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No "Canoe Czar" for Illinois
In the end, Illinois won't have a "canoe czar" after all. News broke Wednesday afternoon of the hiring of an $85,000 "watertrail coordinator" -- and was immediately ridiculed on the Internet. The governor's office rescinded the position later in the day.

As late as 4 p. m., Department of Natural Resources director Marc Miller was defending the hiring of Claude Walker: "The Conservation Congress -- a forum of constituents -- recommended to the agency to create a statewide watertrail plan. In order to carry that out, we needed somebody who has experience with the paddle groups -- a passion for paddling -- but also can write and get through some of the very difficult, sticky issues with water law Downstate."

By 5:30 p. m., word had come that Illinois' tourism and recreation efforts will get along without such a czar.

Meanwhile, Miller says the DNR is considering a fee to park in state parks. Illinois provides free admission to its parks.

(Illinois Radio Network)
04 15 10 by Newsroom
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