The Shawnee Park and Climate Alliance (SPACA) is pursuing public support for an initiative to transfer oversight of what is now the federally-owned Shawnee National Forest, under the control of the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (FS), into the US Department of Interior Park Service. Unlike the creation of many earlier national parks, this new designation would not involve taking private or state land to create this new parkland, unless landowners agree to either donate land to the National Park Service (NPS) or budgets permit the agency to purchase additional land and current landowners are willing sellers.
So why change the designation of the Shawnee? Under management by the USDA Forest Service and the agency's multiple use mandate (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3795279.pdf), the Shawnee is subjected to commercial exploitation of natural resources such as timber extraction. The National Park Service's mission, on the other hand, "is to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations."
SPACA is recommending that the overwhelming majority of the Shawnee (approximately 90%) become a national preserve, where customary recreational uses continue. Current uses such as hunting, dispersed camping, collecting mushrooms herbs and firewood, boating, swimming, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, dog walking, etc., will continue. The remaining Shawnee land that already has certain recreational restrictions such as Recreation Areas, Research Natural Areas and National Natural Landmarks would become the National Park portion. The new "Climate" Preserve name is designed to highlight the effectiveness of eastern deciduous forests in sequestering carbon and cooling the region but to also clarify that this preserve will remain free from greenhouse gas producing resource extraction.
The “ Hidden “ Gems of Southernmost Illinois would become the Central destination for many people that love and / or could learn of the Majestic Beauty and Benifit of what isn’t know as it should be ! A Preserve would be a complement to this area ! MY HOME !
Been camping here since I was a wee child. Shawnee is dear to my heart. My hope is that it will become a National Park & Climate Preserve - it's a treasure. Thank you for your work.
How can we help make this happen?
Indeed, it's Illinois' Best Idea! An idea whose time has come.