SJR44: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-3151/1

MPG:ahe&wlj

2017 - 2018 LEGISLATURE

2017 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 44

April 27, 2017 - Introduced by Senators Ringhand, Nass, Feyen, Risser, Vinehout and Wirch, cosponsored by Representatives Spreitzer, Born, Loudenbeck, Berceau, Crowley, Horlacher, Jagler, Kessler, Kolste, Ohnstad, Sinicki, Subeck, Thiesfeldt, Vruwink, Wachs and Zamarripa. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR44,1,2 Relating to: recognizing the Rock River Trail, honoring the efforts of trail founder Frank Schier, and celebrating the trail's grand opening.

SJR44,1,4 Whereas, the Rock River Trail Initiative was established in 2010 in order to create the Rock River Water Trail; and

SJR44,1,7 Whereas, in 2013, the Rock River Water Trail became the first National Water Trail to be designated in both Wisconsin and Illinois by the National Park Service of the federal Department of the Interior; and

SJR44,1,10 Whereas, the Rock River Water Trail comprises 320 miles of the river course between Fond du Lac County in Wisconsin and its confluence with the Mississippi River in Rock Island, Illinois; and

SJR44,1,13 Whereas, 2013 Wisconsin Act 30 was unanimously adopted by the senate and assembly and signed into law by Governor Walker in 2013 to designate and mark the Rock River Trail Scenic and Historic Route; and

SJR44,2,3 Whereas, the Rock River Trail Initiative has also worked to establish a separate scenic and historic route for motorists, a hiking route, a bicycling route, a horse trail, and an air route, as well as both an art route and chocolate trail; and

SJR44,2,6 Whereas, the founder of the Rock River Trail Initiative was Frank Schier, editor and publisher of the Rock River Times, who wanted to preserve the river corridor and promote its recreational possibilities; and

SJR44,2,8 Whereas, Schier, of Rockford, Illinois, worked to create a two-state initiative with coordinator Greg Farnham of Hustisford, Wisconsin; and

SJR44,2,10 Whereas, Schier died of cancer in January 2017, and his legacy lives on in the Rock River Trail; and

SJR44,2,12 Whereas, the Rock River Trail crosses 11 counties, including the Wisconsin counties of Fond du Lac, Dodge, Jefferson, Dane, and Rock; and

SJR44,2,15 Whereas, the Rock River Trail Initiative hopes that, by its work with the trail, it can promote the revitalization of the river's 41 communities and spur their economic development; and

SJR44,2,18 Whereas, the Rock River Trail will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Beloit on June 3, 2017, as well as events throughout the week in other river communities; now, therefore, be it

SJR44,2,22 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature recognize the efforts of the Rock River Trail Initiative, honor its founder Frank Schier, and celebrate the grand opening of the Rock River Trail this summer.

SJR44,2,23 (End)