Post by Logan on Jun 5, 2016 3:04:09 GMT -6
The U.S. Department of the Interior has designated the entire length of the Kankakee River as a National Recreational Trail — giving efforts to develop it as a tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts a critical boost.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell made the announcement on Friday following nearly two years of lobbying for federal recognition by environmental groups in both Illinois and Indiana. It includes the entire 133-mile length of the river in both states. The Kankakee River now is one of only three water trails in Illinois to receive such a designation.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, who advocated for the action, was joined by state and federal lawmakers in both states in supporting the trail. U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Illinois, and U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Indiana, also supported it.
"This is a big victory for boaters, canoeists, nature lovers, conservationists and anyone who enjoys life along the Kankakee River," Kelly said. "This new designation will help preserve the river, protect its natural habitats, increase tourism and create economic opportunities for the many riverside communities in both states."
Read more: www.daily-journal.com/news/local/kankakee-river-gets-national-designation/article_c8b8930a-9cb0-52ff-bab5-b7be84968f27.html
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell made the announcement on Friday following nearly two years of lobbying for federal recognition by environmental groups in both Illinois and Indiana. It includes the entire 133-mile length of the river in both states. The Kankakee River now is one of only three water trails in Illinois to receive such a designation.
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, who advocated for the action, was joined by state and federal lawmakers in both states in supporting the trail. U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Illinois, and U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Indiana, also supported it.
"This is a big victory for boaters, canoeists, nature lovers, conservationists and anyone who enjoys life along the Kankakee River," Kelly said. "This new designation will help preserve the river, protect its natural habitats, increase tourism and create economic opportunities for the many riverside communities in both states."
Read more: www.daily-journal.com/news/local/kankakee-river-gets-national-designation/article_c8b8930a-9cb0-52ff-bab5-b7be84968f27.html