Champaign, August 3, 2000: Governor Ryan proclaimed August 7th through 11th Rivers 2000 Celebration Days to coincide with Illinois’ participation in the Rivers 2000 "Pass the Paddle" events, where a canoe paddle is passing through all 50 states to promote the nation’s rivers.

Marc Miller, Prairie Rivers’ Watershed Organizer and Rivers 2000 state coordinator, stated, "We appreciate Governor Ryan’s continuing commitment to Illinois’ streams, and we thank him for his support of Rivers 2000."

The Gubernatorial proclamation stated, "Prairie Rivers Network is spreading Illinois’ participation in ‘Rivers 2000,’ a nation-wide effort to educate the public on the value of rivers.... [P]ublic awareness and appreciation for rivers have contributed significantly to their protection and should be encouraged."

Miller said, "The goal of Rivers 2000 is to increase public understanding and appreciation of Illinois’ 33,000 miles of rivers, emphasizing recognition, recreation, revitalization, as well as community and individual involvement in the stewardship of our state’s beautiful and important streams."

The Governor’s proclamation further stated that, "Illinois is looking forward to a future where: healthy rivers support naturally functioning ecosystems, are safe for human consumption and recreation, contribute to sustainable local economies, and improve the quality of life for all Illinoisans."

Miller added, "Information will be provided at each Rivers 2000 event by Prairie Rivers Network and other participating organizations for citizens to learn how to connect to stewardship efforts in their own watershed."
 

Pass the Paddle Events

Tuesday, August 8, 2000

• St. Louis Arch Overlook Stage, 9-12noon

• Gateway Bldg., Peoria riverfront, 10-12noon

• Joliet mural dedication of "River Rebirth", Rt. 53 & Rudy Street, 3-6 p.m.

• Walton Island, Elgin, 11 am-1pm.

• Centennial Fountain ceremony, 300 E. McClurg Court, Chicago, at 10:30 a.m.
• Chicago’s "Rock the River" event, 12 p.m.

• State line bridge - Kankakee River, 11am.