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Environmental Interests Given Voice in Drainage Project DecisionChampaign, December 31, 2003: Yesterday, in Champaign County circuit court, Judge Michael Jones denied Prairie Rivers Network's request to intervene as objectors to the Upper Salt Fork Drainage Districtâs plan to clear-cut trees and dredge the river as far north as Rantoul. Emphasizing the importance of the environmental issues in this case, however, the Judge invited Prairie Rivers to participate as a "friend of the court". Judge Jones noted the valuable information that had already been provided to the court by Prairie Rivers.Yesterdayâs court decision means that Prairie Rivers, as a public interest group, cannot legally object to the first phase of the $588,000 project being proposed by the drainage district, but will still be able to provide important input in the court's decision making process. "We are pleased to accept the judgeâs invitation to participate as a 'friend of the court' by making our drainage, engineering and environmental expertise available to the Drainage District and to the Court," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "We are also delighted that Judge Jones emphasized that under Illinois law it is the responsibility of the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District to protect environmental values, and that all parties now have sixty days to work together, consult experts, and share information. " "Prairie Rivers is committed to finding reasonable and modern ways to accommodate the need for drainage and the need to protect fish, wildlife and other environmental values. We are already taking steps to exchange information with all parties in a systematic and focused manner. Open dialogue is the most important thing that can happen now. We believe all parties and the citizens of Champaign County will benefit as a result." # # # | |