Retiring Illinois Congressman Recognized for Long Record of Supporting Conservation Along Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

Chicago, Illinois—November 21, 2006—The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is pleased to announce that it has recognized outgoing U.S. Rep. Lane Evans, (D-Rock Island) for outstanding contributions to conservation. Rep. Evans was presented a lifetime achievement award earlier this month for his longtime support of efforts to restore natural areas along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

Each year the Conservancy reviews legislative proceedings to determine if there are exceptional actions that merit special recognition though its Acorn Award. Policy decisions that support conservation of our lands and waters are deciding factors. When merited, the Conservancy also recognizes lawmakers who have been an ally of conservation throughout their careers.

Evans, who did not seek re-election, will retire from Congress in January. He represented Illinois’ 17th Congressional District for more than two decades since he was first elected in 1982.

Evans is widely recognized as a conservationist and a leader in working to protect natural resources in Illinois and the Upper Mississippi River Basin. He has been a key supporter of the Conservancy’s efforts to transform its Emiquon Preserve in Fulton County from cropland into fully functional floodplain-wetland habitat. As a member of the Congressional Upper Mississippi River Caucus, Evans has been an important advocate for conservation along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.

“Congressman Evans always understood that we all benefit when we protect our lands and our waters,” said Bruce Boyd, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Illinois. “He’s been a great partner in our efforts to preserve our natural resources.”