[Ken G]

Even though the North Batavia dam has already been voted to be removed by the Batavia City Council, some people have pulled together enough signatures to get a non-binding referendum on the April 1st local ballot. The referendum will read "Should the North Batavia Dam be removed."

As far as we can tell, few of them attended any of the public meetings and seminars that spelled out the whole process and asked for input. This group is now spreading misinformation about dams and the whole dam removal process.

Following is a press release for one of 3 or 4 upcoming seminars that we hope will finally lay this issue to rest. All seminars will be open to the public and all are welcomed to attend.

Batavia Resident and Local Ecologist to Discuss Land and Water Stewardship

Batavia resident Drew Ullberg will give a presentation on "Land and water stewardship in Kane County" at 7 PM on Thursday, February 27, at Batavia City Hall.

Ullberg has been working on regional land management and restoration issues for almost 20 years. Among his local accomplishments are planting 1000 acres of tallgrass prairie and managing 400 acres of aquatic systems. His talk is being sponsored by The Batavians for a Healthy River Committee.

Following the presentation a moderated question and answer session will take place with Mr. Ullberg, Steve Pescitelli, Streams Specialist, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Vic Santucci, Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation regarding the impact of dams and potential impacts of dam removal on the Fox River.

The Batavians for a Healthy River Committee has a four-fold mission:
1) To inspire a conservation ethic in Batavia,
2) To inform citizens about the negative consequences of dams along the Fox River,
3) To respond to concerns citizens have regarding dam removal, and
4) To inform residents and businesses about ways to reduce non-point and point sources of pollution entering the Fox River.

Members of the committee are planning various activities to achieve their long-term mission of making Batavia a model community for the 21st century of how citizens and industry can work together to ensure a healthy river ecosystem.

Persons interested in assisting the Batavians for a Healthy River Committee in its efforts, contact Jessi DeMartini, at 630-879-0740 or Megwich5@aol.com and attend the February 27 meeting.