IL HR0019

Urges the Governor to include $100,000,000 annually in the capital budget for the Illinois Special Places Acquisition, Conservation and Enhancement (iSPACE) Program to protect natural resources and provide recreational opportunities.

Establishes three components of iSPACE: a statewide land acquisition program with matching grants to local governments, implementation of the Partners for Conservation Program through land acquisition and management grants, and implementation of the Hunting Heritage Protection Act to increase hunting opportunities.

Cites Illinois ranking in the bottom third of states for park and recreation land acquisition and last among Midwestern states in protected acres per capita with only one percent of state-owned recreation land protected.

Notes the state has lost more than 90% of original wetlands and 99% of original open prairie, and identifies 424 state and 24 federally listed threatened and endangered species in Illinois.

References the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2003-2008 requirement for more than $3,000,000,000 in state and local funding to protect an additional 85,000 acres and support park renovation and new recreation facilities.