The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to create a National Wildlife Refuge in the Kankakee watershed of Illinois and Indiana. As the public comment period continues, rumors are ransacking opinions. We hope to help relieve some concerns.
The refuge would restore and protect prairie, wetlands and black oak savanna, providing habitat for endangered species and migratory water fowl, relieving flooding and enhancing recreation.
Many misconceptions are stemming from FWS “focus area” maps, which outline areas having restoration potential. They do not indicate purchasing plans. The towns on the maps are not being targeted for refuge acquisition, nor are homes or community buildings. Private property rights are not in danger of government takeover.
Concerns center around how much land FWS would purchase, where and how. FWS hopes to acquire up to 30,000 acres throughout the watershed, over the next 30 to 40 years. Land will be purchased only from willing sellers and only if funding is available. Landowners have the final say on FWS’ offers. If they turn down an offer, they retain all rights, privileges and responsibilities of private land ownership. The 1935 Refuge Revenue Sharing Act requires FWS to compensate local governments on acquired lands to offset the loss of tax revenue provided by private landowners.
Farmers have worries about the refuge interfering with farming. The refuge would be acquired in fragments throughout the watershed; access to roads and other farming needs would not change. Actually the refuge would help many farmers. Restored wetlands will absorb rainfall, maintaining the river level and reducing flooding and crop damage. The coexistence of farmers and wildlife in the region should continue unchanged.
Finally, the United Nations is not involved in this proposal. Kudos to Tribune writer John Husar for his April 5 column highlighting this rumor that the UN is taking American land.
The refuge would provide beauty, habitat, flooding relief and recreation to the Kankakee region. When people review the facts, we think they will realize that this proposal will protect the Kankakee watershed for our families and our future.
