Those of us in parks, recreation and conservation movement cannot help but be impressed by the issue Bill Rutherford's resignation caused. Bill was an inspired and dedicated public servant who in a very short period of time made a tremendous contribution to future leisure needs of Illinois citizens.

Although Bill's resignation cited some of those political facts of life in Illinois, from reading some of the local papers a very strong undercurrent gives evidence to the tremendous battle for LAND! Any public officer who accomplishes what Bill did in terms of land acquisition will encounter the opposition of powerful development corporation.

As the adjoining ad indicates, they will resort to any slant to sidetrack public acquisition of properties that hold high recreational value. For those of you who saw the ad did you notice the very small line stating that the ad was paid for by the Winston Development Corporation?

We will welcome Bill Rutherford to our May Drive-in at Pheasant Run for the inspiration and stimulation he can offer us in our battle to enrich recreational and conservation resources of our state.

Illinois Parks 73 May/ June 1970