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Group seeks National Park status for Shawnee Forest in Illinois

Proponents of the change say turning Shawnee National Forest into a national park and climate preserve could be a major economic boost for southern Illinois; an area that struggles with high unemployment and low wages, along with declining population. (File photo by Bob Drieslein)

A new effort is under way to re-designate the Shawnee National Forest as the “Shawnee National Park and Climate Preserve.”
Supporters say this change could bring big economic and environmental benefits to southern Illinois. Les Winkeler, a retired journalist and outdoor enthusiast from southern Illinois (and also a regular contributor to Illinois Outdoor News), is one of the leading voices behind the push to make the Shawnee National Forest a national park. He said the effort is not just about protecting nature, but about helping the region thrive.

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