12th Biennial Governor's Conference Moves Forward on the Management of the Illinois River System

With the theme "Looking Back, Moving Forward," the 12^th Biennial Governor's conference on the Management of the Illinois River System, co-sponsored by Illinois EPA, will tackle a full agenda of river-related issues on Oct. 20-22 at Peoria's Hotel Pere Marquette.

                                                                                                   

Registration materials are available online now at http://www.conferences.uiuc.edu/ilriver or by calling the University of Illinois Office of Conferences and Institutes toll free at 877-455-2687.

 

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will host an evening public forum as part of the Illinois River Coordinating Council meeting on Oct. 20.  Earlier that day, a conservation-focused tour of the Illinois River watershed south of Peoria includes visits to Emiquon wetland complex, the largest wetland restoration in the country, a tour of Dickson Mounds Museum where exhibits detail the 12,000-year history of human habitation of this area, a stop at the region's newest wind farm that provides green energy, and a visit to a U.S. Geological Survey streamgage site where streamflow data is collected and transmitted.  This all-day tour, which is open to the public on a first-come basis, costs $40 and includes lunch. 

 

Bob Kustra, who as Illinois lieutenant governor chaired the first Illinois River Coordinating Council in 1997, will provide the historic perspective, looking back on 12 years of implementing the integrated management plan for the river.  Also on Oct. 21, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood is scheduled as the luncheon speaker, highlighting his current role as well as his active participation as a congressman in Illinois river issues.

 

A morning panel of legal experts will focus on water law and court interpretation.  Marc Miller, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will moderate several afternoon panels on ecosystem services.

 

Concurrent sessions will offer perspectives on advancements in agricultural technology, the economic and societal benefits of healthy ecosystems, and success across Illinois in local community actions such as stormwater management and shoreline protection.  Habitat restoration, community development and sediment monitoring are among topics on Oct. 22.

 

The conference offers opportunities for attendees to network with a variety of resource professionals, scientists and river enthusiasts.  Exhibits as well as an interactive showcase of digital technologies will introduce attendees to resources available online or through various agencies. A 44-member planning committee and at least 30 sponsoring local, state and federal agencies, organizations and businesses are involved with the success of the conference.

 

The full conference registration fee, which includes five meals as well as an opening reception, is $175 if received by Sept. 30.  The Wednesday-only fee is $115, while the Thursday-only fee is $75.  Fees postmarked after Sept. 30 increase by $40.  On-site registration increases by another $5 per day.  The Hotel Pere Marquette has set aside a group room block with special rates until September 29.

 

The full conference schedule, including speaker biographies and abstracts, is available online at http://www.conferences.uiuc.edu/ilriver or by calling Michelle toll free at 877-455-2687.