By Ted Flickinger,
Managing Editor

All roads lead to the IPR State Conference in Peoria, January 18-21, 1990, at the Convention Center. Be sure to read the Conference Overview on pages 6 and 7. Your 1989 IPR Conference Registration and Program is inserted in this magazine for your convenience. Check out the time and location of the educational sessions you'll want to attend. Send in your 1990 IPR Conference Registration Form right away!

Our final issue of IPR magazine for 1989 focuses on Parks and Natural Resources Management. The PNRM Section of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association has elicited many fine articles on issues and trends. All featured articles have been prepared by Illinois authors.

We have a special report on the first-year success of the Illinois Department of Conservation's "Kids For Conservation" Program. Another article addresses the need to train volunteer coaches of youth sports programs. There's also a preview of the PNRM Section's new Electrical Safety Manual, due to be available for purchase at the upcoming conference.

We thank the many authors who submitted material for publication in the magazine during the past year and we hope that everyone will continue to share their talents and expertise during 1990. At this writing, our literary awards are being judged; awards will be presented at the Annual Awards Luncheon during the Conference on Saturday, January 20. Best of luck to everyone!

On behalf of the Joint Publications Committee of the Illinois Association of Park Districts, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and IPR editor, Milly Wallace, I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons.

On The Cover "Kids For Conservation" members wish Smokey the Bear a happy 50th birthday this year! Photographer Terry Farmer, Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, contributes our cover photo.