HR0047 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0047 LRB103 30238 ECR 56666 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Soil loss from sheet and ephemeral gully erosion is a major issue in Madison County, totaling over $9,000,000 of resource loss annually; and

WHEREAS, Eroded soil has contributed to sedimentation of ditches, ponds, lakes, wetlands, streams, rivers, and other areas, increasing the possibility of flooding and environmental degradation; and

WHEREAS, Agricultural and urban lands contribute to runoff, which pollutes the water supply; and

WHEREAS, The major water quality impairments in Madison County are sediment, nutrients, pesticides, heavy metals, fecal coliform, and pathogens; and

WHEREAS, Urban development in Madison County has significantly increased water runoff and is causing the potential for increased soil erosion and downstream flooding; and

WHEREAS, Most urban development has been on prime farmland, and more farmland is being used by new, large farms to cultivate cash crops in former pasture and hay fields, expediting soil erosion; and

WHEREAS, Urban development has caused fragmentation of wildlife habitats in former farmland, woodland, and other natural areas, causing a major negative impact on species diversity in Madison County; and

WHEREAS, Air quality due to industrial activity is also an issue, which is compounded by wind erosion of sandy soils in the American Bottom; and

WHEREAS, The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was organized under the Illinois Soil Conservation Act in 1945 to conserve soil, water, wildlife, and forest resources of Madison County; and

WHEREAS, The Madison County SWCD mission statement is "to continue to guide landowners, farmers, municipalities, developers, contractors, and others to the wise use of our natural resources"; and

WHEREAS, The Madison County SWCD has been proactive in confronting these environmental concerns through providing technical assistance to landowners, local units of government, developers, contractors, and other stakeholders to assist them in planning and applying conservation measures, including to landowners participating in the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Bill Conservation Programs; and

WHEREAS, The Madison County SWCD also provides education programs to help students and other members of the public understand the economic and environmental benefits of natural resource conservation; and

WHEREAS, The Madison County SWCD provides inspections on storm water permits as issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, The Madison County SWCD assists the Madison County Planning and Development Office, cooperates with State agencies, and develops annual reports highlighting accomplishments and progress in addressing natural resource issues in the county; and

WHEREAS, The Madison County SWCD provides planning, survey, and design for the State of Illinois Partners for Conservation Program and provides onsite technical visits for resource management; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District on its 75th anniversary and acknowledge the contributions made by its directors who have impacted the health of the people, land, and communities of their county for the better; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District and its officers, Chair Jason Hirsch, Vice Chair Lisa Coverdale, Treasurer Tim Palmer, Co-Treasurer Frederick Martens, and Secretary Tom Moss as an expression of our respect and esteem for a successful first 75 years of service on the front lines of resource conservation in Illinois.