WSIL – Rep. Brandon Phelps has introduced legislation he says would boost tourism to the Shawnee National Forest.
Phelps, D-Harrisburg, is sponsoring House Resolution 1269, which urges the U.S. Forest Service to allow the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the Shawnee National Forest. Phelps says, currently, ATVs are only allowed through a disability permit program.
"One of the potentially biggest tourist attractions for Shawnee National Forest would be allowing folks to use all-terrain vehicles on some of the many trails in Southern Illinois," Phelps said. "There are other national parks that permit it and it brings a lot of people to the region, so there is no reason for us to not do the same."
The resolution also calls for expanding existing horse trails, as well as exploring additional recreational opportunities in the forest.
"Shawnee National Forest is Southern Illinois treasure and we should find ways to bring more people to visit it," Phelps said. "We should be trying to continually promote ways to encourage people to visit us and I believe allowing other activities can make a huge difference."
The resolution, filed Monday, has been referred to the Rules Committee.
