Today Governor Quinn vetoed legislation that would have allowed bobcat hunting in Illinois. Bobcats had been on Illinois’ threatened species list due to hunting and habitat loss, but have begun to return to some parts of Illinois.
Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois issued this statement:
“This action will ensue that these magnificent predators will continue to return to Illinois’ forests. Bobcats were once an important part of the ecosystem here in the Prairie State, and their recovery is an important victory and milestone for conservation in Illinois.
We applaud Governor Quinn for taking action to protect Illinois bobcats, and for all he has done to protect the Prairie State for future generations. Pat Quinn and his team worked hard to protect Illinois’ last wild places, and restored Illinois’ ability to preserve our natural heritage after a decade of devastating cuts to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. He leaves Illinois a legacy that includes newly protected lands across Illinois, and dedicated funding for the professionals at IDNR we count on to protect our natural resources.”
Illinois Sierra Club Blog 