[BCNnet] Nature Preserves, natural heritage eliminated by governor's budget
Donald R. Dann
donniebird@yahoo.com
Thu, 19 Feb 2004 17:04:48 -0600
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BCN Friends;
Please excuse the second posting in one day on this issue, but because of
its critical importance, the likely devastating impact on birds, and the
March 1st deadline, it's imperative that action be taken immediately.
Please read the following and then call Governor Blagojevich immediately at
(217) 782-0244. Thanks so much.
Donnie
Donald R. Dann
Highland Park/Lake County
Dear INPC commissioners, advisors and conservation friends:
In case you have not already heard the devastating news, yesterday the
Governor in his budget address announced the total elimination of the
Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF) which funds 51 INDR positions,
including the entire Nature Preserves Commission staff and the Natural
Heritage staff.
If we cannot collectively speak out in opposition to this action, we will
lose the 40-year-old INPC program and all that Illinois conservationists
have worked so hard to protect for many decades.
We need your help NOW. Some positions could be eliminated as early as March
1 if we do not get this decision reversed.
Attached are key messages about the critical role of the INPC, including
details about how this program actually saves the state money by protecting
private lands.
The governor's office need to hear from us all that the NAAF, funded by the
real estate transfer tax, is critical to conservation in this state.
Please take a moment to review the following message points and place a call
to the governor's office asking for the funding to be reinstated.
If you have any questions, please call me at 312-558-1770.
Thank you in advance for your support and your action to save Illinois'
natural treasures.
With best regards,
Jill
Jill Allread, APR
Principal
Public Communications Inc.
35 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
312-558-1770
Saving Illinois Natural Treasures: Fact Sheet
February 19, 2004
* Since 1992, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission has received
funding through the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF), which is funded
through an allocation formula of the state's Real Estate Transfer Tax.
* This small investment in the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
has made a substantial annual return for the state, and it is protecting
more than 85,000 acres of the most rare, high quality natural areas without
the state having to acquire land.
* Having celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2003, the Illinois Nature
Preserves Commission is responsible for administering three voluntary land
preservation programs for both private and public landowners. During each of
the past four fiscal years, the value of private land protected under INPC
programs has exceeded the INPC annual budget. For example, in 2001, private
land valued at $2.5 million was dedicated for protection in perpetuity in
contrast to the INPC's $1 million operating budget.
FY INPC Budget Value of private
land protected by INPC
2002 $1.1 million
$1.2 million
2001 $1 million
$2.5 million
2000 $929,000
$5.9 million
1999 $900,000
$3.4 million
* These 553 protected areas (located in 93 of the 102 counties)
protect the last remaining remnants of our state's natural heritage - the
way the state looked in the early 1880s. Today, less than 1% of our
landscape remains as it did then. Currently, these preserves protect 355
endangered and threatened plants and animals. In fact, more than 25% of all
Illinois endangered species are in state dedicated nature preserves.
* The protected areas include 319 nature preserves protecting 43,298
acres; 106 land and water reserves protecting 33,317 acres; and 128 Heritage
Landmarks protecting 5,827 acres.
* Few people know that nature preserves provide significant areas for
scientific study and educational opportunities for students. Each year the
Natural Preserves Commission issues 400-500 research permits for
researchers.
* If this crisis is not addressed, the Commission's voluntary
programs will be eliminated, and nearly 85,000 acres of natural areas
enrolled in the Commission's programs may lose their protection status and
may be degraded or destroyed from lack of stewardship.
* To save this valuable program that doubles the state's return on
investment, and to save the last few remnants of our natural heritage, and
to save these living classrooms for future generations, the Real Estate
Transfer Tax distribution must continue to support Open Space Lands
Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) grant program and the Natural Areas
Acquisition Fund (NAAF).
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<div class=3DSection1>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>BCN
Friends;<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Please
excuse the second </span></font></span><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font =
size=3D4
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:=
"Times New Roman"'>posting in one day on this issue, but because of its
critical importance, the likely devastating impact on birds, and the =
March 1<sup>st</sup>
deadline, it’s imperative that action be taken immediately.<span
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Please read the following and =
then call
</span></font></span><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Governor Blagojevich immediately =
at </span></font><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:7.5pt;
color:black'>(217) 782-0244.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">
</span>Thanks so much. </span></font><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:7.5pt;color:black;mso-color-=
alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:7.5pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:7.5pt;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:7.5pt;color:black'>Donnie<sp=
an
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></font><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:7.5pt;color:black;mso-color-=
alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Donald
R. Dann<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Highland
Park/Lake County<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</span><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Dear INPC commissioners,
advisors and conservation friends:</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>In case you have not already heard =
the
devastating news, yesterday the Governor in his budget address =
announced
the total elimination of the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund =
(NAAF) which
funds 51 INDR positions, including the entire Nature Preserves =
Commission staff
and the Natural Heritage staff. </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>If we cannot collectively speak =
out in
opposition to this action, we will lose the 40-year-old =
INPC program
and all that Illinois conservationists have worked so hard to
protect for many decades.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>We need your help NOW. Some
positions could be eliminated as early as March 1 if we do not get this
decision reversed.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Attached are key messages about =
the
critical role of the INPC, including details about =
how this
program actually saves the state money by protecting private =
lands. </span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>The governor's office need to hear =
from
us all that the NAAF, funded by the real estate transfer tax, is =
critical to
conservation in this state.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Please take a moment to review the =
following
message points and place a call to the governor's office asking for =
the
funding to be reinstated.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> </span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>If you have any questions, please =
call me
at 312-558-1770.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Thank you in advance for your =
support and
your action to save Illinois' natural treasures.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>With =
best regards,</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Jill</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Jill Allread, =
APR</span></font><font
size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Principal</span></font><font =
size=3D2
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Public Communications =
Inc.</span></font><font
size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>35 E. Wacker =
Drive</span></font><font
size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Chicago, IL =
60601</span></font><font
size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>312-558-1770</span></font><font =
size=3D2
color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> </span></font><fo=
nt
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<h1><b style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'> </span></span></font></b><i
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><font size=3D4 color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;color:black;font-styl=
e:italic'>Saving
Illinois Natural Treasures:</span></font></i><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;color:black'> Fact =
Sheet</span></font><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></h1>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>February 19, =
2004</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%;tab-stops:-1.0in'><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:
200%;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:-1.0in list .25in'><![if =
!supportLists]><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>·<font size=3D1 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>
</span></font></span></font><![endif]><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:
black'>Since 1992, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission has received
funding through the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF), which is =
funded
through an allocation formula of the state’s Real Estate Transfer =
Tax.<span
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%;tab-stops:-1.0in'><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:
200%;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:-1.0in list .25in'><![if =
!supportLists]><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>·<font size=3D1 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>
</span></font></span></font><![endif]><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:
black'>This small investment in the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission =
has
made a substantial annual return for the state, and it is protecting =
more than <b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>85,000 acres
of the most rare, high quality natural areas without the state having to
acquire land.</span></b> </span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoBodyText><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:
200%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6;tab-stops:list .25in'><![if =
!supportLists]><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>·<font size=3D1 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>
</span></font></span></font><![endif]><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:
black'>Having celebrated its 40<sup>th</sup> anniversary in 2003, the =
Illinois
Nature Preserves Commission is responsible for administering three =
voluntary
land preservation programs for both private and public landowners. =
During <b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>each of the
past four fiscal years, the value of private land protected under =
</span></b>INPC
programs has exceeded the INPC annual budget.<span =
style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>For example, in 2001, private land valued at $2.5 =
million
was dedicated for protection in perpetuity in contrast to the =
INPC’s $1 million
operating budget. </span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%'><b =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><u><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black;font-weight:bold'>FY<span =
style=3D'mso-tab-count:
2'> &nbs=
p; </span>INPC
Budget<span =
style=3D'mso-tab-count:3'>  =
; =
</span>Value
of private land protected by INPC</span></font></u><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'><span =
style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'> =
</span></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Courier =
New"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Courier =
New";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
color:black;layout-grid-mode:line'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack face=3D"Courier New"><span style=3D'font-family:"Courier =
New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New =
Roman";color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext;
layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>2002<span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:2'>  =
; </span>$1.1
million<span =
style=3D'mso-tab-count:4'>  =
; =
&=
nbsp; </span>$1.2
million</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>2001<span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:2'>  =
; </span>$1
million<span =
style=3D'mso-tab-count:4'>  =
; =
&=
nbsp; &n=
bsp; </span>$2.5
million</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>2000<span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:2'>  =
; </span>$929,000<span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:4'>  =
; =
&=
nbsp; =
</span>$5.9
million</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>1999<span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:2'>  =
; </span>$900,000<span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:4'>  =
; =
&=
nbsp; =
</span>$3.4
million</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%;tab-stops:-1.0in'><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:
200%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:-1.0in list .25in'><![if =
!supportLists]><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>·<font size=3D1 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>
</span></font></span></font><![endif]><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:
black'>These 553 protected areas (located <b =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>in 93 of the 102 counties)</span></b> protect =
the last
remaining remnants of our state’s natural heritage - the way the =
state looked
in the early 1880s. <b style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Today, less than 1% of our landscape remains =
</span></b>as
it did then.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Currently, =
these <b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>preserves
protect 355 endangered and threatened plants and animals. In fact, more =
than
25% </span></b>of all Illinois endangered species are in state dedicated =
nature
preserves.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</span></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%;tab-stops:-1.0in'><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:
200%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:-1.0in list .25in'><![if =
!supportLists]><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>·<font size=3D1 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>
</span></font></span></font><![endif]><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:
black'>The protected areas include 319 nature preserves protecting =
43,298
acres; 106 land and water reserves protecting 33,317 acres; and 128 =
Heritage Landmarks
protecting 5,827 acres.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</span></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:200%;tab-stops:-1.0in'><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:
200%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:-1.0in list .25in'><![if =
!supportLists]><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>·<font size=3D1 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>
</span></font></span></font><![endif]><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:
black'>Few people know that nature preserves provide significant areas =
for
scientific study and educational opportunities for students. Each year =
the
Natural Preserves Commission <b =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>issues 400-500 research permits</span></b> =
for
researchers.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DLevel1 =
style=3D'margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in;line-height:200%;
tab-stops:-1.0in 0in'><b style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black;
font-weight:bold'><span style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/b></p>
<p class=3DLevel1 =
style=3D'margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:200%;
mso-list:l4 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:-1.0in 0in list .25in'><![if =
!supportLists]><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>·<font size=3D1 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>
</span></font></span></font><![endif]><b =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black;font-weight:bold'>If this =
crisis is not
addressed, the Commission’s voluntary programs will be eliminated, =
and nearly
85,000 acres of natural areas enrolled in the Commission’s =
programs may lose
their protection status</span></font></b><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'> and may be degraded or destroyed from lack of =
stewardship.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DLevel1 style=3D'line-height:200%;tab-stops:-1.0in 0in'><b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black;font-weight:
bold'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:
200%;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo7;tab-stops:-1.0in list .25in'><![if =
!supportLists]><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3DSymbol><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>·<font size=3D1 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font:7.0pt "Times New =
Roman"'>
</span></font></span></font><![endif]><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:
black'>To <b style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>save
this valuable program that doubles the state’s return on =
investment, and</span></b>
to <b style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>save
the last few remnants of our natural heritage,</span></b> and to <b
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>save these
living classrooms for future generations</span></b>, the Real Estate =
Transfer
Tax distribution must continue to support Open Space Lands Acquisition =
&
Development (OSLAD) grant program and the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund
(NAAF). </span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center;line-height:200%'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:black'># # #</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> </span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  =
; </span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font><=
/p>
</div>
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