The 273-mile long Illinois River, which flows from Chicago to Grafton, currently faces serious problems of sedimentation and erosion. The 12th Biennial Governor’s Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System, “Looking Back, Moving Forward” took place in Peoria this week, and addressed these issues head on.

Leaders from federal, state and local agencies and members of the University community came together to bring awareness to the issues of the river system.

The conference is not only part of Illinois River Management Month, but also coincides with “Live Green Week,” a series of events sponsored by groups at the University aimed at promoting environmental awareness. Events included a Recycled Rhythms Concert Wednesday and a Green Film Festival Friday.

William White, geomorphologist for the University Institute of Natural Resources Sustainability, served as a co-chair for the conference. He said the involvement of students with issues of the Illinois River is continuously growing. He said the institute is currently developing an Illinois River Student Jobs Program in conjunction with the Illinois State Water Survey and the Heartland Water Resources Council. It will serve as an educational program in which students can learn about river restoration and community development techniques in a natural environment.

The program will potentially offer compensation or academic credit for participants, he added.

According to the conference Web site, the agenda was designed to bring the latest developments to those working to protect the Illinois River System for future generations. This included the attendance of Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The Illinois River Coordinating Council, which Gov. Quinn chairs, held a public forum at the conference Tuesday, addressing policies for the preservation of the watershed, an essential aspect to the economics and recreation the river offers. Quinn and LaHood were honored for their leadership and dedication in protecting the Illinois River with an inscribed rock on the Peoria riverfront dedicated during the conference.

Robert Frazee, an extension educator with the University in natural resources management, has served as co-chair for the conference for over 20 years, starting with the first conference in 1987.

“The University is important to this conference because it serves as an unbiased resource,” Frazee said.

He said the long term management of the river is science-based, and the research being conducted on campus surrounding natural resource-related issues is very helpful. The issues discussed at the conference are relevant to many of the courses and seminars held on campus, he said.

Frazee added students on campus can help preserve the Illinois River by conserving water at home and managing pet waste responsibly.

Daniel Elbert, grad student and president of the student chapter of the Wildlife Society, said he recognizes the importance of the Illinois River to the environment.

“We must understand how we fit into our surroundings,” Elbert said.

He said several group members recently traveled to the Illinois River near Havana, Ill. on one of their Student Naturalist Programs.

Randy McConnell, senior in ACES who is majoring in natural resources and environmental sciences, said the Illinois River affects more people than one may think.

“There are so many things like ecosystems that are linked to the Illinois River,” McConnell said. “Countless species rely on rivers to survive.”

McConnell said students should care more about the environment because they are a part of it. He added students should make sure they are recycling and supporting sustainable businesses.

“A lot of people don’t realize how much their life is impacted by the environment,” McConnell said.