Protect Wetlands in Illinois
Illinois no longer has strong, statewide protection for wetlands, putting species like the state-endangered American Bittern at serious risk.
Vulnerable marsh birds need wetlands to survive, while communities across Illinois depend on wetlands to hold onto floodwater, help keep our water clean, and store harmful carbon pollution.
Urge your Illinois state lawmakers to support The Wetlands Protection Act (SB2401/HB3596), which would enact state-level protections for Illinois wetlands.
As a constituent who cares deeply about the future of Illinois birds, I am asking you to support The Wetlands Protection Act, which would enact a permitting program to protect Illinois wetlands.
Illinois has already lost 90 percent of its historic wetlands, and we're seeing the impact in declining marsh bird populations across the state, including species like the state-endangered American Bittern.
In addition to providing wildlife habitat, wetlands help keep our water clean, and store harmful carbon pollution. They support Illinois' economy, by absorbing a massive amount of precipitation to protect communities from costly and damaging flooding. As places for people to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors, they support outdoor recreation that generates $21.9 billion to Illinois' economy and supports more than 170,000 jobs.
Nearly 80 percent of Illinoisans support protections for outdoor areas, including wetlands, prairies and forests, according to polling from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
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Please support the Wetlands Protection Act (SB2401/HB3596) to protect Illinois' wetlands so they can continue to support birds, clean water and resilient communities.
