News Briefs

Kenney Disapproves Mining Of The Rice Lake Area

David Kenney, Director of the Illinois Department of Conservation, reportedly has written a letter to the State Mines and Minerals Department stating he will not approve strip-mining at the Rice Lake Conservation Area in west-central Illinois.

The state has been reviewing a proposal to allow Rice Lake to be drained and mined for coal.

According to news reports, Kenney's decision could place a legal roadblock in front of any attempts to initiate mining. Previously, Kenney had stated he supported the proposed mining project.

The plan to mine the area drew opposition from some local citizens and from the state Energy and Natural Resources Department which warned that strip-mining the lake could cause ecological damage. The Rice Lake area is known as a habitat of some endangered species of fowl, particularly bald eagles. Numerous species of birds other than endangered ones also can be found there.

14 Illinois Sites Nominated As National Historic Places

Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council approved 14 Illinois sites for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places during its recent meeting in Springfield.

Sites recommended by the Council for National Register recognition:

Bruch-Guertler House and "Mount Lookout," both in Alton; Maiden Towers, Soldier Field, New Michigan Hotel, Oliver Building, and the S.S. Clipper, a ship moored at Navy Pier, all in Chicago; and Stillman's Run Memorial, Stillman Valley.

Also: Holy Trinity Church complex, Bloomington; Benjaminville Meeting House, McLean County; Linden Avenue Terminal, Wilmette; Ridgeland, in the Oak Park Historic District, Oak Park; Public Service Building, Libertyville; and the Charles H. Judd House, Belle Rive.

The National Register, maintained by the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is the official nationwide roster of properties having a high level of historical, architectural or archaeological significance.

Recommendations by the 15-member council must be reviewed and approved by the director of the Department of Conservation, who is the state's official historic preservation officer and who must make the National Register nominations.

Lincoln Park Zoo Targeted For $9 Million Renovation

The Chicago Park District and the Lincoln Park Zoological Society have announced a $9 million plan for renovation of four major landmark buildings at Lincoln Park Zoo, the nation's oldest zoo.

Targeted for overhaul are the Lion House, Chidren's Zoo, Primate House and Bird House. A Bird of Prey exhibit will also be added.

Through the efforts of the Lincoln Park Zoological Society, a total of $4 1/2 million will come from the private sector — individuals, corporations and foundations. The remaining $4 1/2 million will be provided by the Park District. Construction on these projects will begin as funds become available.

"Our guiding philosophy will be the same as it was for our other major renovations over the past several years,"said Dr. Lester E. Fisher, Zoo Director, "to do away with outmoded bars and cages and replace them with thoughtful and workable environments for our animals."

Renovations will preserve the classic architectural features of each house while providing the very best in modern zoo design: large naturalistic habitats for family groups of endangered animals, off-exhibit space for long range breeding programs, and special viewing opportunities for visitor discovery, learning and enjoyment.

With the renovation of the landmark buildings in the next several years, the 115-year old zoo will be among the most modern and innovative zoos in the nation. Fisher stated.

Hot Chicago Summer Boosts Beach and Pool Attendance

A total of 31.6 million swimmers flocked to Chicago Park District public beaches and pools this past summer to escape the city's hot temperatures. The figure represents an attendance increase of seven million over last year. Park District figures show.

Attendance at 16 lakefront beaches and two inland beach areas at Douglas and Humboldt Park lagoons totaled 23.7 million — up six million over last year — and total visitations at 90 District pools climbed one million to 7.9 million.

"This year was virtually tailor-made for the swimmer," said Joe Pecoraro, general supervisor of beaches and pools. "We had 39 days of 90 degrees or higher between June 3 and Labor Day and much higher average air and water temperature readings."

"In addition, there was only one day all season when rain kept swimmers away, and our only full beach closing day because of pollution was Aug. 17."

The main increases occurred in June and July, when the District counted 16 million beach visitors — up five million over 1982. Increases of about 500,000 were recorded in August and September, a time when attendance normally slackens.

Water temperatures averaged 65 degrees — up four degrees over last year — and average air temperature was up 11 degrees to 86.

DOC Approves Eleven Boat Access Facility Grants

Illinois Conservation Director David Kenney has approved $675,000 in Illinois Boating Act Fund grants to 11 local governmental agencies for construction or improvement of public boat access facilities during the 1984 fiscal year — July 1, 1983, to June 30, 1984.

Sue Ebetsch, boating grant administrator for the Department of Conservation, said the state grants provide 100 percent reimbursement of costs for engineering and construction of new public boating facilities or a wide range of improvements to existing boat access accommodations.

The funds, released to recipients in

Illinois Parks and Recreation 31 November/December 1983

portions as work progresses on each project, come from the Conservation Department's share of state motor fuel taxes on marine motor fuel sales. They are intended to help municipalities, townships, counties, park and conservation districts, forest preserves, and other local government units to build or improve public facilities for boaters. Among park districts receiving grants are:

— Fon-Du-Lac Park District, in Tazewell County near Peoria, $34,000 for construction of an additional boat ramp at the Carl Spindler marina on the Illinois River.

— Geneseo Community Park District, $32,000 to upgrade existing one-lane launch ramp and maneuvering area on the Hennepin Canal.

— Kankakee Valley Park District, $76,250 for construction of an additional launching ramp and expansion of the parking area at Beckman Park on the Kankakee River.

Poaching A Serious Problem; DOC Requests Citizen Help

The Department of Conservation is urging all persons who see or suspect poaching activities to contact the nearest conservation police officer and report the information.

"Poaching is at an all time high in many parts of the state, and the public can help curb this problem by contacting their nearest conservation police officer and providing him with the information needed to apprehend the violator," said Larry Closson, chief of the Division of Law Enforcement for the Department of Conservation. "If citizens do not know their officer, or are unable to get in touch with him, we urge them to contact the nearest state or county police office."

Closson pointed out that speed is of the essence in most poaching cases. "The earlier the violation or suspected violation is reported, the better the officer's chances of catching the violator," he said.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 32 November/December 1983