- 6 - I.A.S. Newsletter, April 1968 
Continued from Page 5.... 
shore-to-water convenience would not function satisfactorily for both 
high and low water levels, It is my contention that the 636 ft, dam is 
not to the interest of Decatur or elsewhere and that its damages off-set 
the proposed advantage of flushing the Sangamon below Decatur, 
Unless conservation minded people are able to make the public 
aware that what they once lose of their natural wildlife areas to large 
projects they cannot regain in the future, the public will realize 
their loss too late, Large projects can destroy, piecemeal, nature areas 
until few if any will be left for outdoor recreation at reasonable 
distances from the increasingly dense population, 
The following is part of the Audubon Philosophy: 
"We believe that every generation should be able to experience 
Spiritual and physical recreation in places where primitive nature is 
undisturbed, So we will be vigilant to protect wild areas, refuges, 
and parks, and to encourage good use of nature's storehouse or resources, 
We dedicate ourselves to the pleasant task of opening the eyes of old 
and young that all may come to enjoy the beauty of the outdoor and to 
sharing in observing its wonders forever." 
Sincerely, 
Mary E. Orr 
TEACHER DIES IN CAR CRASH IN WOODSTOCK 
Clarence Sparks, Vice-Chairman of the Lewis and Clark State Park Committee 
for IAS, was killed recently in an automobile crash in McHenry County. His 
car went out of control when it hit an icy spot on the pavement. 
He had served as a local school teacher since 1943. Mr. Sparks was thrown 
from his car in the accident. He was greatly admired by all who knew him, 
His poetry which appeared several times in the Audubon BULLETIN was always 
delightful to read, He also served as Chairman of the Conservation Committee 
of the McHenry County Chapter of IAS, With his brother, Everett Sparks, of 
Wood River, Ill., he was part of a team which sought to expand the Lewis and 
Clark State Park into an area more in keeping with the memory of this great 
exploring party. The present park, now less than ten acres, would be expanded 
into almost 1000 acres under proposals of conservationists, Meanwhile, no 
action has been taken by the state, It would be a great tribute to the 
memory of Clarence Sparks, if the large park were made a reality. 
A CONSERVATION PRAYER 
From all destroyers of natural beauty in this parish and everywhere; from 
all polluters of earth, air and water; from all makers of visible abominations; 
from jerry-builders, disfiguring advertisements, road hogs, and the spreaders 
of litter; from the villainies of rapacious and the incompetence of the stupid; 
from the carelessness of individuals, ani the somnolence of local authorities; 
from all foul smells, noises, and sights, ..Good Lord, deliver us. 
---From the Litany proposed by the Council for the Preservation of 
Rural England (1930). 

