Conservation has dramatic impact on tourism

Department of Conservation Director Mark Frech was honored by Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Executive Director Dr. Ted Flickinger at lAPD's 12th Annual Legislative Conference held April 25 at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel, Springfield.

"You have again given us documentation of your department's hard work. We know that parks and recreation has a tremendous impact on the quality of life, tourism and the economy in the stale," said Flickinger in honoring Frech.

In presenting a plaque to Frech, Flickinger added, "We would like you to have this plaque as a gesture of our appreciation to recognize the outstanding work your department has done for parks and recreation. We would also like to congratulate you and your department on the recent study that was released showing the $2.8 billion impact conservation has on Illinois' economy."

Department of Conservation programs generated $2.8 billion in spending and 41,400 jobs during 1989, according to a new report released April 19 by Frech.

The study, done by David M. Griffith & Associates Ltd., concluded that for every $1 the Department of Conservation spent last year, $25 were generated in Illinois' economy. David M. Griffith & Associates Ltd. is a nationally-known consulting firm based in Northbrook which specializes in work with state and local governments.

"This study demonstrates what we, at the Department of Conservation, have known for a long time, that the department is not just an environmental and recreation agency, but an economic development agency as well," Frech said. "More than one-fifth of the $12.9 billion travel industry in Illinois was a direct result of the department. We are the public's window to the environment."

Frech said the Department of Conservation was responsible for generating $107.1 million in state sales and income tax revenues during 1989, $87.3 million in sales taxes and $19.8 million in income taxes.

"Our effect on the economy greatly outweighs the 80.7 million in General Revenue Fund dollars the agency spent in 1989." Frech said.

Frech noted that the department has made major investments in its park systems during the past five years, investments that are paying off.

"Clearly the Department of Conservation has a dramatic impact on tourism in this state," Frech said. "We have shown that development, tourism and protection of the environment can go hand in hand."

Director of Conservation Director Mark Frech, second from left, is honored by Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Executive Director Dr. Ted Flickinger, left, IAPD President Bernadine Rechner, second from right, and IAPD General Counsel Peter Murphy on April 25 at the 12th Annual Legislative Conference.M

Illinois Parks and Recreation

10

May/June 1990