95% of the land in Illinois is owned by private landowners. 90% of Illinois’ forests is also owned by its citizens. Morale of the story: a very small percentage of our state’s property and natural resources are publicly managed. The implications are huge! I was reminded of this challenge and opportunity while recently visiting an IDNR site akin to Soundgarden’s Superunknown in southern Illinois. The Piney Creek Ravine Natural Area is home to a number of rare plants, mossy-covered, waterfall-carved cliffs and Native American artifacts. Access to this natural area begins at a small parking lot. The gravel rectangle is connected to the scenic space by a ribbon of trail/greenway (20 ft wide) that winds through a farm field. Piney Creek looks like any other forest in Illinois from the outside. A walled fortress of trees surrounded by thousands of acres of beans. This access trail and forest view served as a reminder about how important it is to engage with the neighbors of our park spaces.
The access trail was visibly eroded from runoff and mounds of mucky top soil covered large sections. I’m sure the rain washed more than dirt onto the trail and also into the sensitive natural area. Public lands, wildlife and resources can experience significant loss because neighboring private landowners don’t know or practice important conservation techniques. However, through engagement and education by conservation professionals, private conservation practices can provide unlimited benefits for personal property and public lands. Example: The U of I Extension program is touting a cover crop campaign. Off season planting’s of various grasses are utilized to lock up unused fertilizers and simultaneously stop the erosion of high quality soil. In the end, these crops are plowed under to add to the soil tilth and nitrogen. Seems like a real win-win!
Entry into private conservation may begin with their bank accounts. Our car made up four of ten hikers that hour. One carload was from out of state. Rural Illinois was drawing a few tourists, myself included. The access trail and parking lot needed maintenance and “lawn” care. I’m sure the DNR has thought about (or already does) paying locals to maintain these services. Seems like another real win-win and a good starting point for partnership.
At any rate, you, as a public land manager are a small piece of a small piece of Illinois real estate. For your holdings to survive, it is essential for you to look beyond what you manage, to share your conservation knowledge with private landowners and to encourage them to be good stewards. This is the only way to preserve our parks and ensure a healthy economy and people.
