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Lenore Beyer-Clow Policy Director Openlands

Increase Land Available for Recreation in Illinois Restore Recreational Liability protections for Landowners. Lenore Beyer-Clow Policy Director Openlands. Conservation Congress Access recommendation #1.

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Lenore Beyer-Clow Policy Director Openlands

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  1. Increase Land Available for Recreation in Illinois Restore Recreational Liability protections for Landowners Lenore Beyer-Clow Policy Director Openlands

  2. Conservation Congress Access recommendation #1 • Restore liability protection for all recreational land uses allowed by private owners.

  3. The Background The Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas Act was enacted in 1965 “to encourage owners of land to make land and water areas available to any individual or members of the public for recreational or conservation purposes by limiting their liability toward persons entering thereon for such purposes.” 745 ILCS 65/1.

  4. Entry onto the land of another to conduct hunting or recreational shooting or a combination thereof or any activity solely related to the aforesaid hunting or recreational shooting.” P.A. 94-0625 Lost protection for all other recreational, conservation or educational activities The Current Law(changed in 2005) Redefined “Recreation or Conservation purpose”

  5. Acreage owned by private individuals and land trusts Trails that traverse private land Fewer boat launches that allow public access to water trails State Parks may be overburdened because of fewer choices Some activities may be severely limited The Problem: Reduced or eliminated public access to many natural and recreational areas

  6. The Solution: Amendthe Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas Act • Reinstate protection for landowners who open their land to the public for all recreation and conservation purposes • Retain the protections offered for landowners who open their land to individuals for hunting and recreational shooting

  7. Progress • Support of 94 other organizations • Gathering examples of land closed or limited • Avoiding “chilling effect” • John Marshall Law Review article • Support of IDNR and Conservation Congress • HB6072 • Negotiations with Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

  8. What now and Why now? • Talking to legislators • Media campaign • Coalitions and Partners • Grass roots organizing: Afternoon session Increase land available to the public for all forms of recreation for the people of Illinois

  9. A Rare Opportunity Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

  10. Contact information For more information or to get involved: Lenore Beyer-Clow 312 863-6264 Lbeyer-clow@openlands.org Stacy Meyers-Glen 312 863-6265 Smeyers-glen@openlands.org www.openlands.org

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