In recognition of the fact that the mission of the National Park Service is to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations, and

In consideration of the outstanding, unmatched natural and historic features found on the more than 290,000-acre Shawnee National Forest, setting Southern Illinois apart from the remainder of the state and the region, and

In consideration of the recreation opportunities that exist on the Shawnee including camping, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, rock climbing, horseback riding and kayaking, among others which will continue and will be encouraged by the National Park Service, and

In recognition of the fact that customary recreational activities such as hunting, dispersed camping and others will be incorporated into this legislation, and

In recognition of the role that mature and old growth forests play in mitigating the effects of climate change, and

In recognition of the fact that Illinois currently has no national park nor preserve, and

In support of the current developing tourism-based economy and the dire economic straits facing many Southern Illinois communities, and

In recognition of the fact that national park visitors provide significant economic engines for local regions and communities located up to 60 miles away from the boundaries of national parks.

Therefore, the undersigned do/does hereby endorse the initiative to transfer the federally owned Shawnee National Forest land out of the US Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service oversight and into the US Dept. of Interior Park Service to become the Shawnee National Park and Climate Preserve.