Press Release - Thursday, September 14, 2006
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"It's Our River Day" celebrations to stream through 50 different Illinois communities! Lt. Gov. Quinn promotes "It's Our River Day" as a way to protect and enjoy Illinois waterways
PEORIA - Today Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council, joined river enthusiasts and members of Illinois River Sweep at a houseboat press conference to promote the "It's Our River Day" events that will stream across Illinois this Saturday, Sept. 16.
Events will occur in various locations along the Illinois River including: Banner, Bartonville, Bath, Beardstown, Browning, Chillicothe, East Peoria, Fond-du-Lac Park District, Grafton, Hardin, Havana, Hennepin, Henry, Lacon, Lake Meredosia, Lemont, Liverpool, Macoupin Creek, Meredosia, Naples, Ottawa, Pekin, Peoria, Peru, and Versailles.
It's Our River Day was created by the Illinois River Coordinating Council as a day to celebrate Illinois rivers and watersheds through education, recreation and conservation. The goal of Saturday's statewide celebration is to increase awareness and appreciation of rivers in Illinois, and to honor the natural, cultural and historical resources of Illinois' watersheds. It's Our River Day is celebrated each year on the third Saturday in September.
"The purpose of It's Our River Day is to boost awareness of rivers by offering hands-on conservation activities as well as lively recreational opportunities," Quinn said. "Broad citizen participation is needed to protect our natural resources, and It's Our River Day is an important organizing tool for private and public agencies concerned with protecting our water."
Illinoisans today rely on rivers for drinking water, transporting goods and nature-based recreation and tourism. Nearly 50 communities, supported by businesses, clubs, nonprofits organizations, municipalities and others will host more than 60 educational, recreational, and beautification activities across the state.
"The rivers of Illinois are increasingly becoming attractive tourist destinations. Activities like bird-watching, fishing, paddling and boating generate revenue for many towns along the rivers," Quinn said. "Any investment of time or money in the preservation and protection of our waterways is an investment in the future of Illinois."
Quinn was joined at the houseboat press conference by many river enthusiasts including, Jo Skoglund, of Friends of the Illinois River and coordinator of Illinois River Sweep, John Mullen, captain of Peoria River Sweep, and John Eakle, captain of East Peoria River Sweep and owner of the East Port Marina houseboat.
As Lt. Governor, Quinn is chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council, a diverse group of citizens, grassroots and not-for-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and river enthusiasts. The council coordinates private and public funding for land and waterway restoration in the Illinois River watershed.
A list of the 2006 "It's Our River Day" events can be found on the Lt. Gov's website at: www.Cleanwater.il.gov.
*In the case of inclement weather, event will be held on the marina deck*
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