2 He EB ALU. D UE O NgeBiU ae 
misleading, since it represents only 
one of the several values the Act 
is geared to protect. 
“This confusion is reflected in 
questions by legislators who un- 
derstand why the scenic Fox River 
should be included among the 13 
streams listed in the bill, but who 
have expressed bewilderment over 
inclusion of the Big Muddy and 
other quiet southern streams,” he 
sald. 
Resistance to the Scenic Rivers 
Bill concept, Barkhausen- ex- 
plained, stems largely from _ its 
newness, and passage of the Bill 
therefore depends upon education 
— to relieve apprehension as to 
its implications and to convince 
key legislators that farmer opposi- 
tion is ‘vastly over-stated.” 
He pointed out that Owens- 
Illinois Company, a glass manu- 
facturer that owns much of the 
silica sand deposits along the Fox 
River, recently indicated its sup- 
port for an amended version of the 
measure. He said the amendment 
would not jeopardize the goals of 
the original bill drafted by the 
Institute for Environmental Qual- 
ity and the Department of Con- 
servation. 
Neither the Soil Conservation 
Service nor the [Illinois Farm 
Bureau have opposed the bill. 
Though some local SCS districts 
have objected, Farm Bureau 
branches have remained neutral, 
he said. 
In answer to fears about exces- 
sive tax losses to local government 
units if the bill is passed, Bark- 
hausen pointed out that Kendall 
County board of supervisors not 
only adopted resolution supporting 
the Act, but board members also 
testified in its favor. 
The bill seeks to apply the long- 
accepted zoning concept to the 
banks of watercourses designated 
by the legislature as “scenic” rivers 
and streams. No land acquisition 
is involved, and the Act does not 
give the public any access or other 
rights in the preserved areas, the 
Director stressed. 
Public hearings are being held 
throughout the state to explain the 
measure and give opponents and 
proponents full opportunity to 
present their cases. 
Barkhausen said the state has no 
plans to acquire these properties or 
purchase easement rights for two 
reasons: (1) There is no money 
available for such acquisitions; (2) 
Acquisition would result in dis- 
placement of landowners. 
“We feel we have a constructive 
way to preserve the natural values 
in these areas without displacing 
the owners. There is enough of that 
already in providing recreation 
space for our people,” he concluded. 
DUST OF SNOW 
The way a crow 
Shook down on me 
The dust of snow 
From a hemlock tree 
Has given my heart 
A change of mood 
And saved some part 
@Ofeaedayaledwrued: 
—Robert Frost 
