By: Tom Eckels
On 10/24 and 10/25 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) hosted a Conservation Congress. The congress developed a prioritized list of recommendations to the IDNR for developing programs for the agency. Recommendations included ways to provide a sustainable, dedicated source of funding for the IDNR, promote public access to public and private lands, and encourage youth participation in outdoor activities.
There were diverse interests represented, from fishing, hunting, paddling, conservation, farming, bird watching, equestrian enthusiasts, and stargazing. There were local governmental organizations present as well as not-for-profit organizations. One might think, with so many interests represented, there would be a lot of contention over the issues. I was impressed that while we were all passionate about our pet issues, everyone listened to each other, and more often than not, a consensus was reached.
One might expect Governor Pat Quinn to make an appearance at such an occasion, and he did not disappoint the group. He gave a brief speech in full support of the activities of the congress. It was clear that he had knowledge of the issues posed to the Congress.
Several months ago, the IDNR contacted some key conservation organizations and formed three committees. These committees met, held community meetings throughout the State of Illinois, and developed proposals on three issues: Public Access to Public and Private Lands, Involving Youth in Outdoor Activities, and finding creative sources for funding of the Illinois Department of Resources
These committees drafted concrete and actionable recommendations concerning these issues for the congress to discuss in further detail. These recommendations are available online at http://dnr.state. il.us/nrab/ cc.htm
Access to Public and Private Lands points excerpted from the "Executive Summary, Outdoor Recreational Access to Public and Private Lands Report of the Public Access Committee of the Illinois Natural Resources Advisory Board to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Congress October 16, 2009."
o Restore liability protection for private landowners who open their land for recreation.
o Develop an access program within DNR to open up public and private lands to outdoor recreation.
o Proposals to Create a State Water Trails Plan and a Model State Heritage Water Trail
o Create Star Parks in state-owned recreational/conservation areas.
Youth Recruitment and Retention points excerpted from the "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, Youth Recruitment and Retention, REPORT OF THE YOUTH RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION COMMITTEE of the NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD to the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES and CONSERVATION CONGRESS October 19, 2009."
o Educate, in schools and through informal programs, youth on conservation issues and natural resources.
o Market, promote, and advertise existing programs and activities.
o Develop, with non-government partners, a mentoring program that will pass on the hunting and outdoor traditions.
o Improve access to land, people, and resources that offer recreational and educational opportunities for youth.
Conservation Funding In Illinois points excerpted from the "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, CONSERVATION FUNDING IN ILLINOIS: CHANGING THE DEBATE, REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION FUNDING COMMITTEE of the NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD to the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES and CONSERVATION CONGRESS October 5, 2009."
o Implement a stable, adequate, long-term funding source for conservation in Illinois by creating fundamental new partnerships.
o Develop a "master action plan" to create these partnerships, and to develop and test program and funding options.
o Adopt a radically broad approach to conservation
o Pursue short-term measures to enhance conservation programs and funding,
o Commit many parties to carrying out pieces of the action plan.
o Commit the Department of Natural Resources to full, open transparent information exchange in its role as partner.
o Recognize that this effort may take years.
o Be ready with the arguments and the coalition in support of conservation when new revenues are put in place to help solve the State's overall fiscal crisis.
For approximately six weeks before the Congress, a web-based survey of issues was performed, further gauging public opinions. Results were briefly discussed at the Congress, but analysis was not complete at that time.
Saturday at the Congress there was an Introduction to the issues and committee recommendations and a brief summary was provided of online survey results. Then the group broke out into discussion groups based on the three topics from the committees. There were no more than 12 people and a DNR staff facilitator in each group.
Sunday at the Congress, a summary was given from each of the breakout-topics and each member was given 7 votes to aid in the prioritization of activities for the IDNR. All seven could be used on one topic, or could be spread around across multiple topics. Below is the ranked list of priorities for the IDNR. Below is a prioritized list of recommendations for the IDNR to follow over the next year:
Votes-Group-Recommendation
75-Funding-Develop a master plan for a long term funding source through expanded partnerships
58-Access-Restore liability protection for all recreational users when allowed by private landowners through legislation
55-Funding-Implement a long term dedicated funding source according to the master plan
54-Funding-Immediately pass SB 1846 and quickly implement new fees and fee increases through Administrative Rule, accommodating those who cant afford to pay
51-Youth-Update the environmental literacy plan to include outdoor components that result in youth recruitment and retention
37-Access-Develop a new program within IDNR through establishment of a dedicated funding source such as a stamp or other special fee to advocate and research new methods to expand access on private and public lands including incentives for private land owners
36-Funding-Be more proactive communicating IDNR plans, programs and projects as part of restoring public trust
25-Youth-With partners, develop mentoring programs that will pass on to younger generations safe and ethical outdoor traditions
20-Write in-Plan to purchase more land
19-Youth-Educate youth in schools and through informal programs with NGOs on conservation issues and natural resources
19-Youth-Market, promote and advertise youth programs and activates
18-Access-Develop the proposed Model State Heritage Water Trail
13-Access-Develop strategies to increase awareness of recreational opportunities currently available on public land
11-Youth-Provide and support outdoor activities to promote awareness and appreciation of our natural resources for our youth
9-Youth-Illinois Board of Education should dedicate staff and resources to promote teaching conservation in schools
8-Write in-Partnerships with federal government, local government, non governmental organizations, corporations, user groups, and vendors to better leverage funds
7-Youth -mprove access to land, people, and resources that offer recreational and educational opportunities for youth
6-Access-Produce outreach materials about current Illinois law, trespass law, and private property rights to inform individual user about their obligation and opportunities to approach private landowners about accessing the properties
4-Access-If legislative action fails to restore liability consider liability insurance programs through user groups or landowner coalitions
2-Access-Explore with stakeholders the legislative feasibility to modify the statutory definition of navigable waterways
1- Access-Forward star park proposal to land mgmt for consideration of fiscal impact to dept and possible implementation
1-Write In-Several write-in suggestions only received one vote
0-Access-State of IL should become a model to minimize light pollution on new construction managed by the Capital Development Board
There are several things that we can do as Paddlers and as constituents of the IDNR. We need to recognize that without funding the IDNR is crippled and unable to perform its mission. There is a bill in front of the General Assembly to help with immediate funding. We can Support SB 1846 to provide short-term funding for the IDNR. You can find the contact information for the state legislature at http://www.ilga. gov/
With issues around liability when people open their private lands, we will never have the access to waterways we desire (thinking about the closure of the Vermillion River) unless this issue is resolved. We can support future legislation to eliminate liability for Public use of Private Lands. Illinois Open Lands is taking the initiative. Contact Jared Crawford JCrawford@openlands .org or Lenore Beyer-Clow lbeyer-clow@openlands. org.
We all love our sport of paddling. We can support youth initiatives, get involved, and mentor youth to promote the paddling we all love. There is also some good legislation we can support to insure that "no child is left inside."
We can assist in developing the Illinois Heritage Water Trail. The Illinois Paddling Council is taking the initiative. Look for more information as it becomes available at www.illinoispaddling.org.
Finally, we need to participate in the next Conservation Congress. There was talk that there may be another Conservation Congress next spring. Regardless of the timeline, this was an incredibly valuable weekend. We need to keep our voices heard. We need numbers at these events so that our voices are not lost in the din of those who are pushing other agendas. For more information, please browse to http://dnr.state. il.us/nrab/ cc.htm
There were diverse interests represented, from fishing, hunting, paddling, conservation, farming, bird watching, equestrian enthusiasts, and stargazing. There were local governmental organizations present as well as not-for-profit organizations. One might think, with so many interests represented, there would be a lot of contention over the issues. I was impressed that while we were all passionate about our pet issues, everyone listened to each other, and more often than not, a consensus was reached.
One might expect Governor Pat Quinn to make an appearance at such an occasion, and he did not disappoint the group. He gave a brief speech in full support of the activities of the congress. It was clear that he had knowledge of the issues posed to the Congress.
Several months ago, the IDNR contacted some key conservation organizations and formed three committees. These committees met, held community meetings throughout the State of Illinois, and developed proposals on three issues: Public Access to Public and Private Lands, Involving Youth in Outdoor Activities, and finding creative sources for funding of the Illinois Department of Resources
These committees drafted concrete and actionable recommendations concerning these issues for the congress to discuss in further detail. These recommendations are available online at http://dnr.state. il.us/nrab/ cc.htm
Access to Public and Private Lands points excerpted from the "Executive Summary, Outdoor Recreational Access to Public and Private Lands Report of the Public Access Committee of the Illinois Natural Resources Advisory Board to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Congress October 16, 2009."
o Restore liability protection for private landowners who open their land for recreation.
o Develop an access program within DNR to open up public and private lands to outdoor recreation.
o Proposals to Create a State Water Trails Plan and a Model State Heritage Water Trail
o Create Star Parks in state-owned recreational/conservation areas.
Youth Recruitment and Retention points excerpted from the "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, Youth Recruitment and Retention, REPORT OF THE YOUTH RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION COMMITTEE of the NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD to the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES and CONSERVATION CONGRESS October 19, 2009."
o Educate, in schools and through informal programs, youth on conservation issues and natural resources.
o Market, promote, and advertise existing programs and activities.
o Develop, with non-government partners, a mentoring program that will pass on the hunting and outdoor traditions.
o Improve access to land, people, and resources that offer recreational and educational opportunities for youth.
Conservation Funding In Illinois points excerpted from the "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, CONSERVATION FUNDING IN ILLINOIS: CHANGING THE DEBATE, REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION FUNDING COMMITTEE of the NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD to the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES and CONSERVATION CONGRESS October 5, 2009."
o Implement a stable, adequate, long-term funding source for conservation in Illinois by creating fundamental new partnerships.
o Develop a "master action plan" to create these partnerships, and to develop and test program and funding options.
o Adopt a radically broad approach to conservation
o Pursue short-term measures to enhance conservation programs and funding,
o Commit many parties to carrying out pieces of the action plan.
o Commit the Department of Natural Resources to full, open transparent information exchange in its role as partner.
o Recognize that this effort may take years.
o Be ready with the arguments and the coalition in support of conservation when new revenues are put in place to help solve the State's overall fiscal crisis.
For approximately six weeks before the Congress, a web-based survey of issues was performed, further gauging public opinions. Results were briefly discussed at the Congress, but analysis was not complete at that time.
Saturday at the Congress there was an Introduction to the issues and committee recommendations and a brief summary was provided of online survey results. Then the group broke out into discussion groups based on the three topics from the committees. There were no more than 12 people and a DNR staff facilitator in each group.
Sunday at the Congress, a summary was given from each of the breakout-topics and each member was given 7 votes to aid in the prioritization of activities for the IDNR. All seven could be used on one topic, or could be spread around across multiple topics. Below is the ranked list of priorities for the IDNR. Below is a prioritized list of recommendations for the IDNR to follow over the next year:
Votes-Group-Recommendation
75-Funding-Develop a master plan for a long term funding source through expanded partnerships
58-Access-Restore liability protection for all recreational users when allowed by private landowners through legislation
55-Funding-Implement a long term dedicated funding source according to the master plan
54-Funding-Immediately pass SB 1846 and quickly implement new fees and fee increases through Administrative Rule, accommodating those who cant afford to pay
51-Youth-Update the environmental literacy plan to include outdoor components that result in youth recruitment and retention
37-Access-Develop a new program within IDNR through establishment of a dedicated funding source such as a stamp or other special fee to advocate and research new methods to expand access on private and public lands including incentives for private land owners
36-Funding-Be more proactive communicating IDNR plans, programs and projects as part of restoring public trust
25-Youth-With partners, develop mentoring programs that will pass on to younger generations safe and ethical outdoor traditions
20-Write in-Plan to purchase more land
19-Youth-Educate youth in schools and through informal programs with NGOs on conservation issues and natural resources
19-Youth-Market, promote and advertise youth programs and activates
18-Access-Develop the proposed Model State Heritage Water Trail
13-Access-Develop strategies to increase awareness of recreational opportunities currently available on public land
11-Youth-Provide and support outdoor activities to promote awareness and appreciation of our natural resources for our youth
9-Youth-Illinois Board of Education should dedicate staff and resources to promote teaching conservation in schools
8-Write in-Partnerships with federal government, local government, non governmental organizations, corporations, user groups, and vendors to better leverage funds
7-Youth -mprove access to land, people, and resources that offer recreational and educational opportunities for youth
6-Access-Produce outreach materials about current Illinois law, trespass law, and private property rights to inform individual user about their obligation and opportunities to approach private landowners about accessing the properties
4-Access-If legislative action fails to restore liability consider liability insurance programs through user groups or landowner coalitions
2-Access-Explore with stakeholders the legislative feasibility to modify the statutory definition of navigable waterways
1- Access-Forward star park proposal to land mgmt for consideration of fiscal impact to dept and possible implementation
1-Write In-Several write-in suggestions only received one vote
0-Access-State of IL should become a model to minimize light pollution on new construction managed by the Capital Development Board
There are several things that we can do as Paddlers and as constituents of the IDNR. We need to recognize that without funding the IDNR is crippled and unable to perform its mission. There is a bill in front of the General Assembly to help with immediate funding. We can Support SB 1846 to provide short-term funding for the IDNR. You can find the contact information for the state legislature at http://www.ilga. gov/
With issues around liability when people open their private lands, we will never have the access to waterways we desire (thinking about the closure of the Vermillion River) unless this issue is resolved. We can support future legislation to eliminate liability for Public use of Private Lands. Illinois Open Lands is taking the initiative. Contact Jared Crawford JCrawford@openlands .org or Lenore Beyer-Clow lbeyer-clow@openlands. org.
We all love our sport of paddling. We can support youth initiatives, get involved, and mentor youth to promote the paddling we all love. There is also some good legislation we can support to insure that "no child is left inside."
We can assist in developing the Illinois Heritage Water Trail. The Illinois Paddling Council is taking the initiative. Look for more information as it becomes available at www.illinoispaddling.org.
Finally, we need to participate in the next Conservation Congress. There was talk that there may be another Conservation Congress next spring. Regardless of the timeline, this was an incredibly valuable weekend. We need to keep our voices heard. We need numbers at these events so that our voices are not lost in the din of those who are pushing other agendas. For more information, please browse to http://dnr.state. il.us/nrab/ cc.htm