Illinois is a state that offers a diverse environment, rich in natural resources, scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. From Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, to the fertile soils of the heartland, to the forests and wetlands of the southernmost part of the state ... Illinois has much to offer.

Governor George Ryan recognized the need to address critical environmental and quality of life issues such as providing recreational opportunities to Illinois residents, protecting open space and water quantity, as well as restoring rivers, wetlands and forests across the state. In his first year as Governor, he introduced the Illinois Open Land Trust Initiative. This program has resulted in the acquisition of more than 44,000 acres of land for natural resource protection and recreation, including 16,000 acres in Perry County as an addition to Pyramid State Park, 1,600 acres to expand Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area in Kankakee County, and 570 acres along the South Fork of the Kishwaukee River in DeKalb County.

Support for the development of trails, parks and recreation facilities by both local governments and the state has also been expanded. The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program provides grants to local governments to assist them in meeting their recreational needs. Since 1986, OSLAD grants have been awarded for nearly 1,000 local park and open space developments. And 1,400 miles of biking and hiking trails have been developed.

Governor Ryan also recognized the need to address water quantity issues. He recently announced Executive Order Number 5 (2002), which charges the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Groundwater to identify an agenda to plan for the protection of Illinois' finite water resources. This is crucial to the protection of natural resources, sustaining economic viability and improving the quality of life of Illinois residents.

Recently, because of the administration's strong commitment to family farmers and the environment, Illinois became the first state in the nation to enroll more than 100,000 acres of environmentally sensitive farmland in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This project, a joint effort of the federal and state government, is designed to protect wildlife habitat, replenish natural areas and stop erosion. Farmers are guaranteed an income if they agree not to farm these sensitive areas — a true "win-win" situation for everyone.

The Illinois Rivers 2020 program is also a federal-state initiative that provides funding for streambank stabilization, conservation practices on cropland, and restoration and long-term protection for wetlands. Both CREP and Illinois Rivers 2020 have resulted in the state receiving millions of dollars of federal funding, all contributing to the protection of the state's sensitive natural resources.

Another priority has been the continuation of the nationally recognized Conservation 2000 (C-2000) program, which provides funding to nine programs within three state agencies. These programs focus on monitoring and preserving the state's natural lands and waters, promoting sustainable agriculture, and restoring ecological conditions in watersheds across the state.

We are proud of what state government has been able to accomplish in the last three years. By protecting open space and natural resources, and also by providing additional recreational opportunities, we are improving the quality of life for all citizens to enjoy.

Lynne P. Padovan, Senior Advisor to the Governor on Environment and Natural Resources, oversees numerous state agencies including the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Nuclear Safety. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Governor's Energy Cabinet. Padovan formerly served as Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council.

The opinions and views of guest commentators are their own and may not represent those of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives or the electric co-ops of Illinois.

4 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.aiec.org