SR0214 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0214 LRB101 11571 MST 57513 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The protection and restoration of wildlife habitat is widely supported by the public, and the most recent Illinois Outdoor Recreation Survey found that 84% of Illinoisans agree that more wildlife habitat should be protected and restored; and

WHEREAS, Investments in natural infrastructure provide multiple economic, environmental, and social benefits to communities that need functioning infrastructure and a healthy environment; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has lost more than 95% of its original wetlands and 99% of its original open prairie, making it critical to protect the remaining natural habitat; and

WHEREAS, Illinoisans' overwhelming support the role of parks and recreation facilities in their communities, especially for preserving open space and improving fitness and mental health; and

WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation contributes to a healthy lifestyle for the State's youth and adults alike, and young people need more access to safe, outdoor experiences to counteract sedentary lifestyles and to offer alternatives to digital entertainment; and

WHEREAS, Economically disadvantaged communities are disproportionately at risk from flooding due to loss of permeable surfaces and are in the greatest need of open space projects that can absorb floodwater that would otherwise damage homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, The quantity of water supplied by aquifers, inland streams, and Lake Michigan is limited, and land conservation and restoration provides for the protection of drinking water resources through water recharge and stream buffering; and

WHEREAS, Natural habitats have been shown to improve air quality, and significant populations in Illinois live in areas failing to meet federal air quality standards; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois State Wildlife Action Plan has won national recognition but remains underfunded; and

WHEREAS, Hunting, fishing, and wildlife-associated recreation currently support nearly 200,000 direct jobs and generate $7.8 billion in wages and salaries in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Protection and restoration of natural areas is an important component of state action on climate change, as natural habitats sequester carbon through natural processes, and open spaces make our communities and ecosystems more resilient to the impacts of climate change; and

WHEREAS, Illinois park and forest preserve districts, land trusts, and other organizations and units of governments are challenged to fund habitat restoration, public access, trail, and safety improvements at public open space holdings, inhibiting natural resource value and public enjoyment at many sites; and

WHEREAS, Land acquisition, restoration, and management are capital-intensive investments; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize that current funding for open space acquisition and management is severely lacking, that capital budgets have traditionally provided resources for land acquisition, stewardship, and public recreational opportunities, and that the value of parks and natural areas in improving public health, protecting communities from flooding, improving air and water quality, and generating economic activity is without question; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge a significant new initiative be included in any new capital spending plan to fund the acquisition, restoration, and management of natural areas and open spaces, which would include:

(1) A new statewide land acquisition program to protect the State's most precious natural resources and provide safe, quality outdoor non-motorized recreational opportunities, including matching grants to local governments and nonprofit land trusts and conservation organizations;

(2) Implementation of the Hunting Heritage Protection Act by increasing the amount of land acreage available for hunting opportunities in Illinois; and

(3) Funding for capital improvements to state parks and conservation lands that are consistent with natural heritage protection and non-motorized recreation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Director of Natural Resources, and the Governor.