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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2009 Governor Quinn Calls on IDNR to Reopen State Parks Action fully reopens seven state sites closed last year; restores 12 full time jobs to agency SPRINGFIELD - In another important step towards returning Illinois back to the people, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the reopening of seven state parks closed last year by the Blagojevich administration. The move is another sign pointing toward the state’s renewed focus on natural resources and recreational opportunities for its citizens especially in tough economic times. Governor Quinn made the announcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) headquarters in Springfield alongside IDNR Director Marc Miller, and IDNR staff and supporters. Hear the announcement here. “This is a great day for the people of Illinois. State parks protect some of our most precious habitat and provide opportunities for families to find outdoor recreation close to home. These are the people’s parks and the people have the right to enjoy them in good and bad economic times,” said Governor Quinn. “The value of these open spaces is immeasurable to children, families and local communities that depend on these parks for crucial economic stability.” Today’s announcement officially starts the process of reopening Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park in Oregon, Illini State Park in Marseilles, Hidden Springs State Forest in Strasburg, Moraine View State Park in Leroy, Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton, and Wolf Creek State Park in Windsor. IDNR will immediately begin the process of re-staffing the sites as quickly as possible. “Today is another meaningful step to putting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources back on the right track. For far too long, this agency, our staff and the people we serve have been abused and broken,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “I want to thank Governor Quinn for acting quickly to return these great places back to the people and for recognizing the importance that outdoor recreation has in Illinois." Reopening these seven state sites gives back dozens of recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, and hiking to more than two million visitors each year. IDNR sites – state parks, fish and wildlife areas, conservation areas, habitat areas, and other open spaces have a significant economic impact, especially in the state's more rural areas, bringing in non-local visitors who contribute to local economies by supporting local businesses. An estimated 44 million people visit Illinois state parks and other state sites annually. Those visitors spend an estimated $500 million in local economies each year. That spending results in an estimated $790 million in overall economic impact supporting nearly 8,500 jobs through out the state. Illinois residents report their favorite outdoor recreation activities include walking/hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking, bicycling, fishing and swimming- all opportunities available at Illinois state parks.

No scope. Anything inside 30 yards I'm good with iron sights. It seems to rain hard every turkey season as well which may lead to more trouble with a scope.

So tragic. Sorry to hear about your friend.

Ken, I researched this very issue last fall. What I found out is that the primary difference is the eye relief. The newer Nikon Omega and Leupold Ultimate Slam have about 5 inches of eye relief. The rationale being that ML rifles have more kick (which really depends on how you charge it). I like the extended eye relief because my daughter can obtain the target easier with extra eye relief. Her form was more awkward with the standard 3 inch eye relief. I put the Leupold ultimate slam on my ML and really love it. Once my daughter gets older I'll be placing it on my Remington 300 Ultra mag because of the reticle that adjusts for longer ranges. My Nikon Buckmaster will go on my ML since the shots will likely never be at the distance my RUM can get to.

Sorry you had to go through that. Glad it wasn't worse. Guess I'm back to leaning towards getting a Mathews.

The bill is in the rules committe so I sent the chair of the committee an e-mail asking if it was being taken seriously. Will be interesting to hear the response.

The guts of my work history: 13-15: Cut grass around the local neighborhood. 16-17: Cook and waiter at Pizza Hutt, gas station attendant, few other odd jobs 18-23: Off and on delivery driver for Pizza Hutt, Dominos, other pizza places. Full time college student 18-25: Combat signaler - communications and combat life saver Army National Guard 24-current: Registered Nurse (critical care) 29-36: Nursing instructor 37-current: Assistant professor (Nursing) 65 (future): Retired (depending on the economy and market)?????

Welcome Lori! Now what are we going to talk you into hunting first?

"Bar Fly" No thanks just bought a 6 pack of Blue Moon Belgian Wheat ale. I'm good.

Try telling that to my 7 year old daughter and you'd be in big trouble! She can't wait for her first deer hunt come October.

Eric, I've also felt Obama has taken more criticism on this than is due. I commend you for taking and defending your stance on the issue here in the forums despite public opinion. I don't have the time right now to research facts and verify sources but from what research I have done I'm not surprised by his action on the national parks issue. I think a lot of people have it in for him regardless of what he does.

Looks great Chris! Wish my taxi was that fast.

Now that's one fine looking knife.

http://www.siue.edu/

Glad to hear the doe pulled through. Now when you see her next deer season are you going to shoot her?

Thanks to all for your comments. Missilelock, stealing is against the law and is a harmful act against someone else. I'm not saying homosexuality is right but I wouldn't compare it to stealing or other crimes. Crime and sin are two different things. Crimes are judged by man and sin by God. Working in the medical field one can be exposed to some "unique" occurances. A child was born with both male and female genitalia. The parents made the decission to surgically alter the child and bring it up as a girl. The child is comfortable wearing girl clothes and makeup because it is what she knew growing up. She is happy being a girl, but realizes as she ages that she is attracted to girls, not boys. Her parents made the wrong choice. If the girl finds another women to spend her life with is she sinning? If the parents would have chose to make their child a boy instead would the child then not be sinning? Can sin be classified as simply as a surgical procedure? I realize some of you feel very strongly about this (as I have for many years). Years ago I would have loudly proclaimed that all homosexuals would be burning in **** fire for their acts of immorality and backed it up with Bible versus. However, at this point in my life I feel it is important to use my head and my heart to figure out what God wants from me.

My original was flyerla (a combination of my first and last name). Forum members often refer to me as just "fly" so I went with it. I love fly fishing so it works out.

If there were different categories then I don't see the problem. Needs to be specified whether a fish could be placed in both categories or not. If the rule was unclear then whoever runs the event should make the call and clarify the rule for next year.

I think a lot of people are worried about losing their jobs, retirement, house, and the list goes on. Perhaps a message of placing faith in God and not the economy would be of help? Also placing faith in God and not man/men? I also think it's important for us to know we are not in this alone. We always have Jesus and we Christians can join together and help one another out through tough times. There is comfort knowing others are going through it and keeping their faith.

I am not alone! I can't stand that superficial vain event. I love you guys. (well not in a wierd way or anything) I was asked by my wife to watch and said no. I was watching MonsterBucks 1 when she begged again. Being a good husband I very reluctantly did. After about 15 minutes of my complete lack of interest my mood was effecting her. We had a long discussion of why I disliked it. Several reasons you all stated I brought up. She agreed with some of my comments and tuned on something else. A complete waste of time in my opinion.

Don't know much about Peoria. South and West of Peoria is where most of the action is. I've heard good things about Siloam Springs and even better things about Sangchris state Park near Springfield.

In 57 eh... I suppose I was up in heaven waiting on a stork.

Well William everyone has commented on God blessing you with a great family but just in case their is any doubt you're getting another one from me. Great looking family ya got there. T-Bone looks like he's still loosing weight but it's hard to tell from the picture? If so I'm glad to see that.

Placed this in the spiritual room, but not too many there. Check it out I'd like to hear from you all.

I agree with your philosophy Eric. "Live and let live." My wife thinks I'm too closed minded and should be more accepting of homosexuality. My religious background (as well many others here I suppose) taught me that homosexuality is a sin. I'm not really certain about it because the Bible also says it is not my place to judge others. I pray about it, but I'm still having trouble with the issue. I generally just try to avoid it, but it seems to keep coming up all the time. I'm also a member of a group (appointed) that is promoting diversity including homosexuality. Needless to stay I keep quiet during that part of the conversation since I don't really know if it is something that should be promoted. Should it? Seems like the Academy awards are promoting it as well as a lot of society. Is it really just another issue of accepting diversity or is it something more?