Starved Rock National Park is absolutely beautiful.

A recent visit this June reminded us that the trails, native foliage and wildlife are a peaceful symbol of what the Midwest and Illinois has to offer. Blemishing all the natural beauty and tranquility was a very evident and growing
concern...plastic water bottles.

As we hiked and admired nature we were plagued with constant reminders of man's carelessness with plastic water bottles lining paths, stuffed in tree cubbies or floating in streams. Although a polite sign greets guests at the start of the trails asking them to "pack out what they take in" it was evident that many either ignored the request or did not care.

With our own reusable water bottles in tow, we picked up what we could fit in
our cargo pockets and carried discarded plastic bottles on our hike until we returned to the visitors center to dispose of properly.

Although we had the best of intentions it saddens me to say we made very little difference.

There is no doubt that the sale of water and popular beverages is an important income maker for the park to function, but currently it is not without sacrifice to what this national treasure has to offer.

Sensible Administrators have already decided that trash cans throughout the park would detract from the beauty and would add to upkeep costs; an
alternative solution must be found to protect this precious ecosystem and the Illinois River.

It is with great respect that we request the powers that be to follow in the footsteps of Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Parks and enact a plan to ban plastic bottles from the park trails and to limit use to the visitor centers and picnic grove areas. In addition, make it available for purchase and mandatory that guests visiting the park use reusable bottles on the trails to preserve the environment and nature that is Starved Rock National Park.