Janine Catchpole

321 Marigold Place

Joliet, Illinois 60433

January 27, 2017

Jeanne Holler

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Bloomington, MN

Dear Ms. Holler

I would like to express my support of the Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge & Conservation Area (Refuge).

As a Montana native transplanted to Illinois, the Refuge provides not only refuge to animals and plants but a

place of refuge to get away from the zoo that is the Greater Chicago area.

And having come from Montana, I know that the Refuge can be a driver of positive economic change. I

think in specific of Lincoln, Montana, a small town surrounded by U.S. Forest Service and Montana State

Forests. It also is an access to some of the highest quality fly fishing in the country. It could have been

another dying Montana town but survives, servicing tourists from around the world.

I also think of Augusta, Montana and it role in providing gear, gas and food as well as shopping for Montana

art and other gifts. It is a last stop before heading into the Rocky Mountain Front Range and the Wildlfie

Management Area.

In Illinois, the small town of Ashland bills itself as the gateway to the Jim Edgar Panther Creek Fish and

Wildlife Area. The problem all these areas have in common is that they have a limited population base

nearby to draw on.

If we look at the town of Julian, California, near San Diego, we see another example of what was a dying

mining town using surrounding natural resources to bring in a steady stream of visitors from southern

California counties. Median income has gone up over the years.

With the Refuge so close to a major metropolitan area, I think it represents a great chance to save from

sprawl the properties that willing sellers would like to see preserved for future generations. For people not

willing to sell, they could put conservation easements on their property, reducing their tax burden, and

again, keeping the land the way it is.

The proximity to the Chicago area can also be a burden as we have seen increasing developmental

pressure that may bring intermodals, major highways and new railroads to this area. The Refuge is the

antithesis of such development. It will be a great thing to see the Refuge grow, as voluntary participation

allows, preserving peace and quiet for many and building economic opportunity that does not harm a way of

life enjoyed by current residents.

Sincerely,

Janine Catchpole

P.O. Box 13 Watseka, Illinois 60970

January 30, 2017 Ref: Kankakee NWR and Conservation Area Jeanne Holler U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437-1458 Dear Jeanne: As donors of the 66-acre start of the National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, the Friends of the Kankakee are certainly anxious to see the Refuge move forward to eventual completion. We have worked hard to acquire and manage the Kolar Savanna Unit into decent shape before transferring to USFWS; it is gratifying to see this acreage used for the public benefit. We hope for similar successes in the near future.

We wholeheartedly support land acquisition from willing sellers in the focus areas as the Service has prioritized; alternatively, partnering with owners on a voluntary basis to steward wildlife habitat makes good sense, too. The Friends has made good progress in connecting parcels in highly-fragmented northeast Iroquois County. Linking up natural areas as the plan for the Refuge moves forward bodes well for wildlife, especially for species that are known to be area-sensitive. It will be to the benefit of people and wildlife if the Service can help willing owners convert marginal farmland, especially that which floods regularly, into good quality wildlife habitat. This would also help to reduce flooding and improve water quality in the river. Of course we firmly support any actions that benefit all who dwell in the watershed. Best wishes for success. Sincerely, Marianne L. Hahn, President

Dunes Calumet Audubon Society January 29, 2017 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Div. of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437-1458 Attention: Kankakee NWR and Conservation Area Dear Ms. Holler, The Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society (DCA) wishes to express its support for continued acquisition of land for the Kankakee NWR&CA. We are pleased that the USFWS plans to prioritize conservation of forested bottomlands and other wetlands along the river. Helping to control water runoff, improving water quality, and stabilizing the river edges will also help increase waterfowl and shore bird habitat. The 2016 designation of the Kankakee River as a National Water Trail has increased the public’s awareness of the great recreational asset we have. More canoe and kayakers are enjoying the natural river meanderings in Illinois. We would also like to bring more birders to the area. Please consider working with DCA to establish birding sites on lands you may acquire. Sincerely, Lynda McGinnis President DCA 1250 Chippewa Trail Chesterton, IN 46304

January 30, 2017 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Div. of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437-1458 Attention: Kankakee NWR and Conservation Area Dear Ms. Holler, I wish to express my support for the acquisition of additional lands for the Kankakee NWR & CA. I believe the proposed Land Protection Plan, which will enlarge the footprint of the Refuge by protecting bottomlands and other wetlands in the Momence Wetlands, should help to control flooding and improve water quality of the Kankakee River, as well as, increasing recreational opportunities. I would support encouraging ag land owners to manage their marginal lands for wildlife habitat. We need to preserve as much natural areas as possible in light of the continuing land development south of Chicago. Acquiring lands from willing sellers and encouraging conservation easements should be priorities. I would like the USFWS to increase public outreach to help build acceptance of the Refuge and help the public understand the importance of saving natural lands, I believe the open house for the Refuge demonstrated the benefit of inviting the public to activities that allow them to talk with FWS or Friends directly about their concerns. Consider giving tours which highlight special areas that provide increased recreation/protection or are important in maintaining species populations such as waterfowl, which can be hunted. The Indiana Chapter of the Nature Conservancy faced similar public resistance when Kankakee Sands was established 20 years ago. Now, because of their public outreach; their plantings of native gardens at the fair, library, and other buildings; and their mentoring programs for staff and students from North Newton High School, they are seen as a positive benefit to the community. With the arrival of the new bison herd, even more people are enjoying the area and bringing dollars to the local community. I would also encourage FWS to continue to focus on preserving the prairie and savanna areas adjacent to Iroquois Sands. There is a potential to increase holdings by over 400 acres, which will facilitate ecosystem restoration. Sincerely, Chris Salberg 7613 W. 134th Place Cedar Lake, IN 46303

January 29, 2017   U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning Attention: Kankakee NWR and Conservation Area 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437‐1458  On behalf of the Illinois Audubon Society I am writing with the following comments on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Conservation Opportunities Map for the Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area.  The Illinois Audubon Society is a statewide conservation organization with a mission of promoting the perpetuation and appreciation of birds, wildlife, and the habitats that support them.  We have over 2,000 members.  The Society commends the Service for its efforts to bring additional conservation measures to this important area, and we are happy to see the Service’s efforts to engage local communities and landowners in a process that seeks to enhance and connect high quality oak savanna and grassland bird habitat in Kankakee and Iroquois County.   We are especially pleased to see the potential opportunity for additional recreational opportunities for people to watch wildlife, paddle, fish, hunt and hike that the refuge and conservation area can bring to the area.  We also believe that the refuge and conservation area offers a great opportunity for the conservation of essential habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds, including whooping cranes.  We agree with prioritizing new natural connections between the Iroquois State Wildlife Area in Illinois and the Willow Slough State Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana as an initial focus of this effort. We also support efforts to enhance and connect important cores and corridors of wildlife habitat in the Momence Wetlands.   We also believe that this effort offers great potential, for landowners that choose to participate, to restore flood‐prone farmland and marginal agricultural land to wildlife habitat.   

PO BOX 2547

SPRINGFIELD, IL  62708

(P) 217.544.2473

(F) 217‐544‐7422

WWW.ILLINOISAUDUBON.ORG

Officers and Directors:

Shelly Knuppel President

Sara Mathis Vice-President

Diane Wyatt Treasurer

Jerry Prater Secretary Bob Andrini Francine Appleton Michael Campbell Deb Carey Sonny Cohen Carl DauBach Rosemary Gaertner Hugh Gilbert Mary Hedrick Kathy Lucas Mark Luscombe Ruth Meyer Mike Miller Cindy Owsley Kevin Richards Alyssa Rod Randy Schietzelt John Schroeder James Smith Terri Treacy John Wallace Christine Zeman Staff: Dr. James Herkert Executive Director

Jo Fessett Assistant to the Executive Director

Jodie Owen Accounts Manager

US Fish and Wildlife Service                                      ‐2‐                                                January 29, 2017   

In closing the Illinois Audubon Society is very happy to see the Service initiate conservation efforts in the area in way that is inclusive of local communities and landowners and one that focuses on working with willing landowners to bring important conservation measures to the area.  We look forward to working with the Service further as the planning for this refuge and conservation area progress.  Sincerely ,    Jim Herkert, Executive Director The Illinois Audubon Society PO Box 2547 Springfield, Illinois 62708 Phone: 217.544.2473 FAX 217.544.7433 jherkert@illinoisaudubon.org 

     

320 South Third Street

Rockford, Illinois 61104

815/964-6666

815/964-6661 (fax)

info@naturalland.org

www.naturalland.org

Officers:

President

Mark Maffei Roscoe, Illinois

Vice President Rick Barton Rockford, Illinois

Vice President Ellwyn Englof Rockford, Illinois

Secretary Ruth Little

Rockford, Illinois

Treasurer Tom Ptacin Roscoe, Illinois

Trustees:

Paul Baits Rockford, Illinois Mary Caskey Rockford, Illinois

Steve Clark Rockford, Illinois

Jon Duerr St. Charles, Illinois

Jay Evans Rockford, Illinois

Ray Ferguson Rockford, Illinois

Paulette Gilbert Rockford, Illinois

Linda Miller Rockford, Illinois

Alan Nowicki Freeport, Illinois

Rebecca Olson Rockford, Illinois

Tom Sandquist Rockford, Illinois

Reed Sjostrom Rockford, Illinois

Troy Skwor Rockford, Illinois

Rolf Thienemann, III Rockford, Illinois

Ed Eggers

Genoa, Illinois

Dan Williams Rockford, Illinois

Staff:

Executive Director Kerry Leigh

Ed Cope

Jessica Formea Kim Johnsen Jill Kennay Zach Grycan

The mission of the Natural Land Institute is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals

January 30, 2017 TO: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning ATTENTION: Kankakee NWR and Conservation Area 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437-1458 The Natural Land Institute, founded in 1958 supports the Kankakee NWR Refuge. The Natural Land Institute’s mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals, and we envision a world in which people recognize that we are a part of nature and act with the knowledge that our future depends upon preserving the natural systems that support all life on earth. We are a member-supported non-profit organization that has protected, managed and restored more than 16,000 acres of natural land in Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Partnership Opportunities

We see public private partnerships, such as easements and stewardship programs, as a great way to expand our conservation reach and help build community support for the refuge.

We support collaborating with public and private landowners to enhance and connect high quality oak savanna and grassland bird habitat in Kankakee and Iroquois County.

We look forward to learning the results from the Quality of Life study, to see how the Pembroke Township community would like to partner on conservation actions in the Land Protection Plan.

Restoration and Habitat Potential

The Conservation Opportunities map highlights great opportunities to enhance and connect important cores and corridors of wildlife habitat in the Momence Wetlands, which includes globally significant black oak sand savannas, regionally significant bottomland hardwood forests, and other landscapes that harbor threatened and endangered species.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prioritizes conservation of essential habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds whose populations are in steep decline. The footprint of the Refuge is also on the migration pathway for the federally endangered whooping crane.

We agree with prioritizing new natural connections between the Iroquois State Wildlife Area and the Willow Slough State Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana. We would also like to see a corridor to connect the Momence and Kankakee conservation areas.

The Kankakee River is a National Water Trail and a protected Land and Water Conservation Area, and naturally connects high quality landscapes in the Refuge. We see great value in preserving land along the river as a wildlife migration corridor, and working with area partners to enhance the quality of the waterway.

Recreation and Healthy Living

We support the additional recreational opportunities for people to watch wildlife, paddle, fish, hunt and hike.

Landowner Connections and Community Engagement

We agree that it is critical to integrate conservation lands into the existing fabric of our human communities, working lands and local economies.

We recognize the firm commitment to exclusively work with interested land owners at the level they want to participate. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should highlight on the Conservation Opportunities Map that participation is strictly voluntary. Economic Importance of Open Space

We recommend continuing to clarify that the mapped conservation priorities will work in harmony with existing agricultural operations and other land uses planned for economic development, so that residents value the Refuge as assets to local communities and our region.

We suggest reaching out to communities with metrics on how the Refuge will be a strong economic driver, and discuss the ecosystems services value of open space as a financial benefit for the local area. Resiliency and Stormwater Management

For landowners that decide to participate, we see great potential for restoring flood-prone farmland and marginal agricultural land to wildlife habitat. Sincerely,

Kerry Leigh Executive Director

Indiana Division

Sirs and Madams, January 28, 2017

This letter is sent on behalf of the 4500 members of the Izaak Walton League of America that are part of the

Indiana Division.

Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League of America is dedicated to conservation and our hunting, fishing,

and outdoor heritage. We use solution-oriented conservation, education, and promote outdoor recreation for

the benefit of our citizens.

We strongly support the Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area and believe the protection

of our natural resources benefits not only the environment but the quality of life for our communities.

We endorse the priorities listed on the Conservation Opportunities Map on the USFWS Kankakee Refuge

Planning page. The Service created the Refuge to protect some of the incredibly rare plants and animals still

found in the Kankakee River Basin. This is why we support the project.

The service will not use eminent domain and will deal with willing sellers only.

We support the protection of the Momence Wetlands area to protect the rare plants and animals

found there.

Restoration of floodplain wetlands will improve water quality, lessen flooding, and provide more

valuable wetland habitat in a state that has lost 85% of its original wetlands.

Only 3% of the state of Illinois is publicly owned, ranking it 44th out of 50 states in the amount of

public land available for conservation and recreation.

National Wildlife Refuges have been shown to be a boon for local economies.

We encourage the USFWS to include the Kankakee River floodplain in Indiana into the Refuge

planning soon.

We also support a large restoration of as much of the Pembroke and Beaverville Township prairies and

savannas as possible. We suggest working with the local citizens and governments as well as non-profit

organizations with similar goals.

The Izaak Walton League, locally and nationally, has been promoting restoration of the Kankakee River’s

fabled marshes since the start of the organization in Chicago in 1922.

Thank you,

Patty Jarosz, President

Indiana Division IWLA

3840 Barnes St.

Hobart, IN 46342

219-730-2250

George M. CovingtonPO Box 126

Lake Bluff, IL 60044

January 27,2017

United States Fish and Wildlife ServiceDivision of Natural Resources and Conservation PlanningAttn.: Kankakee NWR and Conservation Area5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990Bloomington, MN 55437-1458

BY US MAIL AND EMAIL r3planning@ftvs.gov

Dear Sir or Madame:

I write to express my support for the Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and acquisitionof land within the focal areas previously identified by USFWS. I am personally familiar with thearea, having visited it several times, both for pleasure and on business.

The approach of the FWS in establishing the Kankakee Refuge is flexible and respects therights of existing landowners in the area.

Illinois is one of the states with the least amount of land available for public use. Underthis approach, FWS working with existing and future landowners will be able to significantlyincrease the amount of public land accessible to residents of the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has identified the Kankakee Sands-Pembroke Savannas-Momence Wetlands as a Conservation Opportunity Area. These areas areidentified as important for conserving wildlife species in the greatest need of conservation. Theproposed Refuge will assist in achieving those goals.

Sincerely yours,

Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 413

Richmond, IL 60071-0413

January 20, 2017 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning ATTN: Kankakee NWR and Conservation Area 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437-1458 Ms. Jeanne Holler, The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (“the Friends”) welcome this opportunity to express its support for the newly-established Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area (NWR & CA). The Friends’ mission is “…to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and to connect people to these resources.” The Friends have reached out to literally thousands of individuals about the multiple values a refuge affords before and after establishment of the refuge in November 2012. The Friends fully appreciate and value the partnerships (with individuals and among organizations) that led to establishment of the refuge and the furtherance of the Friend’s mission.

The Friends believe that establishment of the Kankakee NWR & CA provides the framework for forging partnerships that will lead directly to support for a Land Protection Plan for this site. Those partnerships can and will lead to additional opportunities for land protection and stewardship within the footprint of the Kankakee NWR & CA. And, in doing so, will provide an opportunity to engage the public and private landowners to voluntarily protect land (through a variety of land protection tools that include conservation easements).

The Conservation Opportunities map prepared for the Kankakee NWR & CA includes globally significant black oak savannas, regionally significant bottomland hardwood forests, habitat for endangered and threatened species, and migratory bird routes. And, the Conservation Opportunities map does and should identify opportunities to connect these significant natural resources, particularly landscape corridors between Iroquois State Wildlife Area and Willow Slough State Fish and Wildlife Area. A landscape corridor between Momence and the Kankakee Conservation Areas should be established.

One of the hallmarks regarding establishment of Hackmatack NWR was that the refuge would not take land from private landowners. The Land Protection Plan and Conservation Opportunities maps for Kankakee NWR & CA should all clearly state that participation by landowners is strictly voluntary and that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will work in harmony with adjacent landowners.

Letter of Support for the Kankakee NWR & CA

Page 2

The Friends of Hackmatack NWR believe strongly that the bi-State refuge in Illinois and Wisconsin brings additional recreational opportunities to the region, serves as an economic driver for the citizens and small communities in the vicinity of the refuge, and provides important ecosystem services. Put quite simply, the refuge brings “value” to the citizens of the region. The same values will be realized by the citizens who live within or near the footprint of Kankakee NWR & CA. The Land Protection Plan for Kankakee NWR & CA should emphasize those “values” and further elaborate that those values can best be realized as the conservation lands associated with this refuge are woven into the fabric of private landowners and local communities.

In closing, the Friends of Hackmatack have seen Hackmatack NWR become an accepted part of the dialogue of local landowners and community leaders; appearing in the McHenry County Green Infrastructure Plan, the McHenry County Land Use Plan, local newspaper articles, Illinois Department of Natural Resources planning documents, planning documents with local and regional land protection organizations, and with Walworth County in Wisconsin. The Friends believe the Kankakee NWR & CA Land Protection Plan should similarly support forging connections “at all levels” in order to expand conservation in the region and build community support for the refuge.

Steven Byers

Friends of Hackmatack,

Chair

12/4/16

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System ATTN: Jeanne Holler Kankakee NWR&CA Comment 5600 American Blvd. W., Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437

RE: PROPOSED KANKAKEE NATIONAL WIDLIFE REFUGE & CONSERVATION AREA

To Whom It May Concern:

The proposed federal refuge is wrong on many levels.

1. The proposed project is illegitimate and a gross misappropriation of resources.

a. The U.S. Constitution lays out the legitimate role of the federal government. It’sunlikely we’ll find authority for a vast majority of what the federal government taxesand spends today. The federal government has significantly departed from theconstitutional principles of individual freedom and limited government that madeus a prosperous nation in the first place. These principles of freedom werepersonified through private ownership of property and free enterprise, both ofwhich have suffered under a federal government that’s out of control.

b. The U.S. Federal Government is nearly $20 trillion in debt! Some sources placethe debt much higher. The federal government’s primary function is the protectionof US citizens. Expanding the inventory of public lands in the name of conservationwhile in debt and fighting a war on terror demonstrates a gross misappropriationof resources! Please don’t give me some justification through “off shoreenvironmental drilling impact fees” or the like – debt is debt! If we as a nation donot get control of our spending, we’ll face insolvency! Worse yet, we’ll face thethreat of losing our nation!

i. Speaking of national security, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is aninternational organization, which purchases U.S. property privately ownedfor the potential conversion to public ownership. The TNC purchasedapproximately 7200 acres or more of historic wetlands in Newton County,Indiana. I believe the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) considers theTNC as their partners in the pursuit of the proposed Kankakee NationalWildlife Refuge. An international organization, which supports and pursuesthe conversion of privately owned property for public use is inherentlydangerous to the security of the United States of America.

2. Intervention by the FWS or IDNR (Illinois is in unimaginable debt too!) on the KankakeeRiver in Illinois is unnecessary.

a. The money proposed for land purchase (money the US and Illinois doesn’t have)can be used to better manage previously established resource managementareas.

1

b. The Kankakee River in Illinois has and will likely retain its natural character.

c. The goals and objectives of the FWS could be realized through private conservation programs, volunteer conservation programs, conservation education programs, and cooperative agreements to promote wildlife habitat improvements on private lands.

d. Clearing of bottomland in Illinois has been reduced and possibly eliminated.

e. Private landowners are assuming increased responsibility to preserve and improve natural resources.

3. Preventing our children from addressing future needs by using land to meet changing socio-economic trends is contrary to the U.S. Constitution and its provisions for liberty.

a. Federal and state regulations have reduced the position of human beings below that of the earth and living things. (49 USCS § 303 – Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966) & (16 USCS § 4601-8 – Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965).

b. A public works project, which would require acquisition of right-of-way from the proposed Refuge would present difficulties that are surmountable only under certain very specific conditions. The proposed Refuge would undoubtedly be classified as both a 4(f) and a 6(f) resource.

i. Section 4(f) provides that approval of a public works project requiring the

use of publicly-owned land of a public park, recreation area, or wildlife and waterfowl refuge, or land of a significant historic site be given only if:

1. There is no feasible and prudent alternative to using that land, and

2. The project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to these

resources.

ii. Section 6(f) does not allow property acquired or developed with assistance to be converted to other than public outdoor recreation uses without the approval of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. This approval authority has been delegated to the Regional Directors of the National Park Service. Approval can only be given if the Secretary finds that the action is in accord with the comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan and if another property of at least equal fair market value and equivalent usefulness and location is substituted for the property to be taken. In most cases, more than a 1:1 substitution is required by the National Park Service.

c. Experience in Illinois and other states have shown that it is increasingly difficult to

take 4(f) and 6(f) land for public works projects. Foreign environmental special interest groups could challenge a public works project in or through the proposed Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge in court. Since Court challenges such as this are lengthy and difficult to litigate, implementing a public works project through the Refuge would not likely be possible.

2

i. A local example of the difficulty experience because of federal regulations

is the Kankakee Metroplex Study. The Metroplex study was undertaken in the spring of 1995 in an effort to address local concerns about future traffic congestion in the Kankakee area. It was designed to explore a variety of solutions, such as a new highway alignment across the Kankakee River west of the metropolitan area. Building a road through the Kankakee River State Park was not considered since alternatives were available by taking a significant number of homes and businesses from human beings in the Bourbonnais area. In the end, the project was terminated since taking homes and business was determined to be unacceptable to the people; however, building a road through the park was considered prohibited by federal law.

d. Preventing our children from changing the use of the land and providing needed public works and drainage projects may jeopardize their welfare and survival.

i. While the USFWS has denied blocking waterways; when waterways

become blocked through fallen trees, vegetative growth or animal activity, the USFWS has no obligation to maintain blocked waterways and upstream landowners must rely on permission from the USFWS to access federal lands to maintain drainage. Timeliness in obtaining permits and meeting federal regulations is practically impossible.

ii. The value of our land relies on our ability to move people and goods among its uses, such as: agriculture, industry, housing, and recreation. Preventing the people from implementing needed public works projects will diminish the value of our land.

iii. Increase restoration of wetlands and standing water will mean increases in mosquito population.

iv. Our Creator has given man dominion over the earth and over every living

thing that moves upon the earth. (Genesis 1.28) In giving us dominion over the earth, I do not believe that our Creator intended for us to take license to be poor stewards of that which we have been given; nevertheless, we do enjoy a superior position over other living things. Stewardship is our responsibility – not the Federal Government’s!

4. Impacts of FWS purchasing privately owned land for public use would:

a. Reduce property values and local real estate tax revenue in an already strained

local economy.

i. The ¾ of 1% real estate tax replacement program does not fully replace lost tax revenue, and

ii. It’s not guaranteed.

1. At $20T in debt, the US government is incompetent to contract.

3

b. Reduce real property sales activity on adjoining property due to anticipated public acquisition.

c. The establishment of the proposed Refuge will reduce value of adjoining property.

d. Increase trespassing on adjoining private property and will be a nuisance to adjoining property owners.

e. If the proposed refuge attracts the numbers of visitors projected, the impact of the proposed Refuge (without an increased source of revenue) would reduce the efficiency and quality of roads in the County.

f. Greater public use will not only increase littering, noise and vehicle usage, it will also result in greater pressure on public services such as law enforcement, highway construction and maintenance without providing increase revenue to local government.

g. Local public highway agencies rely on vehicle registrations and system mileage

(not sales tax) to generate revenue…neither of which will increase with a proposed Refuge.

Kankakee County’s free people rely upon a balance of agriculture and industry to maintain the integrity and vitality of surrounding land. The introduction of a national wildlife refuge will forever imbalance this system. I remain confident that if and when a refuge is established, it would enjoy a dominant position at the exclusion of all else. I do believe the free local people should enjoy and are entitled to a superior position when dealing with federal and state authorities assuming jurisdiction over such measures. Very truly yours, James W. Piekarczyk 13839 E. State Route 114 Momence, IL 60954 JWP/jwp

4