After a long vacancy, the position of director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has been filled with a controversial appointment by Gov. Blagojevich. On Jan. 16, Blagojevich announced his choice of former State Rep. Kurt Granberg (Carlyle) for the IDNR director post. Granberg resigned from the House of Representatives just prior to the House vote on impeachment and accepted the appointment.

Affiliate members of the Illinois Environmental Council have expressed strong opposition to Granberg’s appointment because of the former legislator’s lack of experience in the natural resources field. Tom Clay, executive director of the Audubon Society, called it “another example of Governor Blagojevich’s disregard for the IDNR and our state's natural resources.”

Illinois’ natural resources have suffered much neglect in the form of IDNR budget and staff cuts and fund sweeps for the last several years that most recently have led to the closure of seven state parks in November 2008. Illinois ranks last by a wide margin among Midwestern states in acres protected per capita, with only 1 percent of its land owned by the state.

"We need to take this situation and the state’s great natural heritage seriously," said IEC Interim Director Gail Philbin. "The appointment of an individual with a background in natural resources to lead the department in charge of sustaining, managing and protecting them is an important and necessary first step."

Illinois citizens can voice their objections to the appointment by asking the Illinois Senate to block Mr. Granberg's appointment confirmation. Contact Senate President John J. Cullerton, urging him to oppose Director Granberg’s Senate confirmation. At the same time, make certain to contact your district’s Senator and ask them to do the same. For Senate contact information, visit their website at: http://www.ilga.gov/senate/