Though it receives less scrutiny than other government actions, federal water policy has immense and lasting impacts on rivers and wildlife, as well as millions of Americans. And much of that policy is dictated by one piece of legislation–the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). An update to this large and complex collection of “all-things-water” policies […]
Wetlands
Wildlife Habitat in Illinois
Healthy land makes for healthier, cleaner water! Wetlands, forests, and prairies help control flooding, filter pollution, prevent sediment from being washed downstream, and provide critical habitat for our state’s wildlife. Prairie Rivers Network’s habitat specialist, Elliot Brinkman, works with private landowners, public land agencies, land trusts, and others to expand and connect the patchwork of […]
Two Illinois Wetlands Receive International Honors
Since Europeans first settled in Illinois, changes in land use and development destroyed 90 percent of the state’s wetlands. Protecting and restoring those that remain has been a high priority for all who cherish clean water and quality wildlife habitat. In June, two such efforts, the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge and the Emiquon Complex (which includes Emiquon […]
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 […]
Take Action: Make a Call for Conservation Compliance
[iframe http://www.grassroutes.us/campaigns/93/iframe 300px 700px] This week, our U.S.Senators are taking up the Farm Bill, a massive piece of legislation that is renewed approximately every 5 years. The Farm Bill covers a broad array of food-related topics, from food stamps to farmer subsidies. Within the Farm Bill is an important provision called Conservation Compliance, which requires […]
