The U.S. Department of Agriculture released new data that show a net national loss of non-cropland (e.g., prairie, forest) due to conversion to cropland. In a one year period from 2011-2012, Illinois netted a 10,000 acre gain in cropland. This means we are losing habitat for recreation, wildlife, stormwater management, and open space. The reasons […]
Court Ruling Forces EPA Action on Mississippi River Pollution
Action would also fight harmful algae blooms in Illinois lakes and rivers The U.S. District Court in Eastern Louisiana ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday to decide within 180 days whether it will require new limits on the nutrient pollution that is causing the growth of dangerous algae in the waters of Illinois and the […]
Stormwater Conference to Emphasize Working with Nature
The public is invited to attend any part of an all-day, FREE meeting on stormwater management. The Green Infrastructure Conference takes place Tuesday, September 17 from 8:00am-3:30pm at the iHotel Conference Center in Champaign. The conference is sponsored by local government, the University of Illinois, and Prairie Rivers Network. The agenda is as follows: 8:00am – registration […]
Are You Ready to Ramble?????
Rain garden rambling, that is. If you would like to see some real, live rain gardens, please join Prairie Rivers Network staff and members for a bike ride to four Champaign properties. We will meet with residential rain garden owners and talk with City of Champaign staff about the new stormwater utility fee and associated […]
Governor Quinn signs bill to improve access to private lands
Today, Governor Quinn signed into law SB 1042, an important bill to protect private landowners and conservation land trusts who wish to allow public access for outdoor recreation and education. For years, private landowners were exempt from liability, but a 2005 lawsuit over a sledding accident led to the loss of these protections. For fear […]
