Last month we posted Public Access to Illinois Waterways, that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was working on the development of a revised State Water Plan, and announced the opportunity for the public to review the recommendations and provide feedback.
Menard County Trails & Greenways provided the following comments. (see below). Public feedback will be used to further develop a State Water Plan Draft Report, and public outreach meetings will be held in November 2021 to allow input to the report. We’ll keep you posted.
Dear Illinois State Water Plan Task Force,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the revised water plan for the State of Illinois. To this end, Menard County Trails and Greenways (MCTG) submits the following key priorities for consideration by the Illinois State Water Plan Task Force. MCTG is a nonprofit organization in central Illinois that promotes the development and use of a network of land and water trails that connect people to natural and cultural resources, encourages recreation, and advances the conservation of the county’s unique natural and cultural resources for the benefit of all. One important water source that our group works to protect is the Sangamon River, which flows through Menard County.
Key water plan priorities:
Water quality: Strengthen efforts to reduce runoff of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and road salt, which may cause significant environmental damage when found in rivers and lakes; enforce anti-littering laws.
Access to waterways: Support and promote the use of rivers by non consumptive and low-impact craft such as canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards. There are many not-for-profit organizations in our state that are working on creating water trails, which by definition, require access/egress points within reasonable distances for paddlers to launch and exit. Such sites do not need much infrastructure, but most importantly, permission to access the waterway.
Low-head dam removal: Fund low-head dam removal projects to eliminate “drowning machines” and improve the free flow of rivers, fish habitat and connected ecosystems, as well as recreational opportunities for individuals using the river to fish, paddle, boat, or simply enjoy nature.
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide input on the revised water plan. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to learning more about the final water plan.
Jennifer Satorius
Vice President, Menard County Trails & Greenways
Join us on Saturday, June 12, at 9:00 AM for our Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup. With a full crew it should only take about an hour.
Meet at the main entrance to New Salem off Rte. 97 at 9:00 AM to take care of our 2-mile IDOT Adopt-A-Highway segment that runs from the south edge of New Salem to the south end of Petersburg.
Trash bags and safety vests supplied (if you have one our safety vests please bring it).
Please wear gloves, long pants, closed-toed shoes or boots. Please follow current CDC guidelines for Covid.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources working on the development of a revised State Water Plan. The public is invited to review the recommendations by the Task Force of each critical issue and provide feedback to ensure that the project is addressing everybody’s most important water-related needs in IL. Virtual public hearings (identical) were held May 25-27 by IDNR at
Prior to the Live Meetings, DNR suggest that you listen to the Recorded Summary to obtain a brief overview about each of the 13 identified critical issues. The presentation has been provided in both a video or slideshow format to allow viewing options.
Eric Freyfogle, Research Professor of Law, Swanlund Chair Emeritus, University of Illinois College of Law at Champaign, IL has offered his public comments for viewing. Download his comments here.
You can use the following public survey links to provide comments and input into the State Water Plan development. Public comments can be submitted through June 18, 2021 using the survey platform or by sending comments or survey responses to the email address below.
This casual 9-mile ride to Concord Cemetery will end with refreshments at Hand of Fate Brewing Co. This is a joint venture with the Springfield Bicycle Club. The average speed will be around 9-10 mph, but the group will determine the pace. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome! Don’t forget your helmets and water. Tail lights are strongly encouraged.
Ride your bike where Abe Lincoln rode his horse! Meet at the Menard County Courthouse in Petersburg for a 29-mile ride on the Lincoln Highway and rural roads with stops at four historic sites. After a short rest stop at the Trading Post in Oakford we’ll head back to Petersburg for refreshments at Hand of Fate Brewing Co. This is a joint venture with the Springfield Bicycle Club. Here’s a cool Trails & Greenways blog about the route: https://menardcountytrailsandgreenways.org/cat…/bicycling/. The average speed will be around 12-14 mph, but the group will determine the pace.
The Menard County Trails & Greenways bi-monthly board meeting will take place in person for the first time in a long time!
We’ll gather around a campfire — so bring your own chair.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please be COVID aware. If you’ve not been vaccinated stay at least 6′ apart from others. If you’re feeling ill or have been exposed, please stay home.
MCTG, Trees Forever, Starhill Arboretum and Three Pines Petersburg are teaming up to host a workshop on Growing Healthy Trees and Shrubs on May 15th at Three Pines Petersburg. 1:00PM to 3:00PM.
Want to add trees and shrubs to your landscape, but don’t know quite where to start? Got questions about what kind of trees would be best for your property? In partnership with Menard County Trails & Greenways, Debbie Fluegel with Trees Forever and Guy Sternberg with Starhill Arboretum will share tips and tricks about what to plant, where to plant, how to plant, and how to care for your trees and shrubs. The talk will focus on native trees and shrubs in the community and those that are beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife. After the presentation, attendees will get some hands-on experience planting trees and shrubs that are wrapped in burlap.
This event is free and open to the public!
What to bring
Gloves
A chair to sit in during the “classroom” instruction portion
Questions!
Rain date
In the event of rain on May 15th, the event will be rescheduled for the same time on the following day, Sunday, May 16th.
Covid-19 Precautions
Please bring a mask to wear when you’re unable to be at least 6 feet away from other participants.
Do not attend if you are feeling ill or have symptoms.
Earth Day was established in 1970, and is an annual, worldwide event to raise awareness about issues affecting our land, air, and water. On April 2nd, Petersburg Mayor Rick Snyder signed a proclamation encouraging businesses, organizations, and individuals to participate in a city-wide litter clean-up on Earth Day, April 22, 2021, and throughout the year, to make Petersburg and Menard County Communities healthy and environmentally friendly.Continue reading “Petersburg Mayor Signs Earth Day Proclamation “
Rain is in the forecast for Saturday, so we’re postponing to Sunday.
Volunteers needed!
On Saturday, April 24th, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Menard County Trails & Greenways will hold a Garlic Mustard Pull at New Salem State Historic Site.
Rain Date: April 25th – same time!!
Learn how to identify and carefully remove garlic mustard before it goes to seed and further spreads through the area.
Don’t know what garlic mustard is, or why it’s a problem? Check out this short video produced by Iowa State University.
Volunteers will be required to sign a IDNR volunteer form and waiver (available at check in), and all must wear close-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants. Gloves are optional.
Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Spring is a great time to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. Join Menard County Trails & Greenways on April 18th at New Salem State Historic Site to explore the trails on the East Side of the park. Check in at our tent located in the parking lot of the old restaurant. We’ll have:
Volunteers available to describe the various trails and help you decide which one(s) your friends and family might like to explore.
Trail maps available for self-guided exploration.
Guided walks available on the hour from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
What to expect:
Cardinal Trail and Shickshack Trails are each approximately 1 mile in length on the ridge top through the woods; both are relatively flat and kid friendly. Both trails connect to other two other trails–Shady Hollow and Damselfly–which connect to each other at the bottom of the ridge at the Sangamon River. It’s possible to do all four trails for a nice 3.5 to 4 mile hike–though there is significant elevation change to consider.
Recommended: Sturdy footwear and drinking water (we’ll have a water cooler available for refilling your water bottle, but please arrive with a full bottle.)
We’ll be following current CDC guidelines. Please wear a mask and maintain 6 feet between people when interacting with others besides your family or circle of friends.
Earth Day was established in 1970, and is an annual, worldwide event to raise awareness about issues affecting our land, air, and water. On April 2nd, Petersburg Mayor Rick Snyder signed a 
Rain date: May 2nd, 1:00-5:00 PM