This week Gov. Quinn swept a huge sum for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program and the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF), to the tune of $40 million or some other astronomical number.
I know everyone likes to chirp about how bad the IL DNR is for the taxpayers, but when you have had a 75% reduction in funding in the last two to four governor terms, its hard to keep programs and employees in place.
In my area, one site superintendent manages 2-3 sites alone (3000+ ac). Same goes for the district biologists and foresters. When one retires, that slot is filled by the closest office.
These swept funds are to replaced in 18 months "with interest" but with the economy were in, I not holding my breath.
I know everyone likes to chirp about how bad the IL DNR is for the taxpayers, but when you have had a 75% reduction in funding in the last two to four governor terms, its hard to keep programs and employees in place.
In my area, one site superintendent manages 2-3 sites alone (3000+ ac). Same goes for the district biologists and foresters. When one retires, that slot is filled by the closest office.
These swept funds are to replaced in 18 months "with interest" but with the economy were in, I not holding my breath.