There's another ugly round of rumors circulating about the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Normally, I don't give much credence to rumors. Unfortunately, recent history tells us that most rumors involving IDNR and budget cuts have come to fruition.

The latest bad word is that as many as 11 state parks in Region IV and V, read Southern Illinois, will be closed after New Year. Coincidentally, I heard the same rumor from two distinctly different sources within a three-day period.

A couple of years ago, I would have scoffed at the possibility. Heck, I would have scolded anyone for writing a column about such innuendo. That was then, this is reality.

Time and time again we've seen the Illinois Department of Natural Resources take broadsides from the budget knife. The IDNR now resembles the carcass of a neatly filleted crappie.

But, the problem is bigger than that.

It affects all of us. The last figures I read listed Illinois as 48th in terms of state-owned land. In a region so rich in natural resources, that's a disgrace.

Now, it appears as many of those areas will become off limits to the state's taxpayers. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I think Illinois residents deserve better.

What makes the rumors particularly scary is that 10 parks are already slated to close unless Gov. Rod Blagojevich signs funding legislation by Nov. 30. Fortunately, Southern Illinois was spared in the first wave of cuts.

However, when the original list of park closings was posted, I was relieved and puzzled in equal parts. Initially, I was happy that our region had been spared. But, the very next thought was, "This isn't going to fly."

It made no sense that the northern portion of the state would bear the total brunt of this bludgeon.

Almost immediately, grassroots movements sprang up in an effort to keep the parks open.

Southern Illinoisans will have the opportunity to participate in one of those efforts, "Pack Our Parks" tomorrow morning.

Illinoisans are being urged to flock to the state parks near their homes between 10-11 a.m. Saturday morning. The idea is that word may filter back to Springfield and change some minds.

Will it work?

Truthfully, I have no clue. On the other hand, what can it hurt?

If Illinoisans flock to parks by the thousands, they'll have the opportunity to enjoy fall colors. They'll probably see migrating ducks and geese. Deer are out in full force. And, if the weather is nice, perhaps they can enjoy a hike or a bicycle ride.

If nothing else, it will afford a lot of people a chance to commune with nature. It's not a bad idea. In a lot of areas, it could be a last chance.

LES WINKELER is the outdoors writer for The Southern Illinoisan. Contact him at les.winkeler@thesouthern.com or call 351-5088.