SPRINGFIELD — As part of a cost-saving measure, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced it will close 11 parks as of Nov. 1 and will lay off 39 workers.

“The sites will close their doors on Nov. 1,”

said Chris McCloud, a DNR spokesman. The budget the governor got was $2.1 billion underfunded.

The 39 workers to be laid off include: 25 site technician II, 4 rangers, 3, site assistant superintendents, 1 office associate (part-time), 3 office coordinators (2 part-time, 1 full-time), 1 site security officer (IFPE union), 1 natural resource coordinator and 1 natural resource specialist.

The list of Parks to close are as follows:

• Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
• Illini State Park near Marseilles
• Wolf Creek State Park
• Castle Rock State Park, Oregon
• Lowden State Park, Oregon
• Hidden Springs State Forest, Strasburg
• Channahon Parkway State Park, Channahon
• Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris
• Kickapoo State Park, Oakwood

(One of my Favorites)

• Moraine View State Park, Leroy
• Weldon Springs State Park, Clinton

Other cuts and layoffs are possible. This can only be described as a tragedy for Illinois outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy what few State Parks Illinois has. For more information on State Parks, go to the Illinois DNR Web Site

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv