NEWS RELEASE

If you love Illinois rivers, you now have a friend in the Governor’s office. Prairie Rivers Network, the statewide river conservation organization, is very optimistic about working with Governor Quinn to provide the public with access to natural areas, reduce polluted runoff from cities, and help government and schools become cleaner and greener. “Prairie Rivers Network could not have asked for a better Governor with more potential to preserve and protect Illinois’ rivers,” said Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. “Pat Quinn has been such an active advocate during his time as Lt. Governor; that is why we awarded him our first ever Outstanding Public Service Award in 2008.”

In the days since taking office, Governor Quinn has promised to re-open state parks and historic sites, and to review leadership at Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Quinn has also vowed to continue the programs he initiated as Lt. Governor. With the signing of SB 1132, Quinn has already reversed budget sweeps of critical fish, wildlife and habitat programs made by the Blagojevich administration in recent months.

While Illinois is facing an extremely dire financial crisis, Prairie Rivers Network believes that Governor Quinn will make sure that state agencies have the leadership and resources they need to fulfill their obligations in safeguarding public health, clean air, and clean water.

According to Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network, “Governor Pat Quinn is a leader who really understands the importance of clean rivers and clean water. He knows that the citizens of Illinois get countless recreational, economic, and social benefits from our waterways, and that people, fish, and wildlife depend on these waterways for their very survival.”

As Lt. Governor, Quinn initiated programs to help governments and schools reduce pollution and use less energy. As chair of the Illinois and Mississippi River Coordinating Councils, Quinn brought citizens and government agencies together to coordinate actions and policies that protect the state’s two biggest rivers. In response to tragic drownings at several Illinois dams, Quinn launched a dam safety initiative to educate the public about dam safety, improve signage at dams, and investigate where structural improvements are needed to make dams safer. In 2005 he initiated “It’s Our River Day,” a statewide celebration of rivers on the third Saturday of every September, that features activities and events such as river cleanups that citizens participate in or even organize.

“Governor Quinn believes in government accountability and working together. We’re looking forward to working with him to make Illinois a national leader in nature protection and green development because it’s a sound investment in the health of our families, our children, and future generations,” said Collins.

CONTACT: Glynnis Collins, Executive Director
Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist
217-344-2371