Breaking news from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website: three consecutive monitoring tests have found Asian carp DNA past the electric “barrier.” This automatically initiates a Level 1 response plan, which will include netting and electrofishing in Lake Calumet. According to the Army Corps, the deployment of new, specialized nets “will effectively isolate Lake […]
Video Release: Questions for Sunrise Coal
Today Prairie Rivers Network and our partners Stand Up to Coal, Salt Fork Friends, and the Salt Fork River Runners released the video “Questions for Sunrise Coal.” In the video, concerned rural residents, farmers, and villagers ask what will happen if Sunrise Coal moves forward with their proposal to open a coal mine in Vermilion […]
Congress takes action on Asian carp
Today we won a battle in the ongoing fight against the Asian carp invasion. The federal transportation bill, passed today, contains a provision requiring an expedited plan to block Asian carp—as well as dozens of other destructive invaders—from moving between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. There are billions of dollars and invaluable natural resources […]
Time runs out on Shamrock Acres hog operation
On June 10, 2012, the clock ran out on Shamrock Acres. This proposed 18,000 head hog operation was slated to be built in McDonough County south of Macomb. But most nearby residents did not want to live next to so many hogs, with its associated odors and potential for water pollution. And so they formed […]
Conservation Compliance Amendment Passes Senate 52-47!
The U.S. Congress voted 52-47 in favor of relinking conservation compliance to crop insurance in the next Farm Bill! This is a huge victory, and we are grateful that Illinois Senator Dick Durbin voted in favor of the amendment. We are also grateful to those of you who responded to our call-to-action and contacted your […]