HR0688 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0688 LRB097 15973 HEP 61124 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Pecatonica River enters Illinois at Stephenson County north of Winslow and continues through northern Illinois until it joins the Rock River in Winnebago County near Rockton; and

WHEREAS, Significant potential exists for recreational boat use on the Pecatonica River and other streams in Stephenson and Winnebago Counties; and

WHEREAS, Significant public investment has been made by local units of government at Tutty's Crossing Trailhead, McNeil's Damascus Landing, and McConnell's Bobtown Landing to provide access to the Pecatonica River for motorized and non-motorized recreational boat use, stewardship, and environmental education; and

WHEREAS, The waters of the Pecatonica River and other streams in Stephenson and Winnebago Counties, Illinois, are of good quality for recreational uses by boaters; and

WHEREAS, The creation of a Pecatonica River Water Trail and other potential water trails would add to local residents' quality of life, both economically and recreationally, and would encourage increased tourism to the area; and

WHEREAS, It is in the public interest of this State to encourage a cooperative effort within the local governmental units to further develop and enhance the Pecatonica River Water Trail; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the Pecatonica River from the Illinois State line to the mouth of Pecatonica River at its confluence with the Rock River in Winnebago County the Pecatonica River Water Trail; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Pecatonica River Water Trail will extend from stream bank to stream bank of the Pecatonica River at normal high water levels, not flood level, and shall not infringe on the rights of private property owners along the waterway or the authority of the Department of Natural Resources; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we endorse the work of neighboring jurisdictions and relevant conservation groups on design and planning issues related to coordination of river development activities when such circumstances arise; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we endorse the efforts of other governmental partners to work in an expeditious manner to achieve the development of the water trail prior to or, alternatively, in conjunction with new development as it occurs on a parcel-by-parcel basis along that waterway; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Director of Natural Resources and the county boards of Stephenson County and Winnebago County.