Nature a loser in budget cuts, advocates say
A $14 million budget cut will threaten Illinois' outdoor resources and limit public choices for inexpensive recreation and entertainment in tough economic times, environmental advocates said Tuesday.
What that means for the five facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in Lake and eastern McHenry County is uncertain.
But opponents of the budget cut, to take effect Thursday, say the impact on the overall system would be dramatic and extend beyond day-to-day operations, as 163 "critical staff positions" across the IDNR's eight divisions are eliminated.
Advocates called for legislators to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich's announced cuts during a news conference near the boat launch at Chain O' Lakes State Park in Spring Grove.
"We don't see how they can make these cuts in the overall (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) budget and not impact parks throughout the state," said Cindy Skrukrud, clean water advocate for the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.
Information provided Tuesday showed that if the cuts occur, IDNR staffing would be 1,160 at the end of 2009 compared with 1,982 at the end of 2001 - a drop of more than 40 percent.
"It will be a devastating blow to an agency that's already strained," Skrukrud added.
The event organized by Skrukrud and representatives from The Nature Conservancy, Openlands and other entities operating in Lake and McHenry counties was one of four Tuesday and five this week held throughout the state to decry Blagojevich's budget reduction.
Advocates also protested a $2.1 million cut for the regional water supply planning initiative, which is working to identify and protect water supplies in northeastern Illinois. That effort was created by a Blagojevich executive order in January 2006 but supporters fear the effort will be snuffed as the most valuable work is happening.
The call Tuesday was for the governor and legislators to put politics aside and rescind the cuts.
"It's very sad cut will have to be made. That's not fair to the citizens," said State Rep. JoAnn Osmond, an Antioch Republican whose district includes the 2,793-acre Chain O' Lakes State Park and an adjoining 3,230-acre conservation area.
Since the IDNR budget originated in the Senate, members would have to override Blagojevich before sending it to the House for approval.
That means legislators would have to meet before Friday.
"That's not going to happen," said state Sen. Terry Link.
The Waukegan Democrat said the Senate passed a budget the House chose not to support, leading to a deficit and the need for cuts.
"You can't override something when there's no money to pay for it," Link said. "Until the House votes for some revenue, we can't do it."
Opponents of the cuts said IDNR's importance extends well beyond operating parks and related recreational activities.
"The result is inadequate oversight for managing fish stock, game stock, protecting endangered species, protecting habitats, combating invasive species and maintaining public lands, waterways and recreational areas," according to a release from the Partners for Parks and Wildlife, which was formed in 2004, during another IDNR budget crisis.
Land acquisition, grants to local entities and assistance to various conservation groups are other examples of what will be threatened, advocates say.
If the cuts remain, the IDNR budget will have decreased from $108 million in 2004 to $52 million in 2009.
"In addition to these cuts there are so many areas we should be making progress and we're not," said Susan Donovan, director of government relations for The Nature Conservancy.