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Located in Southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest is the only National Forest in our state and is the third smallest in the nation. It is approximately 277,000 acres in size and spreads across the southern part of the state between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. As a National Forest, it is owned by all Americans. It is managed by the US Forest Service.
The Sierra Club has a long history of fighting for strong protection of the forest resources, so that all residents can enjoy them. We are currently working on two major issues:
Forest Management Plan Revision - Every 7-10 years each National Forest is required to update their management plan. The management plan is the document that determines what level of logging will occur, which areas are protected for wildlife, how much and what type of recreation will occur, how threatened and endangered species will be protected, etc.
Public input is required at every step of this 3-5 year process. As Illinois' premier grassroots environmental organization we play an important role in coveying the publics desires to the Forest Service.
Increasing Wilderness Protection - "Wilderness" is a unique designation that is reserved for select lands. Illinois currently has 7 Wilderness areas. The Sierra Club is working to protect 3 more areas that deserve Wilderness status. We are members of the Illinois Wilderness Action Network (IWAN) who are working to pass the Federal legislation needed to permanently protect Burke Branch, Ripple Hollow, and Camp Hutchins in the Shawnee
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Annoucements & Resources
NEW! Download the official Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter comments on the Draft Forest Management Plan. NOTE: large file (2.1 mg, ~400 pages) Adobe Acrobat format.
Two Citizens Petitions: For the Forest Service to emphasize environmental protection by eliminating logging, off-road vehicles, and new road construction.
For the dedication of 3 areas in the Shawnee as Wilderness Areas. Sierra Club's Vision for the Shawnee National Forest >>
Personal Stories of the Shawnee >> Protect Illinois Wilderness
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