Broad-based Coalition Forms to Restore Land Acquisition Cuts

In crafting his 2005 budget, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich proposed a one-year "holiday" from funding the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) and Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF) programs. Since 1989, when the General Assembly added $1 to the real estate transfer tax and dedicated half to support these programs, park and conservation districts all across the state have been able to match state dollars with their own to protect high-quality natural areas and wildlife habitat. In addition, a portion of these funds supports the state's Natural Heritage Program, the Endangered Species Program, and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC). The governor's proposed cuts, which amount to approximately $32 million, would force the layoff of about 49 professional biologists and ecologists.

Currently the INPC protects 319 nature preserves in 79 counties and 106 land and water reserves in 48 counties. The majority of these are in Chicago Wilderness.

During each of the past five fiscal years, the value of private land protected under INPC programs has exceeded the INPC annual budget. In 2003, for instance, with a $1.2 million budget, the INPC dedicated $2.9 million of private land for protection in perpetuity.

The governor's proposal prompted an immediate outcry from park districts, forest preserve districts, environmental organizations, sportsmen, cyclists, and many others across the state. Soon a new coalition called Partners for Parks and Wildlife had formed, and more than 100 groups swiftly signed on to seek restoration of these dedicated funds.

The Illinois Association of Park Districts held a lobby day in the Capitol on Earth Day, April 22, drawing people from across the state to meet with legislators. Efforts to restore funding for these popular and critically important programs drew widespread bipartisan support.

As this issue went to press, the fate of the dedicated funds for OSLAD and NAAF remained uncertain. To check on the final status of the 2005 budget and get updates on this funding issue, visit the Illinois Environmental Council site.

— Debra Shore