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Our Accomplishments
Since its
beginning in early 2001, the La Moine River Ecosystem Partnership
has worked to create a grassroots organization that strives to
preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources in our region.
We are also part of a larger statewide network of watershed
conservation efforts (Conservation 2000); spearheaded by Illinois
Department of Natural Resources to distribute funding throughout the
state for worthy conservation projects.
Below is a list
of our accomplishments:
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We
developed a strong volunteer base.
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We
gathered information about the people and resources within
our Partnership’s boundaries. This was accomplished in several
ways : we held public meetings to get input from all
interested stakeholders; administered surveys amongst
landowners, educators, and general residents, and composed a
technical data collection committee of biologists,
botanists, soil scientists, water experts, etc. We also hired a
helicopter fly-over to film footage of some major
tributaries of the La Moine River watershed.
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We then
developed a glossy brochure to use for publicity purposes.
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We used all the information we gathered to
create a Watershed Plan for our entire watershed region.
This Plan is a key factor necessary to secure grants from state
and federal sources—to bring money into West Central Illinois.
Our volunteers
have worked diligently to bring these state and federal funding
to area to make conservation and restoration efforts possible.
We have designated priority areas within our boundaries and
work to
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identify
on-the-ground projects
that fit into
our five Partnership goals (see below) and
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connect
landowners with available conservation programs
So far we have
received :
·
nine C-2000 grants (IDNR)----totaling $256,400 (including additional
funds leveraged)
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$500,000 Illinois EPA grants
Examples:
·
Hutchins/Wolf
Ecosystem Restoration Project
--160ac livestock grazing operation: cattle fencing, crossings,
streambank stabilization, riparian buffers, erosion control, wetland
restoration, watering system, pasture management. Funded by
C2000, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation
Service, Trees Forever, & the Landowner
·
La Moine
Livestock Initiative-Funding
assistance through IEPA and USDA for livestock operators in the
upper parts of the water
·
Thistle Hills
Grassland Bird Habitat Development
- Establishment of native short grass prairie on 13 acres of
existing cropland within Thistle Hills Land and Water Reserve. Will
provide nesting habitat for grassland-sensitive breeding birds.
·
Hill prairie
restoration
in Brown Co.--Exotic species removal and controlled fire
·
LEAP Grants
( Lake Education and Assistance Program) funded by IEPA—purchased a
non-point source pollution table top model to assist in providing
educational programs throughout our area schools.
Gully
Stabilization—Stabilized
the banks and stopped erosion on a 300 ft gully draining into the La
Moine River. Funded by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
·
Wetland
Restoration in Hancock County:
Restored 8acres of wetland and seeded with native plants. Funded
by US Fish and Wildlife Agency
Our organization goals are the following:
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Goal 1
Facilitating the management, restoration, and
preservation of natural communities and biodiversity.
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Goal 2
Supporting the improvement and protection of water resources
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Goal 3
Advancing efforts that contribute to a reduction in soil erosion
and sedimentation.
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Goal 4
Enhancing awareness of issues relating to ecosystem
management and protection.
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Goal 5
Promote the use of land and water resources for recreation
Our fiduciary agent is Two Rivers Resource
Conservation & Development (RC&D )based out of Pittsfield, IL and we
have a consultant from IL Dept of Natural Resources who works
diligently with us to accomplish these goals. |
