<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=UTF-8">
<html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)">
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="State"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="place"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name="PersonName"/>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS Sans Serif";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:sans-serif;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
color:windowtext;
font-weight:normal;
font-style:normal;
text-decoration:none none;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
</head>
<body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple>
<div class=Section1>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:14.0pt'>BCN</span></font></st1:PersonName>net friends<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><o:p> </o:p></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Your help is needed. Governor Blagojevich recently eliminated 87
experienced professionals in the Department of Natural Resources, positions
vitally important to bird conservation. Although the budget deficit has
required all state agencies to have their budgets cut between 3 and 4 %, he has
disproportionately reduced the DNR’s budget 14%!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><o:p> </o:p></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Recently, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn announced the Conservation
Initiative to provide additional funding for conservation programs, and to
restore some funds to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The measure
is essential for managing, protecting, and maintaining <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State>’ natural resources for
present and future generations. Please do your part. Many thanks,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><o:p> </o:p></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Donnie <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><o:p> </o:p></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Donald R. Dann<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>On behalf of the Executive Committee<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Bird Conservation Network<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Ph/Fx: 847-266-2222<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Cell: 847-997-1011<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Email: <a href="mailto:donniebird@yahoo.com">donniebird@yahoo.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><o:p> </o:p></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><o:p> </o:p></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'>Background:</span></font><font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <br>
<br>
</span></font>The Conservation Initiative would provide approximately $25
million to conservation programs and natural resource agencies by closing a 20
year-old tax loophole that is unnecessary and redundant. The landfill gas
subsidy stems from the 1980s Retail Rate Law.<font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
<br>
</span></font>The Conservation Initiative would fund programs like Conservation
2000 at the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program which:<font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <br>
<br>
</span></font><font face=Symbol><span style='font-family:Symbol'>· </span></font>Invest
in restoration to improve water quality, wildlife habitat and populations, and
reduce problems from <font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font> sediment and other pollutants; and, <font
size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font><font face=Symbol><span style='font-family:Symbol'>· </span></font>Provide
adequate funding for staff and programs so that Illinois residents and visitors
can enjoy Illinois’ <font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font> natural areas and take part in
healthy outdoor activities. <font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <br>
<br>
</span></font>Funding from the Illinois Conservation Initiative through the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program would conserve and restore more than
20,000 acres of <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State>
land. Providing the state match for this program would leverage an
additional $40 million in federal funding. <font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
<br>
<br>
</span></font>To support the Conservation Initiative, please:<font size=2
face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>
<br>
<br>
</span></font>1. Visit Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn’s
website to sign an on-line petition, and to learn more <font size=2
face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font> (<u><font color=blue><span
style='color:blue'><a href="http://www.Conservation2005.il.gov"
title="http://www.conservation2005.il.gov/">www.Conservation2005.il.gov</a></span></font></u>);
<font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
<br>
</span></font>2. Contact your state legislators via
mail, e-mail or telephone to let them know that you support the
<font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font> Conservation Initiative. To
find the mail and e-mail addresses of your state senator and representative,
point <font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font> your browser here (<u><font
color=blue><span style='color:blue'><a
href="http://www.elections.state.il.us/DLS/Pages/DLSAddressCrit.asp"
title="http://www.elections.state.il.us/DLS/Pages/DLSAddressCrit.asp">http://www.elections.state.il.us/DLS/Pages/DLSAddressCrit.asp</a></span></font></u>),
and enter your home <font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font> address or zip code + 4; and, <font
size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
<br>
</span></font>3. Sign up for e-mail action alerts to
keep abreast of developments regarding the Conservation Initiative and <font
size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font> other water quality related topics.
<u><font color=blue><span style='color:blue'><a
href="http://www.state.il.us/ltgov/forms/action_reg.aspx"
title="http://www.state.il.us/ltgov/forms/action_reg.aspx">http://www.state.il.us/ltgov/forms/action_reg.aspx</a></span></font></u><font
size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>
<br>
</span></font> <font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
</span></font>Thanks for taking action on this important initiative. <font
size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>
<br>
<br>
</span></font><font size=2 face=sans-serif><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:sans-serif'>* * * </span></font><font size=2 face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><br>
<br>
</span></font><font face=sans-serif><span style='font-family:sans-serif'>Marc
Miller, Senior Policy Advisor</span></font><font face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <br>
</span></font><font face=sans-serif><span style='font-family:sans-serif'>Office
of Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn</span></font><font face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <br>
</span></font><font face=sans-serif><span style='font-family:sans-serif'>Room
214 State House</span></font><font face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-family:
"MS Sans Serif"'> <br>
</span></font><font face=sans-serif><span style='font-family:sans-serif'>Springfield,
IL 62706-4700</span></font><font face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-family:
"MS Sans Serif"'> <br>
</span></font><font face=sans-serif><span style='font-family:sans-serif'>Phone
217-557-5625</span></font><font face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <br>
</span></font><font face=sans-serif><span style='font-family:sans-serif'>Fax
217-524-6262</span></font><font face="MS Sans Serif"><span
style='font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>******************************* From
the <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State>
Environmental Council:*********************************<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>Last week the Department of Natural
Resources<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>eliminated 87 staff positions. The <st1:State
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>Environmental Council and Partners for
Parks and<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>Wildlife attempted a last ditch effort to
save the<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>jobs by pushing for an additional $2
million to be<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>appropriated to DNR to support those jobs
through the<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>end of the fiscal year. There wound up
being a<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>supplemental appropriation bill that passed
last week,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>but we were unable to get money included
for these<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>positions. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>In the meantime, Representative Mike Boland
has<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>introduced HB 214, which would make the
appropriation<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>and restore the positions. Also, Lt. Gov.
Pat Quinn<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>has proposed eliminating the Retail Rate
tax credit<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>for landfill operators generating
electricity from<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>landfill gas (worth $25 million), and using
some of<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>the money to save these jobs, with the
remainder going<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>to fund Conservation 2000 and the
Conservation Reserve<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>Enhancement Program (CREP).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>You can TAKE ACTION by sending a letter to
Governor<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>Blagojevich, Budget Director Filan, and
your State<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>Senator and Representative in support of HB
214!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'>Please go to<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'><a
href="http://www.illinoisactionproject.org/showalert.asp?aaid=612."
title="http://www.illinoisactionproject.org/showalert.asp?aaid=612.">http://www.illinoisactionproject.org/showalert.asp?aaid=612.</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="MS Sans Serif"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt;font-family:"MS Sans Serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
14.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>