HR0557 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0557 LRB104 16420 LAW 29810 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Friends of the Chicago River on being awarded the 2025 Thiess International River Prize; and

WHEREAS, The Thiess International River Prize, established in 1999, is the world's most esteemed award for river restoration and management, honoring trailblazing organizations that advance lasting ecological, social, and economic benefits worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Friends of the Chicago River was awarded the prestigious Thiess International River Prize by the International River Foundation at the International River Symposium in Brisbane, Australia on September 10, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Friends of the Chicago River, founded in 1979, is the only organization exclusively dedicated to the restoration and protection of the entire 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system, leading bold policy reforms, habitat restoration, and public engagement that have transformed the river from an overlooked industrial waterway into a thriving urban ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, Friends of the Chicago River was selected as the 2025 winner from a distinguished group of finalists, including Cumbria Rivers of the United Kingdom, the Klamath River of the United States, and the Vjosa River of Albania, all recognized for pioneering watershed-scale interventions; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Executive Director Margaret Frisbie and a dedicated staff, Friends of the Chicago River engages more than 60,000 people annually, including 20,000 youth, through education, outreach, and hands-on stewardship; further, the organization advances policy initiatives that improve water quality, protect biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience across the Chicago-Calumet watershed; and

WHEREAS, Friends of the Chicago River being recognized as the 2025 Thiess International River Prize winner underscores the emergence of the organization as a global leader in urban river restoration and affirms the organization's pioneering role in shaping a future where rivers are valued as vital natural, social, and climate-sustaining wonders; and

WHEREAS, The transformation of the Chicago-Calumet River system demonstrates what is possible when community members, scientists, government agencies, and nonprofit leaders unite behind a shared vision of ecological renewal, environmental justice, and civic pride; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois champions clean water and validates it in the State constitution; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting that members of the Illinois House of Representatives recognize organizations that have made transformative contributions to environmental stewardship, river restoration, climate resilience, and public service; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Friends of the Chicago River on being awarded the 2025 Thiess International River Prize, and we thank the organization for its visionary leadership, tireless advocacy, and enduring commitment to protecting and restoring our waterways; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Friends of the Chicago River as an expression of our respect and admiration.