A recent House bill to allow the Department of Natural Resources to charge admission fees to state parks has passed and moves on to the Senate.

Site Superintendent of Weldon Springs and Clinton Lake, Tom Jackson explains Illinois is currently one of only seven states that does not currently charge for access to it's state parks and recreation areas. He notes, if the bill passes and is signed by the governor, would put Illinois more in line with neighboring states.

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Like so many areas of the State budget, DNR has seen their budget reduced each of the past ten years and Jackson notes the need for a revenue source is there. He feels this is a great opportunity for residents to support their parks.

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Jackson explains Clinton Lake and Weldon Spring have done about all they can to not let the public feel the effects of the cuts they've had but he says it has become unsustainable as much of their equipment has become outdated and repair needs to infrastructure.

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Between daily or yearly passes to the various parks around the state, it is project DNR could gain approximately $8-million dollars. Jackson says that doesn't completely fix their budget issues, but it is a good starting point.

The bill is currently in the Senate awaiting a vote there.