Canoe Trip/Macrosites

          MANNING AND SIEBEN CANOE DOWN THE ROCK RIVER

     SPRINGFIELD, ILL., Aug. 22, 1995 -- Calling it a resource rich
in biological diversity and uncompromising beauty, Department of
Natural Resources Director Brent Manning and State Sen. Todd Sieben
(R-Geneseo) kicked off a two-day canoe trip down the Rock River to
highlight the importance of the Rock River Valley.

     The area is being designated as a new macrosite through the
Conservation 2000 program proposed by Governor Jim Edgar and
approved by the Legislature this year.

     "The macrosite concept is predicated on partnerships," Manning
said. "These partnerships are the key to making the whole thing
work. While the program is beneficial to both the natural resources
and the landowners, it must be emphasized that agreements are
voluntary."

     "Designating the Rock River Valley as a macrosite is important
not only for promoting the recreational and tourism business in the
region, but also for preserving and protecting those very valuable
and beautiful park and natural resources, including plants and
wildlife, that make this part of the state such a wonderful place
in which to live," Sieben said. "While doing this, we want to
ensure ample opportunity for public input, taking into
consideration the rights and concerns of private property owners."

     Manning and Sieben are visiting several state parks, meeting
with several officials from the city of Oregon, opening the new DNR
office in Oregon, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of Lowden State Park and holding a press conference
to discuss Conservation 2000 and the Rock River macrosite.

     The new DNR office is located at the corner of Second Street
and Route 64 in Oregon.

     Daniel A. Cotter of Oregon signed a letter of intent today to
develop a riparian corridor and woodland area on his property along
Pine Creek, a high quality stream and a Rock River tributary.
Donald and Cloette Sturner of Oregon also have agreed to a riparian
easement on their property along the Rock River. These conservation
easements are the first with private landowners for the Rock River
macrosite.

     A relatively new concept, macrosites typically have one or
more significant ecological features or natural resource areas.
They can be large individual sites, or a series of small areas
managed together as a unit.

     The plan for the new Rock River macrosite is still being
formulated and will generally follow riparian corridors. Sites that
might be included are Lowden-Miller State Forest and Lowden, White
Pines, Franklin Creek and Castle Rock state parks, Weld Memorial
Park on Walnut Creek in Ogle County, and the Nature Conservancy's
Nachusa Grasslands.

     Conservation 2000 is a six-year, $100 million program to
protect and manage the state's natural resources.

     The establishment of macrosites is specifically called for in
Conservation 2000, which provides $825,000 for Fiscal Year 1996 for
macrosite planning and coordination, incentives to landowners,
expansion of DNR facilities and operations within macrosites, and
educational materials. 

# # #

CONTACT: 217/785-0970
FAX: 217/785-9236
TDD: 217/785-9175