A movement in the southern part of the state to make Shawnee National Forest the first national park in Illinois is gaining momentum. Considering the criteria for creating a national park, we think the idea makes a lot of sense.

Shawnee National Forest is a 289,000-acre parcel at the tip of southern Illinois, situated between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
DTanner/Google
It avoided glaciation, which contributes to its unique topography and geological make-up.
Shawnee is home to nationally-significant natural resources, such as its many bluffs and waterfalls.
Grant Twiss/Google
The forest is dotted with caves.
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Its network of canyons and slot canyons are wholly unique to the area and region of the U.S.
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Folks flock to the park to explore and even climb among them.
In addition, Shawnee National Forest serves as a preserve for the protection of many sensitive species of flora and fauna.
Tsoe Garza/Google

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Moreover, you'll find many culturally and archaeologically significant areas within the boundaries of the forest.
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Meanwhile, abundant recreational opportunities are also available on the forest.
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The forest offers many trails for cycling, and hiking, as well as equestrian and off-road use.
Camping is popular throughout the Shawnee, whether in developed sites or dispersed in the forest's backcountry.
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Its wilderness areas are perfect for backpackers to explore.
Water-based recreation is also popular within Shawnee National Forest.
USFS - Shawnee National Forest/Facebook
Its streams and lakes afford opportunities for paddling, fishing, swimming, and boating.
The movement to upgrade the area to national park status is already underway.
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In December 2022, the Carbondale City Council passed a resolution supporting the establishment of Shawnee National Park and Climate Preserve.

There is also a movement among private citizens to move management of the forest out of the hands of the U.S. Forest Service and into those of the National Park Service. If you take a look at the criteria for establishing a new national park, it seems pretty clear that Shawnee National Forest ticks all the boxes.

What do you think? Should Shawnee National Forest become the first national park in Illinois?

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Shawnee National Forest, Illinois 62985, USA