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For Immediate Release:
2007-05-30
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Contact Max Muller (312) 291-0696 Full Senate, House Committee Recommend Including Conservation Funding In State Capital Budget“iSPACE” program would provide $100 million annually for open space acquisition and protection As Illinois lawmakers work toward a new state budget, the full Illinois Senate and a majority of the Illinois house have voiced their support for $100 million in new funding to protect open space as part of the final spending plan. “Senators on both sides of the aisle, from all parts of Illinois, agree that investing in protected land for the future is a very smart use of public funds,” said State Senator Jeff Schoenberg, (D-Evanston). “If we don't include open space protection as part of the next capital spending plan, many valuable acres will either be lost to development forever, or become more expensive to taxpayers as land values increase over time.” Schoenberg is the sponsor of an identical resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 52, in the Senate, which today was adopted by the full Senate. “Protecting parks and natural areas for future generations is a critical function of state government, and in recent years we have not had the resources to protect the special places of our state from development,” said State Representative Harry Osterman (D-Chicago), the sponsor of House Joint Resolution 55, which calls for $100 million annually in new conservation spending. “Just as we need to shore up our transportation systems and provide quality schools, we have to protect places for recreation, relaxation and wildlife.” HJR 55 has been co-sponsored by 70 members, a majority of the Illinois House, and was approved unanimously by the House State Government Committee on Wednesday. Both resolutions call for inclusion of funding to establish a capital program to protect Illinois' natural areas and open spaces for future generations. The Illinois Special Places Acquisition, Conservation and Enhancement Program (iSPACE) would invest in Illinois' future by providing $100 million annually in a capital spending plan for conservation programs. iSPACE would designate $100 million annually for:
“The positive impacts of the iSPACE program to the state of Illinois will be widespread,” said Beth White, director of the Chicago Area Office of The Trust for Public Land. “The program will provide new recreational opportunities, improve water quality, enhance public health, create jobs and boost economic activity.” The need for establishing such a program in Illinois is clear. According to Illinois State Land Conservation Funding, a report released in March authored by the Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land, Illinois ranks dead last in the Midwest in state-owned protected land. Only 1 percent of Illinois' land is owned by the state and protected for future generations. “iSPACE will allow the state of Illinois to take its commitment to natural areas and open space into the future by securing financial support for the increasing need for conservation," said Michael Reuter, acting state director for The Nature Conservancy in Illinois. The Illinois State Land Conservation Funding report also documents that funding in Illinois for protecting open land has dropped by roughly 80 percent over the last few years. This decrease in funding is happening at a time when the IDNR estimates a need of $3 billion to protect and maintain Illinois' parks and natural areas. In particular, the IDNR has struggled with the goals of the Hunting Heritage Protection Act, designed to increase the amount of acreage in Illinois available for hunting. "Funding for open space acquisition and protection should be a high priority for all Illinois residents," said Tom Schwartz, Illinois director of conservation programs for Pheasants Forever. "By acquiring more lands, we will be able to provide more space for hunting and offer more recreational opportunities to the outdoorsmen and women of Illinois." "Illinois residents recognize the importance of open space and the need to support programs to preserve it," said Dr. Ted Flickinger, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. "In a recent survey of residents across the state, 82 percent believe the state needs to acquire more open spaces before it is lost to development. Actions must be taken before it is too late." To address this need, Partners for Parks and Wildlife, a grassroots coalition that intends to secure and increase funding for open space and park acquisition, natural area preservation, wildlife habitat protection and recreational opportunities in Illinois, is calling for all coalition members to contact their legislators to support and co-sponsor HJR 55 and SJR 52. To take action, visit www.partnersforparksandwildlife.org. iSPACE Supporters (as of 5/29/07)
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