WadeT Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 DNR will close 11 parks on Nov. 1 August 28, 2008 at 12:41 PM BY JEFF LAMPE As part of a cost-saving measure, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced it will close 11 parks as of Nov. 1 and will lay off 39 workers. “The sites will close their doors on Nov. 1,” said Chris McCloud, a DNR spokesman. “We knew this was a possibility at DNR. The budget the governor got was $2.1 billion underfunded. “This is a tough day. I think it’s important to understand these are not decisions we wanted to make.” Parks that have been slated for closing include the following: * Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park * Illini State Park near Marseilles * Wolf Creek State Park * Castle Rock State Park, Oregon * Lowden State Park, Oregon * Hidden Springs State Forest, Strasburg * Channahon Parkway State Park, Channahon * Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris * Kickapoo State Park, Oakwood * Moraine View State Park, Leroy * Weldon Springs State Park, Clinton “We still have over 300 state parks and conservation areas we hope people will still enjoy,” McCloud said. “And those sites remain open free of charge.” The 39 workers to be laid off include: 25 site technician II, 4 rangers, 3, site assistant superintendents, 1 office associate (part-time), 3 office coordinators (2 part-time, 1 full-time), 1 site security officer (IFPE union), 1 natural resource coordinator and 1 natural resource specialist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rich mc Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 we knew it was coming.. i feel bad for the hunters out in oregon il. rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Nevenner Posted August 29, 2008 Report Share Posted August 29, 2008 Don't be discouraged and think we have to stand by and take it. I for one am going to write the Governor's office and my state represenative and senetor. If we all take a stand and do something things can change for the better. However, if we do nothing then we all get what is coming. I challenge all members to do something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshborton Posted August 29, 2008 Report Share Posted August 29, 2008 Don't be discouraged and think we have to stand by and take it. I for one am going to write the Governor's office and my state represenative and senetor. If we all take a stand and do something things can change for the better. However, if we do nothing then we all get what is coming. I challenge all members to do something. My state reps of been contacted and I tried the governors office, but no one is answering the phone yet. I'd like to think this is a bluff, but I don't think it is. Many of the parks being closed represent some of the best places to experience the outdoors within three hours of Chicago. Kickapoo is one of my personal favorites. Talk about a degradation in quality of lifestyle for us city dwellers. :angry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Smith Posted August 29, 2008 Report Share Posted August 29, 2008 Paul Frierichs, the IL State Rep for the Kickapoo Park was on the radio this morning and he said he was utterly disgusted by this proposal. His take was that Blago did it specifically to punish political enemies and raise anger in the state and he also felt these closures had no chance of moving ahead as conceived. Some of those parks are the best parks on the list for East Central Illinois and it is completely absurd that they are being closed. Frankly, I think Blago should get his wish... ...I think we should get mad enough to make sure the Blago reptile gets impeached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WadeT Posted August 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2008 I say we all contact the gov's office and pray a lot....we love kickapoo and go there quite often. we just had a wonderful outing there with our church last weekend and have already planned our trip for next year... I guess we have to look at the 300 other parks........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Lubchansky Posted September 7, 2008 Report Share Posted September 7, 2008 Is there any formal approach that ISA is taking? What resources do we have as an organization to get involved with this issue. I'd like to participate. This feels like a sucker punch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Clifford Posted September 7, 2008 Report Share Posted September 7, 2008 I'm working on it, Ben. There was a petition posted by Al Oomens, and I'm working in the background to approach this with the resources we have- leverage, partnerships, etc. Will post soon on the developments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Don R Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 http://www.gopetition.com/online/21603.html I signed it and encourage others to do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Kast Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 http://www.gopetition.com/online/21603.html I signed it and encourage others to do so. Don't forget to fill in the COMMENT box! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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