Kankakee County’s long-standing opposition to a wildlife refuge is likely to remain that way. The County Board’s planning, zoning and agriculture committee (Wednesday) voted to continue its opposition to a proposed national refuge site.

The opposition by the committee will be forwarded to the full County Board.

It was the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service which proposed the refuge some 20 years ago. Friends of the Kankakee, a group of wildlife enthusiasts, have brought the matter back to life. But the opposing people still point to agriculture concerns as to why they don’t like it.

The Kankakee and Ford-Iroquois County Farm Bureaus have pointed to an eroding tax base, drainage issues, and effects on wildlife as to why they oppose the refuge. Those opposing also say public services would be affected.

94.1 WGFA