Why it might cost more to hunt, fish, use state parks
SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Pat Quinn has reopened state parks for families to vacation this summer but these recreation sites won't be free.
In order to keep these sites open the governor would like to impose or increase fees at several sites.
For instance there would be an annual fee created for recreational boaters to use the Chain O'Lakes. Exactly what the rate will be has yet to be determined, but the money would help pay for flood control and dam safety programs.
And next year, the Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach in Lake County would start charging $2. There is currently no charge to use the beach.
Parking at state parks could cost $5 per day for all visitors. Currently there is no charge. An annual parking pass also would be available for $25 for in-state residents and $35 for out-of-state residents.
This fee would allow the state department of natural resources to hire additional staff at state parks, natural areas, wildlife areas and other sites as funds become available, according to the agency. Last summer, then Gov. Rod Blagojevich shuttered several state parks as part of budget cutting.
State Rep. JoAnn Osmond, an Antioch Republican, wants to make sure that if fees are collected, the money stays in the parks and is not shifted to prop up other state operations. Her plan is pending in the Illinois House.
Quinn's budget also has several other proposed fee increases.
That includes a proposed equestrian trail fee of $5 per day or a $25 annual pass for residents to ride their own horses on state trails. Equestrians currently pay no fees to use department trails.
All hunting and fishing licenses would be increased by $7. Resident hunting license fees would increase from $7 to $14. Illinoisans haven't seen an increase in hunting licenses since 1974.
The resident deer hunting permit fee would increase from $15 to $25. The fee was last increased approximately 25 years ago. The governor's office said money from this fee increase would pay for an increase in wildlife program staff as funds become available.
Similarly, the cost of resident fishing licenses would increase from $12.50 to $19.50 and a nonresident 10-day fishing license would increase from $13 to $20.
The proposal also included a $3 launch fee per boat, per day for North Point Marina on Lake Michigan and downstate Lake Shelbyville, Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake.
Some lawmakers are open to higher fees if the money stays in the parks.
"If the fees go to help improve amenities or things that are needed in the parks then I would be in favor of them," said Sen. Michael Bond, a Grayslake Democrat.