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REPORT ON NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL OF ILLINOIS MEETING 
ALLERTON PARK 
Delegates from the 1.A.S. and other Illinois 
conservation and outdoor societies met at Allerton Park 
on October 2, 3, 4 to discuss the many environmental 
problems confronting us. 
Program speakers included representatives from the 
National Campers and Hikers, the Issac Walton League, 
Illinois State Water Survey and Natural History Survey, 
the Illinois Wildlife Federation, the Committee on 
Allerton Park, the Soil Conservation Service and the 
Illinois Department of Conservation. 
Among the many problems which were discussed 
were: the staggering amount of money spent each year 
to pick up litter, the change in fish populations in a river 
system after a dam is built, and the problems of soil 
erosion and siltation of streams. 
Dan Malkovich, Assistant Director of Conservation, 
reported that money has been released by the Governor 
for the improvement of 18 state parks; and that 14% 
million dollars will be spent on a land acquisition 
program. 
Robert Pohl, who is the supervisor of State Parks and 
Memorials and an assistant to Director Rutherford, 
spoke of the need to cooperate with the state Highway 
Department on handling right-of-way programs to 
increase their aesthetic and wildlife values. He also said 
that he hoped a specific program of county conservation 
districts could be worked out on a non-partisan basis so 
that it could continue function under future 
administrations. Pohl also mentioned the possibility that 
the State may turn over to the county governments, 
state parks which are now too small and expensive for 
the state crews to maintain. 
Mr. Edward Kozicky of the Olin-Mathieson 
Corporation and a member of the Conservation Advisory 
Board, spoke of the dedication of Director Rutherford, 
the need to preserve some of our land, and a possible 
tax relief on forest land which will encourage farmers to 
preserve their woodlots, rather than clear them so that 
they can pay their property taxes. 
A working farmer and representatives of various soil 
conservation agencies spoke on how new tillage methods 
can decrease the amounts of soil and wind erosion. Too 
many tons of topsoil are now blowing away or washing 
into our streams. Because the farmer is caught in a tight 
economic situation, hedgerows have been bulldozed out, 
leaving no cover for small birds and mammals. Meanwhile, 
forestry personnel have advised farmers to cut down 
‘weed trees and clear brush’’ in order to plant a cash 
crop of evergreens. Soil conservation agencies are now 
recommending leaving a mulch of old crop residues on 
the ground as a mulch, in order to hold the soil. 
Vern Greening, newly elected president of the NRCI, 
introduced the Colorado Open Space Concept, which 
would make an action group of the NRCI. A study group 
was chosen. The Committee on Allerton Park is planning 
to become an action group since it has already established 
extensive files of cooperative groups and individuals 
throughout the state. Jack Paxton reported on the current 
status of the Allerton Park controversy (see story on 
another page). 
Mary Resheter of Buckner was the banquet speaker 
on Saturday evening and showed slides of many scenic 
spots in southern Illinois. 
Alice Palmer, Chairman, State Affairs Committee 
KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK KKK 
RECEIVES AWARD — I.A.S. technical consultant, Dr. William Beecher, was the recipient of one of the Nature 
Conservancy’s Green Leaf Awards. The citation, which is given to members who have made valuable contributions to the 
organization, was conferred at the Seattle meeting. 

