Illinois Paddling Council
A Statewide Organization Representing the Interests of Paddle Sports Enthusiasts in Illinois

IPC State Wide Updates

Donation Time!
It’s time again for IPC members to consider renewing their annual membership donation to the IPC. Last year, your donations helped us launch an updated, bright, shiny and new website for the IPC and we created new promotional materials for our IPC display booth. Our Sarah Hartmann fund supported those offering paddlesports training and education…

Little Calumet River Day
The first weekend in June always has questionable weather; will it be damp and raining or hot and dry? This year it was not hot, but it was dry, extremely dry with the water levels low on the river. The good news is that with no current to fight on the return upstream to the…

River Clean Up Month
Thanks to the efforts of IPC members Frank Koehler and Scott Hays, the Illinois House of Representatives recently adopted House Resolution No. 169, declaring “The Month of September as River Clean up Month in the State of Illinois.” The Resolution was introduced by State Representative Jackie Haas of Kankakee County, who met up with Frank…

We Are Urban Rivers
Our mission is to transform urban waterways into urban wildlife sanctuaries. We are bringing back habitat for native wildlife by building artificial floating gardens in historically industrialized sections of the Chicago River. These gardens are full of native wetland and prairie plants that grow hydroponically down through the garden modules into the water – providing…

Updates from the IPC
As usual this time of year, there’s lots going on with paddling in and around our state. In addition to the seven IPC canoe and kayak races that lead to establishing our statewide “Paddling Champion” (see the other article in this newsletter) at our Annual Dinner, several other members and member clubs have notable accomplishments. …

The Illinois Paddling Council Priorities
Develop Water Trails and Improve access to Illinois waterways.
Work with State, Local, and National Governmental Agencies to address issues important to paddlers
Stewardship and Advocate for the conservation and restoration of Illinois Rivers and Lakes.
Paddling Safety and Education
Provide information about paddle-sports to paddlers and the public.
- Check out the American Canoe Association's awesome safety videos here.
Paddling competition and sanction races in Illinois.
IPC Membership is open to all individuals, families and paddling clubs.
Our Upcoming Events

11th Annual Fox River Summit
Registration is now open for the 11th Annual Fox River Summit, Thursday, March 16th, 2023 at Veterans Terrace in Burlington, WI Featured Speakers include Mike Miller from the WDNR Bureau of Water Quality on “Risks Posed by Neonicotinoid Insecticides to Wisconsin’s Streams and Rivers”, and Jenni Kempf Schiavone of the Friends of the Fox River…

2023 Kankakee River Watershed Conference
Great things are happening on our Kankakee River, yet a lot of works still needs to be done. Please join us for a one-day workshop where we will discuss, explore and learn more about the removal of sand and sediment, numerous waterfront initiatives, continued monitoring of water quality and quantity, and other initiatives and on-going activities…
Question about paddling Illinois?
