LaPointe Urges Wetland Protection, Highlights New Film Focused on Topic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of efforts aiming to preserve and protect wetlands, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, is spearheading a House Resolution and highlighting Fluddles – a new film that takes a close look at the beauty, habitat diversity and environmental importance of Illinois’ agricultural wetlands.

“Our state’s wetlands are essential for a significant number of species and are incredibly beneficial for our environment,” LaPointe said. “We have to seriously consider the effect our actions have on these ecosystems, and need to be conscientious of ways state agencies, local governments and organizations can work together to preserve and protect wetlands.”

LaPointe’s House Resolution 442 declares Nov. 8, 2023 as Illinois Wetlands Day, and describes the importance of wetlands in reducing flooding, filtering pollutants and recharging groundwater supplies. It comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency case which weakened the federal Clean Water Act, putting wetlands at greater risk. The resolution also notes that Illinois has lost 90% of its wetlands, and that the state needs to take proactive steps to preserve wetlands and reduce pollution. Wetlands are ecologically significant, providing a necessary habitat for endangered species as well as migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

A new film called Fluddles will document these environments and highlight the need to construct more wetlands and preserve critical habitats. Expected to be screened in Chicago in the near future, Fluddles will make its debut Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at Illinois Central College in East Peoria (127F Lecture Recital Hall, meet and greet begins at 6:30 p.m.).

Fluddles is directed by Far Northwest Side of Chicago resident Bob Dolgan, who previously chronicled Chicago’s Montrose Beach Piping Plovers in the documentary short Monty and Rose. For more information and to view a trailer, please visit https://www.turnstoneimpact.com/fluddles.html.

“The goal with this film has been to convey the beauty of our wetlands and to showcase the land owners, farmers, hunters, birders, and agencies coming together to expand habitat,” Dolgan said. “I’m grateful for Representative LaPointe’s support and for any efforts to draw attention to these remarkable natural areas.”

Additional screenings of Dolgan’s other environment-focused films will take place in the coming weeks at the Thatcher Woods Pavilion, located at 8030 Chicago Ave. in River Forest. The World of Monty and Rose is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m., and The Magic Stump will be shown Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

For more information, please contact Info@RepLaPointe.com or 773-647-1174.