Thread: Pantagraph article--Interesting

Hook, line & sinker: Closed doesn't really mean closed to Gov.
By Scott Richardson
srichardson@pantagraph.com
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Park closings don’t really mean c-l-o-s-e-d in the world of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Though gates are officially down, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has decided fishing will continue at Moraine View State Park/Dawson Lake near LeRoy and Weldon Springs State Recreation Area near Clinton. | VIDEO: Final weekend at state parks

“There is going to be access to the lakes,” said IDNR spokesman Chris McCloud. “The reason for that is we have to satisfy certain federal requirements. We are obviously working with the federal government to satisfy certain obligations for uses we have at the parks.”

The two parks were among seven that were ultimately closed last Sunday. Blagojevich initially identified 11 parks for closure in a plan to trim $9 million from a state budget deficit estimated at $2 billion.

Outdoor writers and other critics pointed out the closings would run afoul of requirements that officials in Washington, D.C. put on the state when Illinois received federal money for specific projects at the parks. Instead of reconsidering, the governor closed all but four of the parks. In the process, he created headaches for IDNR managers who are left to figure out what to do to avoid federal repayment. As a result, not all activities are banned at some of the sites. Of the Pantagraph area, McCloud said:

-- The ramp at Moraine View/Dawson Lake will remain open to give anglers boat access to fish. Because the road to the boat ramp will be open, the parking lot at the now-closed concession stand is available for people who want to bank fish there, he said.

-- Visitors will be able to access Weldon Springs for bank fishing at Veteran’s Point and from Lakeside Trail.

IDNR will also have to open the high-water ramp at the now-closed Wolf Creek campground at Lake Shelbyville when the water reaches flood level (610 feet). IDNR will also leave a ramp open to the Illinois River at Illinois State Park near Marseilles.

McCloud said signage and barricades are being put in place to be sure people know what parts of the parks are open and what are closed. The IDNR’s Conservation Police will patrol.

Be aware, McCloud said. Though gates are open to anglers, enter at your own risk.

Steve Pallo, who heads IDNR’s fisheries division, said he hasn’t been given details of what to expect. But, at this point, he believes since fishing is allowed, IDNR biologists will continue to do annual fish surveys to track fish populations, and annual stockings will continue until he’s told otherwise. At Moraine View, the lake will receive saugeye and catfish. At Weldon Springs, catfish will be stocked. Other species in the lakes are naturally reproducing. He and regional biologists won’t come up with specific stocking plans until later this winter or early in spring.

“This is new ground for us,” McCloud said. “We’ve never operated on this level to temporarily or permanently close a site. We are going to ask for everyone’s patience.”

Could this get any weirder? Sure it can. Stay tuned.

Ain,t it nice to be here stuck with that dingy we have for a gov. ?