Bill > HR0282

This resolution congratulates Original Kaskaskia Area Wilderness (OKAW), Inc., a landowners' association in southwest Illinois, on its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) private land trust, OKAW focuses on developing, enhancing, and protecting natural resources in the Mid-Kaskaskia River watershed, which includes significant forest tracts, agricultural lands, and diverse wildlife habitats. The organization has grown to approximately 100 members and has offered various conservation programs such as easements, workshops, reforestation efforts, and educational initiatives. OKAW works in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and has collaborated with other entities like the Kaskaskia Watershed Association and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The resolution acknowledges the organization's important work in preserving the ecosystem, which supports numerous species including neotropical warblers, wild turkeys, otters, and deer, and is known for its agricultural production. The resolution will be commemorated at an anniversary celebration on April 29, 2025, and a copy will be presented to OKAW, Inc. as a formal recognition of their conservation efforts.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=282&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HR&SessionID=114&GA=104