JCCB property
provides refuge, food for wildlife

To the Editor,

I am writing regarding the Johnston property that has been willed to the Jasper County Conservation Board (JCCB). John Parsons has publicly condemned the way in which this property is being managed, but he has not contacted either the staff or board members of JCCB to express his concerns to them. Perhaps he is unaware that income from the farming operation on this land is in a trust so that improvements can be made over time. This, of course, helps to hold down taxes of residents in Jasper County for such improvements. When the Neal Smith Refuge began, much of that land was farmed until money was available for prairie restoration. In fact, some of that land continues to be farmed.

The farm on the Johnston property now has filter strips and waterways, which can be used as wildlife cover. Crops also are a food source for animals using this area. The property has a water source. This land is a wildlife refuge as no hunting or trapping is allowed there. In addition, many animals find refuge underground (fox, coyote, raccoon, rabbit, badger, reptile, etc.), so even crop land can be a source of refuge.

Since this land was acquired during Mr. Parson’s tenure on the Jasper County Board of Supervisors, it might be useful to review minutes of supervisor’s meetings to determine what Mr. Parson’s stance was at the time of acquisition. It would be interesting to note what guidance the Supervisors provided to JCCB at that time.

Darrell Batterson

Laurel