Illinois Valley Times

Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) can boast that his first successful measure in the House has a little something for everyone, according to a press release.

The first-term representative's House Bill 3455 expands the work volunteers can do in state parks by amending a Department of Natural Resources code. Volunteers had been limited to trash and litter removal but now may do more with the existing Adopt-A-Park program.

Volunteers may now help maintain the trails with activities like vegetation management, building and facility repair, accessibility projects, spring cleanups, special events and public information and assistance.

Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria)

The bill also creates the Adopt-A-Trail program, allowing a wider range of volunteer groups and individuals to get involved with the state’s park system. With the legislation in effect, those interested in taking responsibility for specific trails in a park simply need to contact the DNR. 

“This is common-sense legislation that allows volunteers to create an Adopt-a-Trail program as well as allow volunteer work at state parks and trails," Spain said in the release.

When groups or individuals are approved for the Adopt-A-Park or Adopt-A-Trail program, they will work with the DNR to establish an agreement specifying the work volunteers will take on. To protect DNR employees, the bill stipulates that those agreements will not include work that the department has historically done or that would lead to fewer hours or less compensation for employees. This includes services that could be performed by an employee on layoff. Additionally, the volunteer agreements must be consistent with collective bargaining agreements with the department.

“My intention has not been to take away work historically done by state employees, but rather to allow supplemental efforts to help keep our state natural resources in even better shape for future generations,” Spain said in the release.

According to his release, Spain was inspired to sponsor the legislation by trail riders who frequently use paths through Jubilee State Park near Brimfield. The DNR and the Horseman’s Council of Illinois both testified in support of the bill. It received wide bipartisan support, with House co-sponsors including Reps. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago), Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee), Litesa Wallace (D-Rockford), Camille Lilly (D-Oak Park) and Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield). Senate sponsors were Sens. Chuck Weaver (R-Peoria), Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) and Steven Landek (D-Bridgeview). 

HB3455 advanced through both chambers with unanimous support, according to Spain, in the House in April and the Senate in May.

The bill also garnered the support of Gov. Bruce Rauner, who mentioned the initiative in his January State of the State speech. Rauner listed the effort, alongside new contracts with state government unions and a higher threshold for overtime pay, as a common-sense change that would help employees and taxpayers.

“We should want our citizens to be engaged in our state parks and facilities,” Spain said in the release. “We should want them enjoying these trails and parks with their families and taking personal ownership in seeing them kept in the best shape possible. This legislation will clarify and allow for better care of our parks and trails.”