SPRINGFIELD - As residents across the state speak out against the planned closure of two dozen state parks and historic sites, lawmakers may take a step to prevent them this week. | Federal funds use may stop park, historic site closures

Some lawmakers say they want to approve more state spending to keep the parks open, as well as hold off hundreds of other state layoffs planned by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Among the 11 parks set for closure Nov. 1 by Blagojevich are Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Hidden Springs State Forest, Moraine View State Park, Weldon Springs State Park and Wolf Creek State Park. In addition, 13 historic sites are also targeted to close Oct. 1, including a part of Blackhawk State Historic Site, the Lincoln Log Cabin in Lerna, the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington and three sites in Randolph County.

Since Blagojevich announced his plans, lawmakers say they've seen an outpouring of support for the parks in particular.

"There's been a lot of action by the people who will be the most impacted," said state Rep. Frank Mautino, a Spring Valley Democrat who represents part of the Hennepin Canal.

To pay for the parks, lawmakers could turn to a controversial method of taking money in the state budget that is set aside for specific purposes and use it to pay for other expenses.

In recent years, the practice has been particularly criticized by Republicans. But some said Tuesday they could support it to save the parks.

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said he'd have to read the fine print, but a tough vote could be worth sparing the David Davis Mansion.

"I'll do what I have to," Brady said.

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, who represents Weldon Springs State Park near Clinton, agreed.

"I might have to do it," the Forsyth Republican said.

The Illinois House returns to session in Springfield on Wednesday in part to consider leasing the Illinois Lottery to a private company to generate money for a statewide construction program.

A spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan said votes on pumping more money into the state budget and spending it to prevent closures and layoffs also could come Wednesday and Thursday.

"It's on our list of things to do," said spokesman Steve Brown.

The idea of leasing the state lottery has been around for several years, but some remain unsure of whether the plan will work.

State Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Milan, said he's opposed to the concept but will probably vote "yes" because it could help pay for construction projects.

"I'll probably put a clothespin on my nose and vote for it," Verschoore said.

Even if the House takes action on the lottery and the cuts at parks and historic sites, the proposals still would need Senate approval. However, the Senate has made no indication it plans to return to action until after the November election.

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The hit list

Following are the top ten state parks in Illinois by attendance in 2007. Two, marked with asterisks, are slated for closure Nov. 1 by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

• Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park: 2,009,223

• Starved Rock State Park: 2,003,869

• Fort Massac State Park: 1,863,184

• Kankakee River State Park: 1,574,085

• Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area: 1,502,659

• * Kickapoo State Recreation Area: 1,466,983

• * Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park: 1,178,529

• Rock Cut State Park: 1,118,968

• Chain O' Lakes State Park: 1,067,217

• Giant City State Park: 1,049,063

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources