State-by-State Wrap Up: Illinois

I’m following up with state leaders to get their thoughts after Great Lakes Day – finding out how the lobbying went and how everyone back home can get involved. Here’s my email interview with Joel Brammeier of Alliance for the Great Lakes:

How did it go? How were legislators and staff reacting to the Great Lakes message?

I’ve never seen members of Congress so anxious to demonstrate leadership on Great Lakes issues. From education to appropriations, legislators want a piece of the action and know that restoration is going to pay dividends for the Great Lakes

The Illinois coast is unique among the Great Lakes states – it’s almost all very urban and includes the Chicago diversion, which takes some of Illinois out of the watershed. What political and environmental issues does this bring up for Illinois activists for Great Lakes restoration?

Illinois residents should be aware of the tremendous benefits they already receive from being part of the Great Lakes watershed, but also what they’ve lost – clean healthy beaches, natural coastlines and native fish. Illinois is a Great Lakes state through and through and will benefit from the unique restoration projects possible in an urban setting.

Why is Lake Michigan important to the Chicago area? Why should we try to keep it healthy?

Number one, we drink it. Number two, it drives our economy. And after that, what more reason do you need? From booming coastal tourism in Chicago to charter boats to the anglers boaters to the family day at the beach, Lake Michigan defines metro Chicago.

What can people in Illinois do to get involved with Great lakes and wetland restoration?

Let your member of Congress know it’s a priority to you. If you live in a coastal community, ask your local parks department and municipal offices to join efforts like the Lake Michigan Watershed Ecosystem Partnership to help target public dollars toward restoration. Volunteer with the Alliance for the Great Lakes through its Adopt-a-Beach and Coastal Allies Network program, where you restore the Great Lakes on the ground as well as in Springfield and Washington DC.

If I’m a busy Chicagoan who loves the Lakes with time only for three letters or phone calls to legislators or newspapers, where should those go and what should they be about?

Write your member of Congress and ask for more money, cleaner water and better habitat for the Great Lakes. Write an editorial letter to a community newspaper or for your church, school or boat club. Finally, get involved with your local agency that manages land in the Lake Michigan basin, like the Chicago Park District. Restoration starts close to home.

LINKS:
Alliance for the Great Lakes' Adopt-a-Beach Program Sign Up
Lake Michigan Ecosystem Partnership
Chicago Park District