Reznick Mary Atkinson and Joe Behrends Bruce Hutchings Nyle D. Robinson
Meredith Riegel Dorothy Bell Sue Ingels Victoria Robinson
Sarah Heald and Ben Riegler Carolynn and Sam Benninghoff Andrea Jackson Aaron Rose
Patty Riggins Alice Berkson Douglas Jackson Bob Rowlands
Marlyn Rinehart Christopher Berti Walter Jaehnig Marie and Ed Roy
Susan Fahrbach and Walter A. Robinson Jess Beyler Naomi and Eric Jakobsson Howard Salk
Michael Rora Kathryn Blacker Karen Jannusch Henrietta Saunders
Verlyn and Paul Rosenberger Joanne Kunz and Jeff Boarini Emily and Mike Jenkins Anthony Schmidt
Umeeta Sadarangani and Marilyn Ryan Bonnie Sue Michael and Dennis Boatman Amy Johnson Rosalie and Ronald Schmitt
John Rzymski Pamela J. Bowers Eric Johnson Dawn Schultz
Jeffrey Sanders Alex Brauman Judith and Larry Johnson Patricia D. Schwake
Beth and Tod Satterthwaite Christine Breen Skyler Johnson Dennis M. Schwank
Genevieve Long and Keith Schinkoeth John Britt Jimi Jones Jeff Shelden
Mark Schmidt JoAnne and Alan Broadbent Judith M. Joy Deborah Spiezio-Siebers
Kathleen and Mark Schoeffmann Matthew Bryant Sandra and David Kaptain Jonathan Sieg
Meredith Schroeer Roger Buchta Cynthia Hoyle and Sheldon Katz Rebecca Silber, in honor of Emily FitzPatrick
Anne and David Sharpe Ann and Bob Burger Eric Keeley Kathleen Zurkowski and James Simeone
Vickie Shaughnessy Jean Burridge Michael Kerber Ricca Slone
Beth Shirk and Scott Meyer Sam Cahnman Crystal Kerwin Jodie Slothower
Diana Sievers Jane and Michael Cain Jo and Doug Kibbee James O. Smith
Anne Silvis Matt Campbell Roger and Becky Klink Rachel Smith-Bolton
Joseph Sklenar, in memory of Niels Svendsen Feng Dong and Yong Cao Joyce and Jim Knoblauch Aisha Sobh
Mary J. Sleeth David Ceperley Christa Knust Lois Kain and Jon Solomon
Nancy Small Velma Chamberlin Karen Koenig Paul Spangler
Ann L. Smith Beth Chato Sylvia Koenig Carole and Norton Spencer
Marianne Abbey-Smith and Campbell Smith Barbara and Bill Childers Gary Kolb Laura Sperstad
Lloyd Smith Maryanne and Bruce Chrisman Katrina and Jim Kotowski Hal Sprague
Audrey Ishii and Charlie Smyth Glenn Clayton Peg and David Kovacic Vicki Stacy
Lisa Snyder Ruth Marlin Cleveland Karla M. Kraeszig Lois and Greg Steil
Elsie Speck Tim Clink Theodore C. Krauskopf John Steinbacher
Nancy Stagg Jonathan Coan Bob Kucera Robert Steinman
Mike Stark Anna and Garland Conner Linda Kurtz Marsha Stowe
Mary and Glenn Stech Jessica Conroy Rebecca LaGesse Ruth and Bill Studley
Carol and Topper Steinman Ed Costin Jo Lakota Susan Styer
Becky Mead and Tim Stelzer Gary Cozette Ricky Lanham Annalisa and Paul Switzer
James Stephens Catharine Crockett Tanja and Ken Larimore Margaret Talkington-Bonnell and Thomas Bonnell,
Elizabeth Stern Cathy and Jeff Cunningham Lucinda and Richard Lasalle in memory of Charles Bruns
William Stewart Carol Curtis Pat Lawlor Brad Tallon
Janet Stover Matthew Czapiga Carol Leff Bette Tambling
Kirstin Wilcox and David Sussman Jenny and Mike Daab Kathleen Bell and Marcelo Lepeley Kathleen and Jeff Tangel
Cynthia Swanson Christopher Dammers Derek Liebert Nancy and John Taylor
Iris Swanson Dolores Das Marcia Lin Sue Tinkle and Tom Terrien, in memory of
Kathy and Jonathan Sweedler Kevin Daugherty Marianne Lippi Marilyn Campbell
Cynthia and Clyde Sweet Jacqualyn R. Davis Julie and Daniel Long Geri Theobald
Nicole and Seth Swoboda Vickie Devenport Karen Louis Marilee Tilly
Sandy and Tom Swoboda Julie Luner and Bruce Dien Kathy Low, in memory of Niels Svendsen Brigid Trimble
Sara Taber Dillon family, in honor of the Hector family Abigail Jahiel and Thomas Lutze Judith and E. Paul Unger
Mary Kay Solecki and John Taft Karyl and Doug Dressen Roy and Linda Mahnesmith Sue and Mike Van Matre
Christopher Taylor Ronda Driscoll Carla Cravens Mansini and John Mansini Matthew Vernau
David Tewksbury Clara Bosak-Schroeder and Joe Duncker Jane and Joe Marriott Joe Vitti
Mary and Michael Thoele L. Brodie Dunn Angela Marsh Sonia and Bob Vogl
Ann Thomas, in memory of Niels Svendsen Bryan Dunne Rose and John C. Martin Dana Vollmer
Michael Tilley Amanda Eastin-Allen Patricia and Perry Martin Wayne L. Wagner, Sr.
Terry Tonielli Janette Eichfeld John Massman Shirley Walker
Marguerite Torrey Christy Ann Elamma Joyce Mast Paula Enstrom and Joe Walsh
Dillon Tracy, in memory of Niels Svendsen Carol Elliott Rebecca McBride, 4 Osprey/EcoFluent Margaret and Tom Walsh
Smitha Vishveshwara, in memory of Niels Svendsen Tryggvi Emilsson Douglas McCarty Diane and James Wardrop
Roberta Volkmann, in honor of Joan Volkmann and John Jones Kathy Engert Ann McDowell Greg Weber
C. Pius Weibel
Nancy Voss Barbara and Terry England, in memory of Robert “Bob” Bales Sue Meyer
Anita Stein and Harvey Welch
Shirley Walker Thomas England Maureen Michael Janice Welch
April Walsh Linda A. Larson and David Enstrom Betty Miles Audrey Wells
Patricia Walter Roger Epperson Lori Miller Charlotte Westcott
Ruth and Steve Wegman Mary Ann and Robert Espeseth Douglas Mills David Wilcoxen
Colleen and William White Margaret and Ronald Evans Letitia Moffitt Marilyn and Ed Willis
Terri Treacy and Mike Wiant Robin Kearton and Tom Faux Judy Mongold Bill Wobbekind
Tony Wong
Diane and Ed Wilhite Christine Favilla Ronald Moore
Rebecca Rundall and Dave Wood
Ellen and David Willcox Theresa and Bob Feller Kerry Latham and Erin Morse Lois Wood
Karen and Alex Winter-Nelson Dianne Fieri Robert Nauert Jacqueline Worden
Sarah and Charles Wisseman Barbara Ford CarolAnn and Harold Nelson Michael Wright
Beth Wohlgemuth Jeff Gahris Marcia and Randall Nelson Donald Wuebbles
Ron Wojtanowski Portia Gallegos Suzanne Jansky and Susan Neville Gail Wyatt
Julie Wolf Sue and Howard Gartzman Carol Jo Morgan and Joe Niernberger Yvonne and Gerard Ziegler
Janet Wong Linda and Kyle Gerlach Sally and Michael Nolan
Vicky and Scott Woolridge Carol L. Gloor David Novak
A big thanks to the 194 members that donated under $50, but are not listed here. Every effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of our supporter recognition. We apologize for any errors and urge you to notify us of any corrections. THANK YOU!
9
INSPIRE CHANGE.
PROTECTING RURAL DRINKING WATER
Recently, PRN has partnered with the Community Development Corporation
of Pembroke Township & Hopkins Park in Kankakee County to test local water
quality in their area.
By Catie Gregg very low levels of nitrate, there were alarming hotspots with
Pembroke has a rich history as one of the oldest black some of the highest levels in the nation. With incomplete
farming communities in the US. It also has aquifers data from around the state, it is impossible to know the
identified as especially vulnerable to nitrate contamination. extent of the problem.
Runoff from farming, including nitrates, continues to be the As we work to better understand where Illinois groundwater
top driver of water quality problems in Illinois. may be more vulnerable to nitrate contamination, we
On the Aquifer Vulnerability to Nitrate and Pesticides identified certain features that increase the likelihood that
map (below), we can see much of Pembroke is dark red, or wells will have elevated levels of nitrate. Those risk factors
excessively vulnerable due to its sandy soils and the aquifer include 1) places where groundwater is close to the surface,
being close to the surface. In addition to being surrounded 2) contains sandy soils, 3) is near agriculture, 4) wells are
by agriculture, 70% of residents have shallow rural wells. shallow (
10
PRN BRIEFS
There is no shortage of issues PRN works on, from clean
water to energy, or agriculture to rivers and wildlife. Here
we’ll introduce you to some of the other issues you might
not have heard about.
Next Steps Taken in Sugar Camp PFAS Lawsuit
In October 2021, PRN and Sierra Club Illinois (SC) filed a
notice of intent to sue Sugar Camp Energy, LLC (Sugar Camp) Mountain Bikes at Kickapoo
for water quality violations stemming from the discharge of
For several months, PRN has been following the proposed
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into waters near
construction of approximately 20 miles of mountain bike
its Sugar Camp coal mine in southern Illinois. The PFAS,
trails near the Kickapoo State Park with the help of long-
also known as forever chemicals, were contained in fire
time board member Clark Bullard. The area is a parcel of
fighting foam that was spilled on the surface and injected
land owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
underground in an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish an
within the Middle Fork Vermilion National Scenic River
underground mine fire. In January, the Illinois Attorney
corridor. There already exists an extensive system of
General (AG) Kwame Raoul followed our lead, filing a
mountain bike trails in the area that are operated and
similar lawsuit against Sugar Camp, alleging the company’s
maintained by the Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club. While
actions violated the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.
we support this type of recreation, the latest construction
plans would cause irreversible damage to one of the only
remaining intact forested ravines along Illinois’ only
national scenic river.
PRN has asked IDNR to halt any construction in this
parcel for several reasons. First, public input opportunities
have been non-existent. To remedy this, we support the
Department’s effort to reestablish the Citizens’ Advisory
Committee as soon as possible and commit to giving the
public a voice in identifying long-term management goals
for the area. There have been significant erosion issues
on the current trails within the park, representing a lack
of proper maintenance and enforcement against users
The Big Muddy River in Southern Illinois riding on wet trails. We have also seen no effort to consider
alternate locations that would minimize impacts to flora,
In early April, PRN and SC, represented by Great Rivers
fauna, and other recreational users. Through letters
Environmental Law Center and Albert Ettinger, filed
and open conversations with IDNR, the Department has
a “Motion to Intervene” in the AG’s lawsuit. Through
expressed a willingness to pause development, and we will
intervention, we seek to become a plaintiff in the case and
continue to monitor the situation as it moves forward.
assert our specific interests in protecting the ecosystem and
recreational resources of nearby water bodies, including
Plant Demolition Bill
the Big Muddy River. Additionally, we seek to add Sugar
Camp’s parent companies as additional defendants to the This year, PRN joined partners across Illinois to support
case. The additional defendants that own and control Sugar legislation that would protect power plant communities
Camp have only recently come out of bankruptcy and have when the facility is slated for demolition. Over the last
been directly involved in decisions and actions associated decade, half of Illinois’ coal-fired power plants have retired,
with the case. These companies have a history of fires, and with the passage of Climate and Equitable Jobs Act,
pipeline ruptures, and violations of other environmental the rest have closure dates on the horizon. However, few
statutes. Through our intervention in the case and the regulations exist to protect community members during the
addition of these defendants, we hope to ensure that the demolition of power plant facilities. This lack of protection
responsible parties are held accountable and responsible led to the 2020 disastrous smokestack implosion at Crawford
for remediating the damage. that sent a massive cloud of dust through Little Village.11
CERTIFIED
WILDLIFE HABITAT
Providing habitat for wildlife is more important
today than ever. Illinois wildlife is threatened by
habitat destruction, climate change, and pesticide
use. By growing native plants in your home garden,
on your farm, at your place of worship, in a park,
(Photo credit: Alejandro Reyes, youtu.be/UzkFYVsNRFE) or in a schoolyard, you provide a safe haven for
Our legislation would have opened up the smokestack demolition
wildlife to forage, live, reproduce, and shelter.
process to critical transparency and state oversight. However, our Get your own NWF/PRN co-branded wildlife
efforts this year to support this legislation were unsuccessful.
habitat sign for your property. A Certified Wildlife
A shortened legislative session, energy legislation fatigue, and
Habitat sign lets passersby know that you have
other competing legislative priorities mean that power plant
communities will have to wait longer for these key protections.
provided a safe haven for Illinois wildlife. These
The next opportunity for Illinois to step up for power plant habitats provide food, water, and shelter to wildlife
communities will come in Veto Session late this Fall. / / that reside in your area or that migrate through.
These habitats bring joy and beauty to your life
and your community and inform the public of the
requirements wildlife need to survive.
For certification, habitat must provide food and
water resources, cover for wildlife, places to
raise young, and be sustainable and adhere to
ecologically sound management.
Learn how you can incorporate habitat for
pollinators and monarch butterflies into your
certified wildlife habitat on our website or contact
Kim Erndt-Pitcher at:
kerndt-pitcher@prairierivers.org
CWA AT 50 (From page 1)
The Chicago River, a great urban river, and once the dumping ground for an entire city’s waste, is a prime example of
the success of the Clean Water Act. Not long ago the Chicago River was a toxic stew of sewage, industrial pollutants, and
livestock yard waste. Today, fish and wildlife have returned. Paddlers are out on the water. And, if you keep your eyes open,
you might spot river otters or beavers. All of this was unthinkable a few decades ago.
So there have been great successes. But one of the Act’s stated goals was that all US waters should be swimmable and
fishable by 1983. Almost forty years later, and we are not even close to that goal. A report released in March 2022 found
that half of America’s rivers and streams are impaired - neither swimmable nor fishable. As momentous as the Clean Water
Act was, there are many pollutants that it does not regulate, particularly runoff from agricultural landscapes, something
we’re very familiar with in the Midwest.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. We should celebrate that and mark how far we’ve come. But
part of that celebration must be a recognition that we have a long ways to go. Our tools may grow faster than we do. But
the CWA was an indication that we too, can grow. We need to take another step forward. I’ll discuss where we go from here
in the next newsletter. / /Non-Profit
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