IDNR Nixes Banner Mine Proposal!

The IDNR has denied an essential permit for a proposed strip mine near the Illinois River, and between the Banner Marsh and Rice Lake wildlife refuges.














Banner Marsh


The mine proposal could resurface, but this is great news for local residents and the Illinois River. Congratulations and thank you to the residents of Banner, the Heart of Illinois Sierra Club (led in this victory by the indefatigable Joyce Blumenshine), Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, who championed this cause as part of his advocacy for the Illinois River watershed, and of course the IDNR for making the right call.