News

Illinois Still Set to Close Parks

In response to massive public outcry against the planned closing of 11 Illinois state parks and 15 state historic sites due to budget shortfalls, the General Assembly took action in October. First “sweeping” $220 million from other state programs (including $20 million from conservation programs) into a “general revenue fund,” they then passed a supplemental appropriations bill, SB 1103, which directs $2.1 million back to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to keep state parks open. On November 20, Governor Blagojevich approved the $2.1 million for parks, but announced that only 4 of the 11 parks will remain open. The rest will close on November 30.

Illinois wildlife and open spaces face tough times regardless of the parks funding. The money swept from funds such as Conservation 2000, Fish & Wildlife Endowment, and the Illinois Habitat Endowment Trust means state and local plans to purchase and enhance wildlife habitat will go unfunded. Furthermore, an estimated $14.6 million in federal matching dollars will be lost.

Many conservation groups across Illinois have expressed their displeasure. Some urged the General Assembly to vote against the sweeps bill, fully knowing its impact upon the state parks.

The impending closing of state parks and historic sites are only one impact of budget cuts to the IDNR, which has lost a quarter of its staff since 2001. Even with the parks funding, services for education, land management, and outdoor recreation will be eliminated.

— Douglas Chien