Established in 2004, Partners for Parks and Wildlife is a grassroots coalition that aims to secure and increase funding for open space and park acquisition, natural area preservation, wildlife habitat protection and recreational opportunities in Illinois.

In our first year of existence, we scored a major victory when we saved $56 million in funding for open space by defeating a proposal to redirect dedicated funding for preserving natural resources and parkland in Illinois (the OSLAD and NAAF funds). A similar battle the next year raised the total protected for conservation to more than $74 million.

In 2007, we introduced iSPACE, a proposal that would protect open spaces by providing $100 million annually in a capital spending plan for conservation programs. In 2008, we have devoted considerable time and energy to the battle to restore $19 million in cuts to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources budget that would seriously hinder its ability to protect the state's natural resources and result in the closing of 11 state parks and 13 historic sites and the layoff of 450 employees.

For more information about PPW, contact Wes King at wking@ilenviro.org or 217-544-5954.

To take action on open space issues, click here.