Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0337

HR0337 LRB104 13496 LAW 25944 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate The Nature Conservancy on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Emiquon Preserve; and

WHEREAS, The Emiquon Preserve, located along the Illinois River near Lewistown in Fulton County, is one of the largest floodplain restoration projects in the Midwest and a shining example of ecological renewal and conservation success; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 25 years, The Nature Conservancy has worked in close partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, universities, community organizations, and volunteers to return Emiquon to a thriving landscape rich in biodiversity and environmental value; and

WHEREAS, The Emiquon Preserve has become a globally recognized model for large-scale restoration, supporting hundreds of species of birds, fish, and wildlife, including many that are rare or threatened, and offering vital habitat along the Mississippi Flyway; and

WHEREAS, The Emiquon Preserve, in partnership with institutions such as the University of Illinois Springfield and the Illinois Natural History Survey, serves as a living laboratory for scientific research and innovation, and the preserve has contributed to significant advances in ecological science and conservation management; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its environmental importance, the Emiquon Preserve is a valued community asset, providing public access for bird-watching, hiking, fishing, and educational opportunities that connect people to nature and inspire stewardship of our natural world; and

WHEREAS, The Nature Conservancy's 25th anniversary of the Emiquon Preserve represents a profound commitment to conservation, collaboration, and hope for the future of Illinois' wetlands, rivers, and wildlife; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate The Nature Conservancy on the 25th anniversary of the Emiquon Preserve, and we commend its staff, partners, and supporters for their vision, dedication, and accomplishments in restoring and protecting one of Illinois' most important natural treasures; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to The Nature Conservancy as an expression of our esteem and respect.