Governor appoints Rockford’s Dimke to Mississippi River Coordinating Council

Editor’s Note: While applying for a National Park Service (NPS) grant for the Rock River Trail, a letter of support was requested from Rockford Park District Executive Director Tim Dimke. When he heard of my election as vice president of the board of directors of the Quad City Waterkeepers, Tim said to make sure the letter noted his recent appointment by Gov. Quinn, so our park district’s ongoing commitment to rivers would be evident. We missed this appointment at the time of its release, and so we’re happy to have this chance to recognize as well as thank Tim and all our other partners who gave us letters of support for the grant. Thanks to all, and congratulations to Tim!—Frank Schier

From press release

Rockford Park District Executive Director Tim Dimke has been appointed by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn to serve on the non-partisan Mississippi River Coordinating Council, one of six at-large members representing local communities with tributaries (Rock River).

Marc Miller, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, who is currently Chairman of the council, asked the Rockford Park District Executive Director to consider serving a two-year term. According to Miller, “Tim brings a lot of practical experience to the council, not only because of his extensive professional years of experience in recreation and public access development projects along the Rock River, but also for the conservation practices he is personally involved with in Jo Daviess County.”

The Mississippi River Coordinating Council consists of 13 voting members who are all appointed by the governor. Dimke will be serving with the directors or their designees of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation. The Council meets quarterly in Springfield.

The Mississippi River Coordinating Council is charged with the following duties:

→ Review activities and programs administered by state and federal agencies that directly impact the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

→ Work with local communities and organizations to encourage partnerships, and enhance awareness and capabilities to address watershed and water resource concerns.

→ Encourage strategies that protect, restore, and expand critical habitats and soil conservation and water quality practices.

→ Advise and make recommendations to the governor and state agencies on ways to better coordinate the expenditure of funds affecting the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

→ Encourage local communities to develop water management plans to address stormwater, erosion, flooding, sedimentation, and pollution problems.

→ Encourage projects for the natural conveyance and storage of floodwaters, and the enhancement of wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Dimke is a Rockford native and a graduate of Auburn High School (1972) who earned his bachelor of science degree in parks and recreation management from Eastern Illinois University in 1977, and obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Rockford College in 1990. He has been employed by the Rockford Park District since 1973, when he started as a seasonal maintenance employee. More recently, he has held a variety of leadership positions, including deputy director, chief operating officer and executive director.

Dimke maintains active membership in and is associated with the National Recreation and Parks Association, Illinois Association of Park Districts, Illinois Park and Recreation Association, Natural Land Institute, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Jo Daviess Soil & Water Conservation District, Eastern Illinois Athletic Alumni Association, and serves on the Rockford College MBA Advisory Board and Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Board.

According to Dimke: “I was honored to be invited by Marc Miller to apply to serve on the council, and to be appointed by the governor is a great distinction. I grew up and worked summers on a family farm in the Galena area, and I continue to manage 90 acres of farm and natural land located in a conservation easement adjacent to Hanover Bluffs in Jo Daviess County. I can actually see the Mississippi River from this beautiful property vantage point. I wanted to serve on this council to represent the Park District, which is involved in many public access improvement projects along the Rock River, one of the major tributaries of the Mississippi River. I feel I can offer the council a great deal of knowledge and experience in coordination of partners and implementation of policies. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work!”

For more information, contact Dimke (815) 987-8800.

From the Aug. 18-24, 2010 issue