By Ted Flickinger Managing Editor

It's nearly State Conference time again and, after you read about the exciting agenda, you'll see there's no way you'll want to miss this year's event scheduled January 5-8 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. Conference Co-chairs Bill Geihsler and Lew Smith preview "Take Time for Fun!" in their article beginning on page 6. Check out the inserted conference program for the time and location of the educational sessions you'll want to attend.

IAPD will celebrate their 60th Anniversary at the IPR Convention on Friday evening, January 6, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. "IAPD — Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" will be presented at the reception. Past and present commissioners are cordially invited to join the fun and comradery.

This year's last issue of IPR magazine also features a variety of articles on very timely topics.

On page 10 the Reader's Forum presents opinions from around the state on perceived Trends and Issues for the 90's that will impact the park district system in the coming future.

Hoyt Gimlin outlines the poor financial conditions affecting America's state parks and their lack of adequate federal support in his in depth article beginning on page 10.

Hospitality Training programs in Souther n Illinois encourage local volunteers to get involved and become regional travel guides. Details of the programs are revealed in an interesting article by Tom Van Hyning and Caria Richon page 15.

This summer's record-breaking fire damage to Yellowstone Park created concern and sadness over the loss of the beauty and wilderness consumed in the devastation. Our story on page 17, excerpted from the National Park Service'sposition statement, presents a more balanced and positive point of view towards Yellow stone's rebirth and ecological revival.

Peter M. Murphy presents a reflective overview of legislative issues impacting this year's 100th Congress in the Legal/Legislative Scene beginning on page 22.

Additionally, Peter has included the 1989 Park District Election Calendar as a guide to keep commissioners and candidates informed of upcoming election rules, tips, dates and deadlines. See page 24 for this important schedule.

All roads lead to the Hyatt in January, and I look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your continued interest in the magazine and best wishes for a happy holiday season!

Our cover illustration, "Under the Spruce", (Acrylic, orig. 11" x 14"), was reated by American wildlife painter Jan Martin McGuire. Born and raised in Colorado, she is a dedicated conservationist believing that our wilderness areas and their wildlife are precious natural resources worth saving for future generations. Interested parties can contact Jan through her publisher: Fox Hollow Studio, 337 S.E. Fenway Place, Bartlesville, OK 74006. Telephone (918) 333-5593.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 5 November/December 1988