The proposed Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge has encountered opposition from citizens who live near the Kankakee River, but much of the opposition to the NWR arises from misconceptions that are unfortunately prevalent among the general public.
The proposed refuge will not involve condemnation of private land, interfere with the rights of property owners or hinder the efforts of farmers to earn a living. The Fish and Wildlife Service has consistently and clearly stated that land will only be purchased from willing sellers.
The FWS has set a goal of acquiring 30,000 acres, but the availability of land on the open market and government funding would ultimately dictate the actual size and scope of the refuge. Contrary to the rantings of misguided conspiracy theorists, establishing a National Wildlife Refuge does not involve the United Nations or any threat to the sovereignty of the United States.
Restoring prairies, woodlands and wetlands along the Kankakee River will improve water quality, ameliorate flooding, provide wildlife habitat and bring natural beauty back to our landscape. These are tangible benefits that would be enjoyed by all the people who live in the Kankakee watershed.
