IL Build A Wildlife Area
"Our goal is to ensure our wildlife, outdoor and hunting heritage through key public land acquisitions in Illinois."
Objectives:
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Generate funds from local chapters, individuals, corporations and foundations.
- Use local funds to leverage state and federal grants - tripling the local investment
- Identify and Secure 1st BAWA project by November 1, 2008 (opening pheasant season)
- Demonstrate public support and need for wildlife areas to government officials, corporations, media and individuals
- Create an annual tradition of raising funds for the Build A Wildlife Area campaign.
The Need for public land acquisition is NOW! Increased pressures for land to produce (ie. ethanol) have escalated land prices resulting in fewer conservation acres on private lands. Public land provides habitat and opportunity for recreation and what we don't protect today will surely be gone tomorrow.
Benefits
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aquired lands consist primarily of marginal croplands and other ecologically significant areas.
- Public outdoor recreation opportunities (hunting)
- Economic benefits to local businesses
- We can also reduce runoff, improve water quality, reduce downstream flooding, reduce soil erosion and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Improves our quality of life.
The birds need your help
For more information on how you can help this important initiative, please download our BAWA packet or email Aaron K. Kuehl, Director of Conservation Programs or call 217-635-5207.