Southwestern Illinois RC&D, Inc.

Southwestern Illinois RC&D

The Southwestern Illinois RC&D, Inc. provides administrative support to three Illinois Department of Natural Resource Ecosystem Partnerships: American Bottom, Lower Kaskaskia/Silver Creek and Kaskaskia River/Shoal Creek.

The purpose of the Ecosystems Program is to integrate the interests and participation of local communities and private, public and corporate landowners to enhance and protect watersheds through ecosystem-based management. The Ecosystems Program is funded through Conservation 2000 (C2000), a comprehensive long-term approach to protecting and managing Illinois' natural resources. The Ecosystems Program is a voluntary, broad-based incentive program.

The Ecosystems Program consists of four components:
• Assessment and Monitoring
• Integrated Technical Assistance
• Ecosystem Project, Planning, and Support Grants
• Ecosystem Interpretation and Education

The Ecosystems Program is made up of Ecosystem Partnerships, which are coalitions of local stakeholders -- private landowners, businesses, scientists, environmental organizations, recreational enthusiasts, and policy makers. They are united by a common interest in the natural resources of their areas' watershed. Since the program's inception these the three partnerships covering southwestern Illinois have received a total of 89 awards, totaling $3.2 million. An additional $2.16 million in other match dollars were provided in completing these projects.