[BCNnet] C2000 program threatened

[Judy Pollock]

C2000 is an important source of good conservation work which is threatened
with elimination.  This letter was sent to CW members but applies to anyone
who cares about local habitat.

Dear Chicago Wilderness member,

The State of Illinois is currently preparing its FY04 budget, which will be
released on April 9, 2003. In light of the existing budget crisis, the
Conservation 2000 Program is in serious jeopardy of being eliminated
completely. We now have just days to communicate to leaders in Springfield
the critical role played by C2000 in terms of advancing the priorities
outlined in the Biodiversity Recovery Plan.
The Conservation 2000 Program works to conserve biodiversity through its
ecosystem partnership program. There are nine ecosystem partnerships in
northeastern Illinois, one of which specifically covers "Chicago Wilderness." 
Since its inception in 1996, the C2000 program has provided the nine
northeastern Illinois partnerships with more than $4,744,400 of funding for
140 projects in the region. Through these projects, more than 900 acres
have been acquired or placed in conservation easement, more than 3000 acres
of terrestrial habitat have been restored, and 25 miles of streams and
6,235 acres of lakes have been enhanced. In addition to habitat restoration
work, the C2000 program provides funding for watershed planning, education,
and research programs. 
With 22 projects funded, C2000 has been a significant source of funding for
Chicago Wilderness. If you wish to express appreciation for this program,
please send a letters to:

Representative Joel Brunsvold
c/o Illinois Department of Natural
Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL
62702
217-785-0075
jbrunsvold@dnrmail.state.il.us

Governor Rod Blagojevich
State of Illinois
State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Also, please consider sending copies of your letters to your State
Representative, State Senator, and to Mr. John Filan, Director, Illinois
Bureau of the Budget, 108 Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. 

Thank you,

Elizabeth McCance 					Georgie Boge
Director of Conservation Programs
Government Outreach Task Force
Chicago Wilderness					Chicago Wilderness 

Judy Pollock
Evanston (Cook)
bobolnk@ix.netcom.com