Protecting our Local Habitats

On Monday, I had the opportunity to visit the Illinois Beach State Park to learn more about the ongoing environmental conservation projects taking place in the area. Lake County Forest Preserve received essential funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative which is helping to restore this habitat around Lake Michigan.

It is absolutely critical that we protect our environment and conserve it for generations to come.  As a Troopmaster for the Boy Scouts, I believe that we must teach our children to respect the environment and all of our open spaces. In our region, Lake Michigan is the crown jewel of our ecosystem, and the work being done at the Illinois Beach State Park will help to ensure that we protect our Great Lakes and the surrounding habitats.

I have made protecting the environment a priority in Congress.  The very first bill I introduced in the U.S. House was H.R. 435, the Great Lakes Water Protection Act, which protects Lake Michigan from waste water discharge. I was also given the “America’s Great Outdoors Congressional Champion” award by several environmental and conservation groups. In Congress, I have fought for funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

I applaud Lake County Forest Preserve for their efforts to preserve Lake Michigan and the surrounding habitat.