News Briefs

Research Award Nominations Are Due To NRPA On May 1

Nominations for the Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research must be received by the National Recreation and Park Association by May 1.

The research award honors major individual contributions in either basic or applied research and carries a $1500 honorarium. Preference will be given to individuals who have completed significant research during the past year.

The award recipient's basic and applied research must have been of the highest quality as judged by academic and professional peers and of sustained productivity over a minimum of five years.

The recipient's research must have national application and demonstrate an awareness of national problems, issues and philosophies.

Nominees are not required to hold membership in the National Recreation and Park Association.

For more information regarding the research award, contact Dr. Don Henkel, NRPA, 3101 Park Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22302 or call (703) 820-4940.

Scholarships Available From Suburban Association

The South Suburban Park & Recreation Professional Association Awards & Scholarship Committee is accepting applications from undergraduate students in the following fields: Park & Recreation, Theraputic Recreation, Leisure Services, Outdoor Education, Forestry, and Degree Programs offered at an Illinois 2 or 4 year institution.

Two (2) $100.00 scholarships will be awarded to the students selected by this committee. Applications are available by contacting the chairman:

Chuck Szoke, Director, Channahon Community Park District, 4007 Canal - McClintock, Channahon, IL 60410 (815/467-5361).

These applicants must be a current college student with at least one term of study remaining and reside in the South Suburban region or have completed 500 hours of work with an S.S.P.R.P.A. Member agency.

Deadline for applications must be postmarked no later than March 30, 1984. Applications should be mailed to the Channahon Community Park District. Scholarships will be awarded at the regular monthly S.S.P.R.P.A. meeting on May 10th; time and location to be announced at a later date.

Illinois Recreation Council Discusses "Concerns in Common"

Department of Conservation Director David Kenney exhorted leaders from 17 conservation, park and recreation organizations to "think big, decide on priorities, and go for it," during a recent Springfield meeting titled "Concerns In Common, " held at the Illinois Department of Transportation headquarters.

Approximately 100 persons attended the meeting sponsored by the Illinois Recreation Council (IRC). This was the second in a projected ongoing series designed to establish dialogue and search out common values and goals between various conservation organizations.

Kenney pointed out that by pooling resources, talents and efforts, the groups could achieve a great deal in serving "common ends."

At the request of participants, part of the meeting was devoted to explanation of the Department of Conservation budget by Kenney and various administrators. Kenney stated that the DOC was requesting approximately 71 million dollars for Fiscal Year 1985, or 122 percent of the General Revenue Funds requested during the current year.

"To maintain where we are presently will require about 111 percent of last year's money," Kenney said. "But, because of dwindling surpluses in funds, we are forced to ask for more General Revenue funding, specifically 122 percent, just to stay even."

Kenney, and other key administrators, emphasized that even the requested "status quo" budget would be a "degradation" budget, since it allowed for little in the way of capital improvements, maintenance and enhancement costs.

DOC is currently exploring various long-range means to address the continuing fiscal problem, Kenney explained. He pointed out that Texas recently adopted a one cent tax on each pack of cigarettes sold, with proceeds allocated for conservation. He also noted that there is a bill presently before the General Assembly which would allow user fees at state parks.

Another key segment of the program focused on methods to influence the legislative process, and featured speakers from the Governor's Office and the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD). The speakers emphasized that lobbying in concert was far more effective than operating on an independent basis.

Items stressed included: the need for grass roots pressure, a positive attitude about the legislative process, good timing, staying power, hard work, a sound public relations program and the importance of individual letters which present the group's particular view in a clear and concise manner.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Illinois Association of Park Districts, Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, Audubon Council of Illinois, Field Trial Clubs of Illinois, FISH (Fishermen Interested in Saving Habitat), Illinois Association of Conservation Districts, Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs, Illinois Duck and Goose Hunters Alliance, Illinois State Coon Hunters Association, Illinois Wild Turkey Federation, Illinois Wildlife Federation, Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, University of Illinois Department of Leisure Resources, United Sport Fishing Association of Illinois, Environmental Education Council and the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.

The IRC is a body consisting of state legislators, administrators from several state departments, as well as representatives from labor, industry and sport and conservation groups. The IRC makes recommendations to the Governor on issues relating to conservation and outdoor recreation.

NOTE

The Illinois Association of Park Districts has created a special section membership for park, forest preserve, conservation, and recreation foundations.

Please contact the IAPD office if you would like to know more about the IAPD Foundation Section Membership.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 36 March/April 1984

State LWCF Appropriations Finalized by Interior Dept.

A state-by-state allocation of the fiscal 1984 Land and Water Conservation fund (LWCF) has been finalized by Interior Sec. William P. Clark. Nearly $73 million was allocated for state and local land acquisition and park development. An additional $2 million was appropriated for the program's administration. Illinois' apportionment was $2,831,860.

The total $75 million LWCF appropriation within the Interior Department's budget for local projects fell short of the $100 million appropriation recommended by the National Recreation and Park Association during budget hearings.

Nonetheless, the $75 million appropriation for state and local projects represented a Congressional rejection of the administration's position. President Reagan had proposed no funding through the Land and Water Conservation fund for state and local projects.

All local projects must go through a state approval process to receive a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, which provides 50 percent of an individual project's total cost. The project's remaining costs must be matched by local or state monies.

California received the largest apportionment — $5,643,205. Among Illinois' neighboring states, Michigan received $2,423,417; Indiana $1,586,583, Missouri $1,454,856, Kentucky $1,140,061, and Wisconsin $1,425,238.

Pine Seedlings Available From DOC For Arbor Day

The Department of Conservation is making up to 100,000 white pine seedlings available to elementary schools for special Arbor Day observances this spring.

The plants, raised at the Department's two state nurseries, will be sold at cost to state chartered organizations, such as Lions Clubs, 4-H clubs, Jaycees and other public service groups which will distribute the seedlings to elementary schools for educational Arbor Day activities.

The seedlings will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be used for educational programs involving school children from six to 13 years of age. Tree orders should be placed by April 1 in order to ensure delivery in time for Arbor Day, April 27. Orders must be for a minimum of (Continued on next page)

Conservation Director Approves $2.8 Million In Local L&WCF Grants Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (L&WCF) reimbursement grants totaling $2,826,579 have been approved by Conservation Director David Kenney to aid 18 Illinois local government agencies in acquiring or developing public lands for outdoor recreation. The grants will compensate the agencies for approximately half of project costs. The balance of expenditures will be the sponsor's responsibility. Disbursements will be made upon completion of the projects. He said the six land acquisition and 12 parksite development projects were among 62 proposals submitted earlier this year for a share of the state's anticipated L&WCF apportionment in the 1984 fiscal year. Acquisition grants, accounting for $966,240 of the nearly $3 million apportionment, will help to add 364.2 acres to public recreational lands in Illinois. The Forest Preserve and Park District grant recipients, amounts approved, and project descriptions are as follows: —Addison Park District, DuPage County, $135,000 for acquisition of a 12-acre, triangular tract for a neighborhood park. —Fox Valley Park District, Kane County, $24,540 for acquisition of 10.8 acres that will complete both the public acquisition on the Aurora branch of the Illinois Prairie Path and the link-up of the Prairie Path and Fox River Trail. —Pekin Park District, Tazewell County, $25,000 for acquisition of the 1.9-acre Garfield School site from Pekin Grade School District for use as a neighborhood park. —Will County Forest Preserve District, $300,000 for acquisition of the 309-acre Lake Renwick Rookery property, a nesting site for a variety of endangered herons and egrets. —Bolingbrook Park District, Will County, $200,000 for the first phase in development of a 35-acre parksite on the community's western edge. Development plans include installation of a ball field, soccer fields, playground equipment, picnic facilities, parking lots and an access road. —Cook County Forest Preserve District, $200,000 for construction of access roads and parking facilities at the 600-acre Deer Grove Preserve-East, on Dundee Road north of Palatine. —Hoffman Estates Park District, Cook County, $200,000 to develop proposed parklands surrounding three inter-connected flood retention ponds in a high-density residential section of Hoffman Estates. Development will include ball fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, tot lots, trails and fishing piers. —Kankakee Valley Park District, Kankakee County, $175,000 for rehabilitation of Beckman Park, including harbor renovation, replacement of boat docks, resurfacing of tennis courts, landscaping and installation of new picnic and play area facilities. —Lisle Park District, DuPage County, $107,514 for development of Tate Woods Park, a new 5.7-acre neighborhood park that will have playfields, tennis and basketball courts, a tot lot, nature trails and parking facilities. —City of Spring Valley, Bureau County, $200,000 for construction of a municipal swimming pool complex on a six-acre site adjacent to Kirby Park. —Urbana Park District, Champaign County, $200,000 for rehabilitation of the seven-acre lake at Crystal Lake Park. —Wheeling Park District, Cook County, $100,000 to begin development of Wheeling's 20-acre Horizon Park with ball fields, play courts, play equipment, parking facilities, restrooms and picnic shelters.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 37 March/April 1984

250 trees and be accompanied by a letter explaining the sponsoring agency's program.

Order blanks and price lists are available from DOC Regional Offices, county agriculture and extension advisors, the Soil Conservation Service or Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service. Information also may be obtained by contacting the Department of Conservation, Division of Forest Resources and Natural Heritage, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62706, phone (217) 782-2361.

Anti-Poaching Efforts Stepped Up By Conservation Department

The Department of Conservation is using a two-pronged approach to crackdown on poachers in Illinois, which DOC Director David Kenney describes as "a big problem."

The DOC recently announced the establishment of a hotline called "Target Illinois Poachers" (TIP) which permits any citizen to report an incidence of poaching. The TIP number is 1 (800) 252-0163, which is open on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis. DOC will protect the anonymity of any person providing information if he/she feels threatened.

In another effort to curtail poaching, the DOC's Law Enforcement Chief, Larry Closson, urges individuals and groups to donate to a "buy money" operation. Legislation has been approved under which the Jacob John Wolf Memorial Fund has been established. Money donated to this fund is used by DOC undercover agents to buy illegally obtained fish or wildlife from poachers as evidence they broke the law.

Among contributions to the fund as of January 13 were: FISH (Fishermen Interested in Sharing Habitat), Chicago, $500; Troller's Unlimited, South Holland, $100; Illinois Charter Captains Association, Elk Grove Village, $100; and Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Godfrey, $250.

To support the Fund, send a check, payable to Jacob John Wolf Memorial Fund, to: Department of Conservation, Division of Law Enforcement, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62706.

According to DOC Director Kenney, "Poaching is a big problem, and a big business in Illinois. Too many people dismiss it as simply a man taking a deer or rabbit out of season to feed his family. That is, in the vast majority of cases, simply not true"

He said a poacher may own a high-powered firearm, an expensive off-road vehicle, or a fast boat. He steals game for the fun of it or for money, and, in so doing, reduces the amount of game for law-abiding citizens.

"Life. Be In It." Booklet Available From NRPA

The Ride Guide, the third booklet in the "Life. Be in it." series, is available to recreation and park agencies, individuals and other organizations for free distribution to the public, the NRPA announces.

The Ride Guide gives dozens of fun and fanciful ways to get out and around without a car. The booklet uses the "Life. Be in it." family to illustrate such fun ways to ride as grass skiing, roller and ice skating, windsurfing and tubing, etc.

Individual copies of The Ride Guide are free. Organizations and individuals can order sets of 100 booklets for $5 plus shipping costs. Shipping is payable upon delivery. Checks payable to NRPA must be included with order. Write to Jean Emerson, "Life. Be in it." coordinator, NRPA, 3101 Park Center Dr., Alexandia, VA 22302.

Bald Eagle, Prairie Chicken, River Otter—Remember Them In Income Tax Checkoff

Park and recreaton officials are urged to support Illinois' new Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund by reminding citizens to checkoff the appropriate box in their state income tax returns. By marking an "X" in the proper place, the taxpayer can contribute up to $10.00, or $20.00 if a joint return, to the fund to help species like the Bald Eagle, Prairie Chicken, River Otter and Bluebird.

Hershey Track and Field Program Under Way

Youngsters from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be off and running soon in the seventh annual Hershey's National Track and Field Youth Program.

Local parks and recreation departments interested in participating should contact Jim Johnson, National Coordinator, Hershey's National Track & Field Youth Program, Dept. SN, P.O. Box 814, Hershey, PA 17033. Phone (717) 534-7636.

The Hershey Program is a basic form of playground participation designed for children ages 9 to 14. Children are introduced to physical fitness through track and field events, such as running, jumping and throwing.

Local, district and state meets are held in May, June and July. Over 600 regional team members and chaper-ones receive all-expenses-paid trips to the National Final, scheduled August 16-19 in Hershey, PA.

(News Briefs cont. on pages 41, 42)

Illinois Parks and Recreation 38 March/April 1984

(Cont. from p. 38)

Gold Medal Fund Raising Forum Set For April 6

Gold Medal Products Co. will sponsor a fund raising/consession forum April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Quality Inn-O'Hare, Chicago. Representatives of booster groups, schools, bingo, and park/recreation organizations are invited to attend. The forum is free.

"How to make money with snacks" is the theme of the seminar. In addition, the New Gourmet Popcorn Concept will be discussed. For further information about the forum, call the Chicago Gold Medal office, 312/678-8050.

Submissions Due On May 31 For National A/V Contest

May 31 is the deadline for submission of all entries into the annual Wes Francis Audiovisual Excellence (WAVE) Contest, sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association.

The contest is designed to honor outstanding films, slide shows, videotape productions, student productions and public service announcements depicting the parks, recreation, leisure and conservation field.

Public park and recreation agencies as well as private producers, the media and commercial recreation providers are eligible for the contest. A special award will be presented for the outstanding production by a student, regardless of the media.

Contest winners will be announced at the Congress for Recreation and Parks Oct. 21-24 in Orlando, Fla.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 41 March/April 1984