What I found most interesting about some of these manuals is historical accounts of various rivers and streams. Diaries of early explorers are portrayed in detail, and we realize just how difficult it was for our forefathers to live during that time period, knowing that if they were not stewards of land around them they would have a very tough time of it in long run. As for statistics and charts, there are more then you could ever ask for if you were to prepare a paper or make comparisons for purpose of a conservation project. Surely some of best case studies to be found anywhere. For those interested in geological composition of our state, descriptions and technical explanations will more than likely satisfy your interest quite capably as well. Shaded Relief and Land Cover maps round out a comprehensive set that any serious angler should not be without.

I sent a request for just a couple of watersheds initially, and quickly realized I needed to have all of them- so save yourself some time by just sending one Email and request all of them at once. Remember, they are paid for with Conservation 2000 money, so they are yours to enjoy, free of charge! Conservation 2000 is culmination of recommendations from CTAP, Illinois Conservation Congress, and Former Governor Edgar's Water Resources and Land Use Priorities Task Force. The CTAP recommendations came out of its 1994 report on state of Illinois environment. CTAP investigators inventoried and analyzed existing environmental, ecological, and economic data to establish baseline conditions from which future changes in ecological conditions might be measured.

Good luck, and be sure to let us know on website when you get these, how you are utilizing them and how you like them. I'm willing to bet that you'll be wondering why you hadn't ordered them sooner! The CTAP manuals described here can be ordered by following URL listed below: http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/c2000/assessments/ OR, by sending an Email to following address: clearing@dnrmail.state.il.us

Until next time, I'll leave you with this: "No one person has to do it all but if each one of us follow our heart and our own inclinations we will find small things that we can do to create a sustainable future and a healthy environment". - John Denver

Mike is a passionate outdoorsman/photographer with one of the most comprehensive websites in America-

The enemy: High heat.

Most materials shrink or expand with high heat, and framing package is no exception. Leave a mat out in an area of rising temperature and it will cup, sometimes substantially. The level of relative humidity will also contribute to this effect. High heat combined with excessive humidity can cause artwork to become glued to glass, especially in case of photos. Once this occurs, damage is permanent. Use mats to keep artwork from touching glazing.

Generally, high heat in a home should not be a big problem, especially in dry areas. Transporting artwork can be tricky. Never leave it in a trunk during hot or humid weather, and even interior of a vehicle can be much too hot. Get it home to a safe environment as quickly as possible. When shipping artwork make sure it will not be subjected to high heat.

Summary

Do not get paranoid about exposing framed artwork in normal settings. Hanging from a wall a few feet from either floor or ceiling protects it from extremes of temperature and humidity within house. Be sure house is never left unheated in cold and damp weather, and never leave it outside or in vehicles any longer than possible. Make sure sun never sees it directly, and keep your better stuff away from florescent lights. Use conservation glass or acrylic for especially valuable or valued pieces.

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