McHenry County Blog

An email from the McHenry County Environmental Defenders:

Member Action Alert

Please call your legislators about fracking in Illinois today!

Today the Illinois House Executive Committee is expected to consider SB1715, which contains measures to regulate high-volume horizontal fracturing, or “fracking” for gas in Illinois.

The Environmental Defenders and the Illinois Environmental Council, of which we are a part, oppose fracking in Illinois. Fracking poses grave dangers to our communities, land, air, and water; and contributes to the continued destabilization of our climate.

The safest and smartest way to protect ourselves would be to immediately enact a moratorium to allow for thorough study of the risks of fracking and to learn from the experiences in other states and major health studies currently underway.

Sadly, fracking is legal in our state today, and evidence suggests that in fact it is already occurring, putting our citizens and environment at grave risk.

With dangerous fracking likely already underway in Illinois, it is urgent that the act General Assembly before adjourning the Spring session.

So please call your legislators at their Springfield offices (numbers listed below) to make the following points:

1. Even though the two bills that would have placed a 2 year moratorium on fracking are dead, we still ask that they institute such a moratorium.
2. If a moratorium is simply not possible, we ask that they support SB1715, which contains strong regulations for controlling fracking.
3. Point out how imperative it is that they act before they leave Springfield for the summer. Otherwise fracking companies may simply move in and begin fracking in our state under our current pre-World War II era oil and gas regulations.

Legislators for McHenry County:

• Representative Mike Tryon: (217) 782-0432
• Representative Jack Franks: (217) 782 -1717
• Representative Barb Wheeler: (217) 782 – 1664
• Senator Pam Althoff: (217) 782 – 8000
• Sen. Karen McConnaughay (217)-782-1977

(if you do not live in McHenry County, please go to www.ilga.gov to find your legislators)

Please call today!

Thank you for helping to protect our communities and environment in Illinois.
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I note that the Defenders have left out three legislators who represent parts of McHenry County:

• Senator Dan Duffy
• Representative Dave McSweeney
• Representative Tim Schmitz

It is also my understanding that McHenry County’s well water supply is not threatened by fracking. I have heard of no gas or oil reserves under our ground.

$35 gets you into the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Octoberfest at Duke’s Ale House in Crystal Lake Sunday afternoon.

Harvest food, too.

If I read the invitation correctly, only the first 100 can come.

A press release from the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County:

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS ASSISTING IN GROUNDWATER STUDY

WOODSTOCK – The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are providing assistance to the Illinois State Water Survey in a study of the County’s groundwater system.

In the 1990’s the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) conducted a study in which the water level in about 600 McHenry County wells was measured. The wells, mostly residential, were located throughout the county and were individually visited by ISWS staff who measured the water level in each well.

This data enabled the ISWS to map the water levels in our sand and gravel aquifers and resulted in the publication, in 1998, of a landmark study titled “Groundwater Studies for Environmental Planning, McHenry County Illinois” by Scott Meyer.

This study greatly increased the understanding of the county’s groundwater resources and served as the basis for much of the later research into the County’s groundwater supply, including that used in preparation of the County’s current Water Resources Action Plan.

Now, the County and the ISWS are in the process of updating the Meyer study.

This appears to be the deep aquifers that were mapped in 1994 by the Illinois Water Survey.

This update will show what changes have occurred in groundwater levels during the past 17 –21 years, and will also enable verification of recent groundwater flow modeling techniques.

To develop the new data, ISWS staff must re-measure the water levels in as many of the 600 previously measured wells as possible.

The measurement is free and can be performed with or without the homeowner present, depending on their preference.

It will take about 15 minutes during which ISWS staff will remove the cap of the well, lower a disinfected steel measuring tape, calculate the water depth, reattach the well cap and replace rusted nuts and bolts as needed.

The ISWS needs to secure permission from well owners, which is a very time consuming process as people have moved and phone numbers have changed.

The Environmental Defenders have volunteered to contact well owners to secure permission for ISWS to measure water levels.

During the next few weeks, Defenders members will be telephoning or hand delivering messages to addresses that previously had well levels measured. For more information, please contact the Defenders’ office at 815-338-0393 or at mcdef@owc.org.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.

Sleepy Hollow Watershed has about 12,121 residents.

The Algonquin Township Hall on Route 14 between Cary and Crystal Lake will be the site of discussions about Silver and Sleepy Hollow Creek, which run through Nunda and Algonquin Townships, on Thursday afternoon.   Here is a press release about the event:

Local Planning Participants Consider Projects to Protect Streams,
Lakes, and Groundwater in Southeastern McHenry County

Upcoming Watershed Planning Meeting on Thursday, May 19, 1:30 p.m. in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake – On May 19, community members will discuss possible recommendations for projects to protect lakes, streams, and groundwater resources in southeastern McHenry County. The meeting is part of an initiative to develop a watershed action plan for the

• Silver Creek and
• Sleepy Hollow Creek

watersheds in southeastern McHenry County. A watershed is an area of land that drains water into a common receiving body or outlet such as a stream.

Silver Creek Watershed contains an estimated 10,235 inhabitants.

Projects identified in this plan can become eligible for state and federal grant funding to help local groups and individuals implement these projects.

The meeting is being coordinated by The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).

“We are working to develop recommendations for projects that support local priorities for protecting water quality,” said EDMC Watershed Coordinator Lynn Rotunno.

The Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds are located within Oakwood Hills, Prairie Grove, and portions of Bull Valley, Cary, Crystal Lake, and McHenry. The watersheds also include portions of unincorporated McHenry County and are within Nunda Township and Algonquin Township.

Community members who live, work, or play in these watersheds are invited to attend and participate in this unique planning opportunity.

Meeting Information:

Thursday, May 19, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Algonquin Township, 3702 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL.
RSVP to watershedinfo@mcdefenders.net or 815-338-0393 by May 17.

Community members that are not available to attend this upcoming meeting are encouraged to contact the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) at watershedinfo@mcdefenders.net or 815-338-0393 to learn more and provide input. More information on this planning initiative is also available at http://foxriverecosystem.org/planning.htm . Additional meetings will be held monthly in the watersheds through December of 2011. All meetings are open to the public.

Watershed planning is a collaborative, locally supported approach to protecting and improving water quality in lakes and streams, addressing groundwater protections, restoring healthy aquatic habitat, preventing community flooding, and considering other water resource-related concerns important for local communities.

Additional Information:

The Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds are home to significant resources, including dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves, rare wetlands, rich farmland, dozens of parks, and several lakes enjoyed by community members as a source of recreation.

The streams in these watersheds drain to the Fox River, an important source of drinking water, community recreation, and wildlife habitat. Working to protect the Silver Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek watersheds will support local communities and help restore Fox River water quality and wildlife habitat.

These planning projects are funded by Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act by way of a grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Water, to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). Watershed planning oversight is the responsibility of CMAP. Planning Partners include the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, and the Fox River Study Group.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a citizen-based, 501c3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and improvement of our natural environment. For information about programs and membership, visit www.mcdef.org or email to mcdef@owc.net.

McHenry County has sought out individuals, organizations and facilities since 1994 to apply for a Green Award.

The winners were supposed to be honored at Tuesday night’s County Board meeting, but weren’t on the agenda.

Ward Duel, first Public Health Director and long-time member of the Defenders.

DueBut, since Earth Day is Friday, McHenry County Blog is pleased to announce that McHenry County’s premier environmental organization, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, won the Green Award for organizations.

Pretty much the only way the Defenders, formerly known as the McHenry County Defenders, wouldn’t win is if the group did not fill out an application.

Or, if the rules said a group could only win once.

So, Happy Earth Day, Defenders.

In other news from the Defenders is this press release about a $500 scholarship:

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS OFFER SCHOLARSHIP

The name has been changed to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, but the mission is the same.

WOODSTOCK – Each year, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County awards a scholarship to a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in environmental work. The $500 scholarship will be given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to his/her schoolwork, the community, and the environment.

The applicant must be a resident of McHenry County, and the following must be included with the application:

• Documentation of volunteer work for an environmental organization
• Two letters of recommendation, with one being from a high school teacher
• Grade point average from high school transcript
• An essay on student’s goals and aspirations in regard to the environment

Defenders marched behind parades picking up re-cyclable bottles and cans. Here they are at McHenry Fiesta Days Parade.

An application can be picked up at the Defenders’ office, 110 S Johnson St, Suite 106, Woodstock, IL, or downloaded from the Defenders’ website.

Completed applications must be received in the Defenders’ office by May 9, 2011. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please call the office at 815-338-0393.

Formed in 1970, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are welcomed and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

The Environmental Defenders Green Spot Used Book Store at 110 South Johnson in Woodstock will be open today from 5-8 PM.

Hot chocolate and cookies are offered as an inducement.

Click to enlarge.

Hello, fellow McHenry County leaders !

Environmental Defenders of McHenry County in Crystal Lake's 4th of July Parade

Summer may be waning, but there are still some weeks of lovely fall weather ahead for us to enjoy. If you’re like me, you’ve probably still hoping for a chance to get out and enjoy those beautiful natural areas that we have here in McHenry County. Maybe head out into the country for a round of golf, or a nice dinner out?

Well, we have just the ticket for you! The Environmental Defenders invite you to attend our “Go Green!” 2010 Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 1 at the Plum Tree National Golf Course. You and your friends can enjoy an afternoon in this beautiful country setting – AND at the same time, help us preserve and protect the natural environment with you ticket purchase or donation!

Our very first golf outing fundraiser will be held in two weeks at the beautiful Plum Tree National Golf Club, located off Route 14 between Woodstock and Harvard. The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC), a service-oriented, not-for-profit, citizen-based environmental organization, has been serving the McHenry County area for over 40 years. All money raised will go to benefit our outreach efforts, environmental education programs, river and watershed clean-ups, groundwater protection, recycling services, and other public service activities. The EDMC is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

SO . . what’s all this about golf?

The tantalizing details appear below. The deadline for registration is this coming Monday, September 20 – so don’t delay! Call and reserve your tickets TODAY!

Rusty and Dianne Ayers.

“The “Go Green!”2010 Open Golf Tournament will be held Friday, October 1 at the Plum Tree National Golf Cou rse, on Lembke Road, off Route 14 west of Woodstock, east of Harvard.

Check-in is at noon and golf starts at 1 p.m. Tickets are only $90 per golfer or $350 per foursome – (WHAT A DEAL!) Tickets include:

• 18 holes of golf with cart, amidst this beautiful fall landscape!
• a free bucket of balls and use of the driving range
• a free “goody bag” for each golfer
• on-course contests and challenges
• gift prizes for top male, female, and mixed foursomes plus course contest winners
• door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, our “Leopold Bench” raffle, and a silent auction of valuable prizes
• a delicious chicken and ham dinner buffet dinner catered by Deeters! . . with an assortment of fresh salads and sides
• and much more!

“But wait!” you say, “I don’t golf!”

Neither do I, but I DO EAT!

Dinner-only tickets are also available for only $35 each!

If you don’t golf, come and eat. If you do golf, invite a friend or family member to join you for dinner. They can enjoy the fun, the party, the prizes, the music, and the wonderful food. It’s a great night out for everyone!

Defenders cleaning up at McHenry's Fiesta Days Parade.

Ticket discounts of 10% are offered to event sponsors and donors – and to all EDMC Green Partners!

Please check the attached Ticket and Sponsorship Opportunities flier for rates and benefits offered. The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and all donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

To learn more about becoming a member of the Defenders’ new EDMC Green Business/Civic Partnership program, call Diane at (815) 338-0393 or e-mail: EDMCGreenPartners@gmail.com. Join at the outing and you’ll get 10 percent off your first year’s membership, too!

Maybe some of you are already members of the Defenders? If so, we can offer a discount for you, too. And if you’re not, we can take care of that for you, as well!

Falcon Waste and Recycling was where the bags full of trash were thrown at the Crystal Lake parade.

Now – - back to the GOLF! We’ll be starting at noon to allow those conscientious folks to go to work and check their e-mail before heading out for our afternoon “meeting” at Plum Tree!

“GO GREEN!” 2010 Open Golf Tournament Schedule:

Noon – 1:45 PM Check-in, “goody bag” with snacks provided

1:00 PM Golf start, scramble format (lunch available for purchase at patio grill)

4:30 – 5:45 PM “19th Hole” Social Hour; cash bar with live music provided by Off Square Music

Dinner-only guests are also invited to attend the social hour, enjoy the

entertainment, browse the raffle and auction tables

6 PM Awards Banquet – with a delicious buffet dinner provided by (yes, it does bear

repeating) – DEETERS!

During and following dinner, there will be door prize drawings and a 50/50 raffle. Golf award prize winners will be announced after dinner, as will winners of the silent auction.

The Defenders were on clean-up duty at the Lake in the Hills Fall Festival Parade, too.

There’s still plenty of beautiful fall weather left . . but very few chances like this to get out there and enjoy it . . . and help a good cause at the same time!

All proceeds from this fundraiser go to support the environmental activities, programs and services provided by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

For the past 40 years, our citizen-based organization has been dedicated to preserve and protect our precious natural environment, to educate the public, and to provide eco-friendly services to improve and enhance our quality of life.

Time is running short! Please send in your “Go Green!” golf and/or dinner reservation today!

Registrations must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, September 20!

If you are unable to attend but would still like to help, your prize or cash donation in any amount will be greatly appreciated! Please write, phone or e-mail to:

Click to enlarge.

Go Green Golf / Attn: Diane

c/o Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

124 Cass Street, Suite 3

Woodstock, IL 60098

PHONE: (815) 338-0393

Email: edmcgreenpartners@gmail.com

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! WE’LL LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

. . . Diane Oltman Ayers

EDMC Outreach Director

The Defenders parade entry started the same way many did--with people carrying a banner.

Next was a convertible with Dianne and Rusty Ayers.

Rusty Ayers drove a convertible bedecked in green. His wife Diane Ayers sits on the top of the back seat.

But, then, this last entry in Crystal Lake’s 4th of July Parade made me smile.

It took me a bit of time to figure out that the people with garbage bags were part of a parade unit.

It was members of the McHenry County Defenders, aka, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, with carrying bags and picking up garbage.

"Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Citizens Working for a Better Environment" reads the banner on the side of the Falcon Waste & Disposal truck.

There was a Falcon Waste and Recycling truck with a big banner.  I guess that’s where the full trash bags ended up.

Some Defenders were wearing their new lime green tee shirts. ($10 for members.)

The clean-up crew was deployed along both sides of the parade route.

Spectators were more than willing to contribute waste products.

The parade was over.

And, that’s all there was.

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The day after the parade, I saw that not everything left behind had made the Defenders’ trash bags.

kirk

A Mark Kirk yard sign left behind after the Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade.

There were a couple of Mark Kirk yard signs left behind.

A smaller piece of debris was on the sidewalk outside the Schwinn Bike shop, The Village Peddler.  It was from McHenry County Democrats.

This was found stuck to the sidewalk after the Independence Day Parade.

And, finally, I noticed this lost bracelet.

Right outside of the Dole Avenue door of the Schwinn Bike Shop lay this bracelet.

Some little girl must have been sad when she noticed that she had lost it.