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FEATURE ARTICLE
Governor Byan Shares the Value of
BY DR.TED FLICKINGER, CPRP Dr. Ted Flickinger, CPRP: What do you believe is the value of a parks oriented, citizen group such as the Friends of Illinois Parks? Governor George H. Ryan: "Parks and open space provide value able natural habitat for plant and animal species as well as recreation activities for all Illinois citizens and tourists. Illinois is blessed with a range of natural resources including prairie, forestland, rivers, lakes and wetlands. "So, groups like the Friends of Illinois Parks, who work to promote awareness of and support for these valuable resources, serve a vital function. "Groups like Friends of Illinois Parks work to develop support for parks and outdoor recreation on a grass-roots level. And that really makes a difference. Local support is perhaps the most important factor in furthering many of these initiatives. "Of course, there is still much work that can be done in terms of open space preservation, natural habitat protection and the development of outdoor recreation activities. But, with state and local governments working together with groups like Friends of Illinois Parks, I am confident we can accomplish more for parks and open space than any one entity could do alone." Continued on page 32 July/August 2000 / 31 FEATURE ARTICLE "It is important for citizens to get involved, working in their communities to make a difference and improve the quality of life for their neighborhoods." Governor Kyan Flickinger: Tell us about your long-term commitment to parks, open space, wildlife and recreation. Governor Ryan: "Conserving, protecting and promoting our state's natural heritage is one of the most important tasks facing government today. Whether it's on the local, state or federal level, it's crucial that we preserve open space for future generations while providing new outdoor recreation opportunities and protecting wildlife habitat. "Here on the state level, we created an Open Lands Trust last year. The Open Lands Trust program is a four- year, $160 million bonding program that provides grants to local governments so that they can purchase and protect open space and develop new parks. It is the largest open space acquisition and preservation program in Illinois history, and already it's having a tremendous impact on communities throughout the state. "Another program that I've been involved with for quite a long time now, is the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. As you know, the OSLAD program provides matching grants to cities and park districts for land acquisition or development of parks and recreation areas. When I was Lieutenant Governor, I worked with then-Governor Thompson to create the OSLAD program. I think it's a great program, and that's why as governor, I have increased funding for the OSLAD program by more than $3 million. And we're going to expand the program this fiscal year by raising the cap on grant amounts to a maximum of $400,000 for development projects and $750,000 for acquisition projects. "The Wildlife Prairie Park near Peoria is perhaps the state's newest commitment to furthering conservation education and protecting our natural resources. Donated to the state by founder Bill Rutherford, the state will operate the 1,200-acre park which will also serve as a headquarters for our new ENTICE initiative which is designed to improve the way we teach our kids about the environment. "Bike trails have become increasingly popular in communities throughout Illinois. Over the last 17 months, the state has provided $67 million in funding to develop nearly 90 community bike paths throughout Illinois, including the Grand Illinois Trail which is part of a nationwide system of trails. "Of course, Conservation 2000 continues to provide funding for the preservation and environmental monitoring of natural lands and waters, sustainable agriculture and high-quality outdoor recreation activities. C2000 was scheduled to lose state funding in 2000, but we managed to increase funding for C2000 by an additional $1.5 million for a total of $14 million. "These are just some of the initiatives that we have underway to make sure that our natural resources are protected and preserved for future generation. And I can tell you that we're going to continue to provide support for the preservation and restoration of key conservation areas including Midewin Tallgrass Prairie, Cache River Partnership and the Grand Kankakee Marsh." Flickinger: Why do you think it is important for citizens to get involved in their local parks and forest preserves? Governor Ryan: "Government can't do this alone. It is important for citizens to get involved, working in their communities to make a difference and improve the quality of life for their neighborhoods. "Government officials listen to citizens and citizen groups because they know that they have the best sense of what is needed in the community. By getting involved in your local park or forest preserve or joining a group like Friends of Illinois Parks, you can make your voice heard on these important issues." Flickinger: How can a citizen or "Friends" group such as the Friends of Illinois Parks, benefit Illinois residents and corporations? Governor Ryan: "Everybody benefits from improvements to their community or their state, such as the preservation of a natural ecosystem, a tree planting, or increased recreation opportunities for our youth. Projects like these clean up our environment, improve our communities and make Illinois a more attractive place to live, visit and do business. "Friends of Illinois Parks has helped beautify hundreds of communities across Illinois through its tree-planting initiatives. In 1999, 6,600 trees were planted across the state. In 2001, more than 6,000 trees are pledged to park districts and forest preserves due to Friends. "Friends of Illinois Parks also works to develop new recreation activities, like the after-school program for youth at risk that was developed in Taylorville through a matching grant from the Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company. "As Friends grows in membership and support and more Illinois citizens send the message that open space, parks and outdoor recreation are important to them, more can be done across the state." Flickinger: How do you and your family, your grandchildren enjoy parks and recreation in Illinois? 32 ¦ Illinois Parks and Recreation GOVERNOR RYAN SHARES THE VALUE OF THE FRIENDS OF ILLINOIS PARKS
DR. TED FUCKINGER, CPRP
July/August 2000 / 33 |
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Sam S. Manivong, Illinois Periodicals Online Coordinator |
