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Workshop attendees at The Morton Arboretum

WHAT:  Learn helpful hints on how to write a fundable 319 grant from the U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA. Hear local governments, The Morton Arboretum, and lake associations share their perspectives on 319 grant writing. A tour of the Arboretum is planned, so be dressed for the outdoors!

WHEN:  Wednesday, March 3rd, 1:00-5:00 pm

WHERE:  The Morton Arboretum, Special Events Room at the Visitor’s Center

COST:  Only $15.00! Registration is preferred, to guarantee a seat.

Registration at The Morton Arboretum on the day of the event will also be accepted until seats are filled.

TO REGISTER:  Visit the Illinois Lake Management Association website and go to “Register for March 3-5th 25th Annual Conference”.

This workshop is being held in conjunction with ILMA’s 25th Annual Conference. You do not need to attend the ILMA Conference to attend this workshop. All are welcome! {Continue Reading »}

Join Prairie Rivers Network, Sangamon Valley Sierra Club, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and the film’s producers for a free screening of the entertaining documentary “Big River.”

This 30-minute film by the makers of “King Corn” discusses how agricultural chemicals applied to Midwestern farms can pollute rivers and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico.

Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist for Prairie Rivers Network, will give a short presentation on how nitrogen and phosphorus pollution affects Illinois’ waterways.

When: Tuesday, Feb 23 at 6:30pm

Where: Lincoln Library, North Carnegie Room, 326 S. 7th Street, Springfield.

Feb. 12, 2010 public hearing in Chicago.

Over three hundred people turned out for the federal Asian carp hearing in Chicago on February 12, including Prairie Rivers Network staffer Traci Barkley who was quoted in the Detroit Free Press.

Traci, who conducted some of the early research on the electric fence prior to joining Prairie Rivers Network, reminded top federal officials that it was originally designed to stop the round goby from invading the Mississippi basin from the Great Lakes, but it was too late. {Continue Reading »}

A Documentary by The Environment Report

An in-depth look at the future of coal in this country. The Environment Report explores the role that coal plays in our lives and in the lives of those who depend on coal mining for a living. Can coal truly be a viable option in the new green economy?

http://www.environmentreport.org/coal_doc.php

Public Radio, WILL AM 580 will air this program today, February 15, at 1PM CST, if you are in their listening area.

Webcast Available 3-6 pm

Federal agencies will hold a public hearing today (Friday, February 12) on Asian carp in Chicago, from 3-6pm. The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee will discuss plans and get recommendations on Asian carp control efforts. The committee will answer questions and listen to comments from the public.

Prairie Rivers Network staffer Traci Barkley and board member Clark Bullard will be there in person to urge the committee to act quickly to stop the spread of Asian carp and other invaders between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River systems. They will also be arguing against serious consideration of a proposal to stop the spread of carp by creating a toxic zone in the Chicago shipping canals with pollution from sewage treatment plants and industrial facilities.

The meeting also will be available via live web stream at: http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/live

Those who cannot attend the meeting in person can submit questions on the website.

Visit PRN’s Asian carp posts for background information.

URGENT! Your Help is Still Needed to Protect Our Water from Hazardous Coal Waste

1) Please Phone Your U.S. Representative’s Office ASAP!

Many elected officials are bowing to industry pressure. Read more here and here. Don’t let the coal industry be the only voices heard. More than ever, out elected officials need to hear from their citizens that you value clean water and want it to be protected for future generations from hazardous coal waste.

Step 1: Find your district here.

Step 2: Find your district congressional representative contact information here.

Step 3: Call your representative, give your name and say…

I want coal ash regulated as hazardous waste, and I ask Representative __________ to do everything possible to see that coal ash waste gets strong environmental regulations that will protect our air and water for future generations.

Coal ash impoundments are current and long-term threats for groundwater pollution and to the health and safety of our citizens. It is well documented that coal ash has toxic heavy metals, which are particularly of concern for children’s health.

Power plants that use coal must be required to meet strong regulations in putting coal ash in the ground and in impoundments. Currently, utility companies are using unlined landfills or impoundments that do not have any liners. They do not conduct enough water monitoring to ensure nearby streams and drinking water wells are safe from coal waste harm.

I ask Representative __________________ to protect public health and safety and put his/her voters and citizens first, and not to bow to industry pressures.

 2) Ask the Office of Management and Budget to Protect Communities from Toxic Coal Ash!

Last week we told you how the coal industry is putting intense pressure on the White House to stop or weaken a proposed EPA rule that would protect communities from toxic coal ash. Thanks to people like you, we demonstrated that there is strong public support for the EPA’s proposal by sending over 45,000 messages to the White House and Congress!

 Now we need your help to make sure the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) hears our message — send a personal letter to the OMB today.

Take action here.

You can read more about coal issues here.