DNR to play role in Governor’s economic opportunities, natural resource stewardship

Sparta Shooting Complex to be Completed in FY 2006;
more efficient, economical licensing system to be implemented

SPRINGFIELD – From bike paths to the most magnificent shooting sports complex in the world, Illinois residents will enjoy new recreational opportunities, in Governor Rod Blagojevich’s recommended Fiscal Year 2006 budget for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The budget also includes a more efficient system for licensing hunters and anglers, and strengthens funding for conservation programs.

The proposed FY06 budget for the Department of Natural Resources is $192.8 million dollars, a $2.8 million increase from fiscal year 2005 appropriations. The proposed budget includes $1.2 million dollars to fund operations at the World Shooting Complex in Sparta, and $2.2 million dollars to fund 50 state park site technicians.

The governor is calling on the General Assembly to restore of funding of Conservation 2000, and the public museum grant program. The governor’s budget also funds DNR’s new one-stop system that will allow customers to make more efficient license and permit transactions. It finances the Park and Conservation Bike Path Grants Program.

“The Department of Natural Resources is doing more with less,” said DNR Director Joel Brunsvold. “The budget marries our mission with mindful money management.”

In fiscal year 2006, DNR is expected to complete construction on the World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta. As part of Governor Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns initiative for southwestern Illinois, the Complex will generate revenue and create jobs throughout the area. The venue will be the first in the United States to provide sportsmen a wide array of

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opportunities, including 120 trap shooting stations, skeet stations, sporting clays, rifle and pistol ranges, and a 3-D archery range. It will also feature campsites, and opportunities for fishing and picnicking.

In keeping with the IDNR mission to provide resource-compatible recreational opportunities, Governor Blagojevich also is recommending $2.5 Million in grants, which provide financial support of DNR’s Park and Conservation Bike Path Grant Program and the Park and Conservation Recreational Trails Program. Funding of these programs supports development of bike trails, acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public, motorized and non-motorized pathways, and related support services. Hikers, cyclists, snowmobilers, and others use trails. DNR has more than 200 sites containing improvements ranging from boat ramps, docks and picnic areas to laboratories, lodges, and administrative offices.

Governor Blagojevich’s budget provides funding to fulfill the mission of IDNR to manage, protect, and sustain Illinois’ natural and cultural resources.

“These are tough times in Illinois,” said Brunsvold. “It’s encouraging that Governor Blagojevich is able to balance the budget while providing continued support to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.”

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