Illinois’ treasure

I greatly appreciate the foresight and effort of numerous citizens who worked to protect and the preserve the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. This is the only river in Illinois to receive state and national scenic river protection (since 1989) for its pristine quality and historical and ecological significance.

My family and friends have found this to be a wonderful treasure and gift in east central Illinois to canoe, to hike, to tube and to celebrate the beauty of the natural world. We even selected the river as a site for our children’s baptism to signify the connection between the rivers in our state, country and continent and to affirm clean water is our vital life source. We are very grateful to be able to interact with and explore the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, a living museum in our state that includes prairie remnants and the Collins Archaeological Complex.

I ask that the next elected governor of Illinois make the preservation of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River a priority. It takes constant vigilance to keep the river in pristine condition for future generations. Presently, the river is threatened by coal ash pits that contain chemicals hazardous to humans and wildlife. Please make it a priority to protect the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River for the health and benefit for the citizens of Illinois and the thousands of others who visit it from other states and countries each year.

— Sharon Monday, Urbana, Ill.