Wow, Has it been a year already? At the beginning of the year I discussed the following five priorities for the IPC, coming from last year’s paddlers’ survey
- Development of Water Trails and Access Points.
- Advocacy
- Safety and Education
- Stewardship
- Our Web Page and Online Presence
So how have we done? Some Highlights of the year
- Establish the Banner Marsh water trail, outside of Peoria IL
- New launch site on the Little Calumet
- Ongoing participation in Algonquin and Carpentersville Riverfront Planning
- Paddler Participation lead to the fact that St Charles voted for White Water park: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20150915/news/150919145/?utm_content=buffer927a8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
- Legislative initiative to exempt out of state paddlers from the Usage Stamp when participating in paddling events
- Ongoing efforts of the River Closure Task Force
- Chartered a new Paddling Safety Task Force
- New web site and new newsletter format
- Continuing stewardship efforts of Water TrailKeepers
I would like to think that we are heading in the right direction, but still have a lot to do! Should anyone want to take a more active role in the IPC, I would welcome the increased participation. There are a number of board positions available. Please feel free to contact me so we can discuss how to get involved.
Tom Eckels,
President, Illinois Paddling Council
Program Manager, Illinois Water TrailKeepers
847-863-7046
