Help Save Starved Rock State Park

After more than 100 years of history as one of Illinois' oldest and most ecologically and culturally significant state parks, Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County, Illinois is threatened by harmful impacts from a proposed sand mine located adjacent to the eastern entrance of the park. It is not too late to express your opposition to the LaSalle County Board.

The County Board will vote at a public hearing Thursday, January 12 on a special land use permit pending to Mississippi Sand, LLC for the proposed sand mine. Without a protective buffer, the mine would pose significant impacts to the natural ecology and hydrology of and around the park, including Ernat's Marsh, an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory Site. The mine, and its corollary pollution and traffic congestion, would also detract from the park's tourism revenue by diminishing the park's attractiveness and accessibility. Currently, Starved Rock is one of Illinois' most visited parks with over two million park visitors every year generating tens of millions of dollars annually to local businesses in LaSalle County and north-central Illinois. The loss of LaSalle County's Starved Rock State Park "brand" would coincide with a significant loss of tourism dollars.

It was only a few months ago, on October 30, 2011, that Governor Quinn hosted a public celebration of Starved Rock State Park's 100th anniversary. The park is best known for its unique topography and rock formations that were created by glacial melt water and erosion and as a popular hub for bald eagles. As Governor Quinn stated at the Park's anniversary celebration, "Our state parks are valuable resources, allowing families to enjoy Illinois' natural, undisturbed habitat. Starved Rock State Park has been an important part of our history for 100 years, and I want to encourage everyone to see its spectacular rock formations in person."

Openlands requests your help in protecting the Starved Rock State Park by asking LaSalle County Board members to reject the special use permit to Mississippi Sand, LLC for their proposed sand mine.

How you can help:

• Please contact the County Board Members by phone. If you have time for just one call, please call the Board Chairman, Jerry Hicks, at 815-795-2608.
• Attend the LaSalle County Board public hearing on January 12, 2012 at 1 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 401 W. Main Street, Ottawa, Ill.
• Get your social media circles involved by telling your friends to save Starved Rock State Park on Facebook.
• Send an e-message to County Board Members by using Sierra Club's online form, available here.

Photo courtesy of Starved Rock State Park.