PORT BYRON, IL - A proposal by state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) would constitutionally protect the rights of Illinois citizens to hunt and fish.

Smiddy recently introduced House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 24 to amend the Bill of Rights of the Illinois Constitution to include the citizens' rights to hunt and fish. If approved by both chambers of the legislature, Smiddy's proposal will be presented for voters' approval on the next general election ballot.

"Hunting and fishing is a time-honored tradition and a basic right of every Illinoisan," said Smiddy. "Protecting this right in the state constitution recognizes the importance of hunting to our heritage and ensures that our children and grandchildren can continue this tradition."

Currently, 17 states include constitutional protections of hunting and fishing, of which 16 were voter-approved ballot referendums. Two additional states guarantee the right to fish only, and several other states are considering similar legislation.

"The public overwhelmingly recognizes our inherent right to hunt," Smiddy. "As gun control legislation is debated in the Illinois legislature and anti-gun advocates try to limit our access to firearms, we have to be proactive to protect every aspect of our right to bear arms."

For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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Open Lands Trust to Create Public Hunting Ground in Illinois' Deer Capital

SPRINGFIELD - February 20, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today announced acquisition of 547 acres of public land in four Illinois counties to boost public access for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. The $2.8 million in land purchases includes 410 acres in Pike County, a hallowed deer hunting region, and 71 acres in Hackmatack, the nation's newest National Wildlife Refuge. This acquisition is part of Governor Quinn's ongoing commitment to expand and preserve Illinois' natural resources and boost the economy.

The properties were acquired through the Illinois Open Lands Trust (OLT), which is funded by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and allocated for public recreation and conservation purposes.

"Preservation of open space for future generations is a worthy goal, and hunting, fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation generate billions of dollars a year in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Continuing to expand outdoor recreation areas and natural habitats such as Hackmatack are not only good for our economy, but also ensure that Illinois children can enjoy nature and lead a healthy lifestyle. Let's leave no child inside!'"

"Pike County is a tremendous deer hunting destination with virtually no public access. This acquisition will give hunters an opportunity to pursue white-tails in Illinois' deer capital," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller. "There is tremendous demand in Illinois for public access to open space and this purchase helps meet that demand."

The Pike County property includes extensive timber and upland areas with some tillable Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and pasture areas well-suited for public hunting programs. The newly acquired property will remain closed to the public while the IDNR continues development of a management plan, submits regulations for hunting and other recreation programs at the site, and installs public access areas.

The Pike County parcel - southwest of Pittsfield - was acquired for the appraised value of $1.8 million. Today's announcement includes acquisition of three other properties to expand public lands:

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, McHenry County, 71.8 acres ($511,000) - The parcel was acquired to formally establish the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, the first refuge established in northern Illinois. The core areas of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge are rich in important natural resources, including rare and diverse natural communities, endangered and threatened species, wetlands, diverse aquatic systems and migratory birds. Eventually, the Hackmatack Refuge will improve or restore 11,000 acres of wetlands, prairie and forest, and will conserve habitat corridors between protected parcels to ensure sustainability of local ecological systems.

Expansion of Lowden-Miller State Forest, Ogle County, 64 acres ($450,000) - A 64-acre tract of land best known locally as the centerpiece of Sinnissippi Forest's former Christmas tree operation, has been added to Lowden-Miller State Forest. This acquisition will give the public better access to the easternmost portion of this resource which is named for Illinois Governor Frank Lowden, an advocate of reforestation who was responsible for planting a half-million trees.

"Twenty years ago, my late wife Nancy and I took great pleasure in the creation of Lowden-Miller State Forest, knowing that the people of Illinois would now be able to enjoy this magnificent part of the Rock River Valley," Warren Miller, former owner of the property said. "When we reluctantly closed our Christmas tree operation in 2010, it was my hope that this tract could be added to the State Forest. I am extremely pleased that we've finally been able to do so."

Expansion of Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Vermilion County, 0.94 acres ($25,000) - This parcel of land is located at the entrance to Kickapoo State Recreation Area adjacent to the Rock Cut Botanical Area, an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory site that supports some 40 species of sedge, a state-listed threatened grass-like plant.

Funds used to acquire these properties are through 2009 capital dollars appropriated for the Open Lands Trust Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Since the program was first authorized in 1998, the OLT has acquired 41,000 acres for public recreation and conservation.

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Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Dave Loebsack introduced a Resolution (H.Res. 71) with Jim Jordan (OH-04) and Tim Walz (MN-01) expressing opposition to the International Olympic Committee's decision to eliminate wrestling as a core sport. Today, three legends of Iowa and Olympic wrestling, Dan Gable, Tom Brands and Terry Brands threw their support behind the resolution. Loebsack will continue to work with his colleagues in Congress and those in the wrestling community to push to overturn this misguided decision.

"We haven't done a good enough job in sharing our sport to the right people (IOC). We need to start doing that this second and I thank Representative Loebsack for leading the charge in Congress to express our state's, and nation's, opposition to this decision.  This needs the whole team's involvement. I will stand with him to fight this decision," said Dan Gable.

"The decision to cut wrestling from the Olympic Games by the IOC is a worldwide injustice. Every corner and culture of the planet is affected by this decision. There is nothing more sacred to living than learning to overcome struggles. Wrestling, more than any other form of sport and recreation, represents all that is real and true about life. When decisions are made it is always tough to reconsider. The IOC must not only reconsider, they must reverse their decision. I applaud Congressman Loebsack for introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives to encourage the IOC to reverse this decision. Intelligent decision making has to prevail here and now. We must all work hard and smart together," said Tom Brands.

"Wrestling and the Olympics are synonymous, together as one.  As the oldest, greatest and purest sport, I will look, with pleasure, to the World Wide Coalition reversing the IOC vote to eliminate wrestling.  I am pleased to stand tall with Congressman Loebsack and fully support his resolution opposing the IOC's decision," said Terry Brands.

 

"The decision by the International Olympic Committee is a slap in the face to the wrestling community. Iowans share a strong attachment to the sport, but also to the hard work, perseverance and determination it represents.  I applaud Dan, Tom and Terry for standing up with one voice against this decision and I look forward to fighting alongside them," said Congressman Loebsack.

Also today, Loebsack joined Iowa Governor Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Senators Grassley and Harkin, and Representatives Latham, King, and Braley in writing a letter to IOC President Jaques Rogge urging the IOC to keep wrestling as a core sport.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Jim Jordan (OH-04) and Tim Walz (MN-01) announced today that they will be filing a resolution in the House of Representatives expressing opposition to the International Olympic Committee's decision to drop wrestling as a core sport.  The resolution will be introduced in the coming days.

"The decision by the International Olympic Committee to drop wresting is baffling.  The history of collegiate and Olympic wrestling runs through Iowa.  From Dan Gable and Tom Brands to Cael Sanderson and Jake Varner, Iowa has represented the sport with determination and the hard work it takes to succeed in life and sport.  I will continue to work with my colleagues to change this ruling on behalf of Iowa's, and America's, storied wrestling history," said Congressman Dave Loebsack.

"Wrestling defines the Olympic spirit like no other sport. The IOC got this one dead wrong, and their decision threatens to extinguish the dreams of countless American athletes. I look forward to working with my friends in the wrestling community toward reversing this ruling," said Congressman Jim Jordan.

"I am disappointed by the IOC's decision to eliminate wrestling from the Olympic Games. Minnesota has a storied and rich wrestling heritage. This is especially true in southern Minnesota where wrestling gives students the confidence, courage, and work ethic it takes to be successful not only in the sport, but also in life. I urge the urge the IOC to reconsider their decision and reinstate wrestling as a core sport of the Summer Games," said Congressman Tim Walz.

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