Clean Water Forever Campaign - Prairie Rivers Network

ILLINOIS, WE HAVE A PROBLEM! ​

​Of the streams that Illinois EPA has assessed for water quality conditions from 2020–2022:

• 40% are too polluted to support aquatic life
• 62% are too polluted to support indigenous aquatic life
• 85% are too polluted to support swimming or direct human contact
• 100%. Yes, 100% are too polluted to support fish consumption

 This is a startling headline, and a grim situation.  The Prairie River Network is aiming to reduce this pollution through their new Clean Water Forever campaign.  

In the video to the right,  Robert Hirschfeld, Director of Water Policy for the Prairie Rivers Network describes the work that the PRN has begun with their Clean Water Forever campaign.   LWV UMRR Chair, Mary Ellen Miller, moderates the session and leads a good discussion after the presentation.  

This campaign that aims to change the way Illinois thinks about and cares for its water. Starting in southern Illinois and working their way north, PRN will support downstream communities by listening to their concerns and helping to identify and implement locally-informed solutions and financial resources. Through these efforts, PRN will support communities as they build climate resiliency and advance their vision for the future.  Clean Water Forever starts with telling the truth about the water quality crisis in the Midwest and ends with finding long-term solutions to protect Illinois communities.

Click here to watch the webinar on YouTube!

Robert Hirschfeld is the Director of Water Policy for the Prairie Rivers Network.  The Prairie Rivers Network is  based in Champaign, Illinois.  

Bio details:  ROBERT HIRSCHFELD, DIRECTOR OF WATER POLICY

​Robert leads PRN's efforts to ensure water quality, water quantity, water access, and water equity for all of Illinois. He advocates and speaks for clean water, river protection, biological integrity, wildlife conservation, and climate mitigation and adaptation. Through collaboration with local, regional, state and national partners, he pursues policies, programs, and strategies that will ensure the long-term health and beauty of 

Illinois’ communities, rivers, and habitat. He also works on many of PRN’s communications and social media campaigns, and he produces videos and podcasts.
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Background: Robert joined PRN in March 2011. Before joining the professional staff, Robert was a legal intern for PRN, working on Clean Water Act compliance and enforcement. Robert sometimes dabbles in music.
Education: B.A. in religion and Asian studies from the University of Puget Sound and a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law

About the Prairie Rivers Network:
The Prairie Rivers Network works to protect water, heal land and inspire change, using the creative power of science, law, and collective action.  Prairie Rivers Network is the independent, state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.
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You can read the PRN 2020-2024 Strategic Plan for more information on their mission and vision for Illinois’ rivers and streams.  Here are links to information about PRN's organization:
                                                                                           MISSION & HISTORY
                                                                                           ACCOMPLISHMENTS
                                                                                           BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                                                                                           STAFF