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Starved Rock State Park Expansion Announced by Governor

Starved Rock Expansion Announcement

OGLESBY – Illinois Gov. Rauner announced an expansion of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks on Thursday at Starved Rock Lodge. Joining the Governor was Oglesby Mayor Donald Finley, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Wayne Rosenthal, and State Sen. Sue Rezin. The park, currently covering 2,630 acres, would be nearly doubling in size after the purchase of the property from Lonestar Industries for 11 million dollars.
 
Governor Bruce Rauner says, “Enhancing the experience of the outdoors in the state is a major drive of quality of life and economic activity. The money that is spent by tourists coming, hunters, fisherman, hikers, will enhance the parks significantly.” Rauner says he  fully expects a significant number of increased visitors and economic development as a result.
 
The land, 2,629 acres, was formerly involved in mining and has undergone restoration.  All of the ground is adjacent to existing park property.
Over 3.2 million visitors enjoy the trails and facilities at the state park last year, which was opened in 1911.
 

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