Conservation News in Brief

Introducing Randy Smith, Illinois River Project Director

At May’s all-staff retreat at Nachusa Grasslands in Franklin Grove, Illinois, chapter staff welcomed Randy Smith, the new Illinois River project director. Smith will provide leadership and oversight for the restoration and management of TNC’s two floodplain preserves along the Illinois River: Emiquon and Spunky Bottoms. Hailing from Wisconsin, Smith earned his undergraduate degree in wildlife and biology and studied waterfowl spring migration ecology for his master’s degree. His years with the Illinois Natural History Survey focused on wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife, including monitoring restoration at Emiquon. Most recently, he worked for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as the wetland wildlife program manager, tackling issues such as wetland management strategies and habitat acquisition. He lives in Havana, Illinois, with his wife and family, where they hunt, mountain bike, camp and enjoy other outdoor activities. “I’m excited to focus on sites and a region that I’m connected to personally and professionally,” says Smith.

Welcome Bryan Hopkins, Director of Freshwater Conservation

Bryan Hopkins says with a smile that he owns more boats than shoes and is addicted to paddling. “I’ll bring all my connections and my passion for rivers to this work, where I’ll focus on the Illinois River as well as the Upper Mississippi, the Ohio, the Wabash, and others,” he states.

Hopkins worked on large river system issues with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, where he offered outreach, education and policy coordination. He formerly directed the Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program and participated in the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force, the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association and other regional freshwater initiatives. Hopkins is responsible for planning, funding, protection, science, stewardship and community relations related to freshwater conservation. He’ll also implement projects that provide large-scale, tangible and lasting conservation outcomes and climate adaptation benefits for communities affected by flooding.

Partnering to Advance Conservation Policy

Symbiosis, an interaction between two organisms that benefits both, doesn’t just happen in nature; it inspires the way we work. TNC is a member of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), which advances public policies that create healthy environments across Illinois. Ashley Maybanks, the chapter’s director of government relations, is an affiliate on IEC’s board. TNC and IEC work closely as members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, which recently helped pass robust, equitable climate legislation in Illinois. The two organizations also join forces to help inform how Illinois can contribute to the federal America the Beautiful Initiative (known as 30x30, an effort to conserve 30 percent of the Earth by 2030), such as by advancing natural climate solutions. Jeff Shelden is deputy director of IEC and finds great benefit in the symbiotic relationship. “TNC and IEC collaborate year-round as we plan for legislative sessions, discuss issues of importance to the IEC membership and talk about where we should focus in the long term,” Shelden says. Maybanks adds, “During the legislative session, members consider IEC to be our on-the-ground presence every single day, talking with lawmakers and flagging when important legislation is popping, so we know who and what to mobilize to either support good or oppose bad bills. Working together, we can leverage resources to make the most impact from a state perspective, especially to pass strong climate legislation. Up next is advancing legislation that supports nature-based solutions and natural climate solutions. We couldn’t do that without IEC’s support each step of the way.”