(20 ILCS 835/2) (from Ch. 105, par. 466)

Sec. 2.

It shall be the policy of the State of Illinois to acquire a system
of State parks which shall embody the following purposes and objectives:

(1) To preserve the most important historic sites and events which are connected with

early pioneer or Indian history, so that such history of the Indians, explorers, missionaries and settlers may be preserved, not only as a tribute to those who made possible the building of the State of Illinois and of the Union, but also as a part of the education of present and future Illinois citizens.

(2) To set aside as public reservations those locations which have unusual scenic

attractions caused by geologic or topographic formations, such as canyons, gorges, caves, dunes, beaches, moraines, palisades, examples of Illinois prairie, and points of scientific interest to botanists and naturalists.  These areas should be large in size and whenever practicable shall be not less than 1,000 acres in extent.  However, smaller areas may be acquired wherever conditions do not warrant the acquisition of the larger acreage.

(3) To preserve large forested areas and marginal lands along the rivers, small water

courses, and lakes for a recreation use different from that given by the typical city park, and so that these tracts may remain unchanged by civilization, so far as possible, and be kept for future generations. Such areas also, should be acquired in units of 1,000 acres or more and may be available as fish and game preserves.  However, smaller areas may be acquired wherever conditions do not warrant the acquisition of the larger acreage.

(4) To connect these parks with each other by a system of scenic parkways with widths

varying from 100 to 1,000 feet, as a supplement to and completion of the State highway system. Where the present State highway routes may serve this purpose, their location, alignment and design should be studied with this plan in view.  At suitable locations along these highways, pure water supplies and shelters and comfort facilities of attractive design may be installed for the convenience of the public.

The Department of Natural Resources is authorized in
behalf of the State of
Illinois to accept by donation or bequest, to purchase or acquire by
condemnation proceedings in the manner provided for the exercise of the power
of eminent domain under the Eminent Domain Act, or by
contract for deed payable over a period of time not to exceed 10 years,
or in any other legal manner, the title to all such lands, waters or regions,
and the easements appurtenant or contributory thereto, which shall be in
accord with such policy in respect to a system of State parks, for the purpose
of which the General Assembly may make an appropriation.  Purchases by contract
for deed under this Section shall not exceed $20,000,000 in total purchase
price for land under contract at any one given time.

(Source: P.A. 94-1055, eff. 1-1-07.)