Illinois Department Natural Resources
Recent News About Illinois Department Natural Resources
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IDNR seeks public assistance for wild turkey brood surveys
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking volunteer citizen scientists to assist with wild turkey brood surveys. This initiative aims to help biologists monitor turkey population trends and reproductive success.
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Illinois State Museum seeks stories for Route 66 centennial
The Illinois State Museum is inviting individuals to share their personal experiences with the original Route 66 in Illinois. This call extends to travelers, businesses that operated along the route, workers who built the highway, and others. The initiative is part of preparations for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.
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Illinoisans invited to donate in support of state parks competition
The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) is partnering with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to raise money and awareness for Illinois state parks. Throughout June, supporters are invited to "vote" for their favorite Illinois state park by making a donation at www.ilstateparks.org. Every $1 donated equals one vote.
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Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair returns June 8
Pere Marquette State Park will host the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, featuring fun and educational activities for the entire family, on Saturday, June 8. This is the 35th year for the annual event.
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Indiana man cited for alleged cheating in Illinois bass fishing contest
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Conservation Police have cited an Indiana man for allegedly cheating in a bass fishing tournament in Chicago this month.
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Fort de Chartres hosting annual Rendezvous on June first weekend
The Fort de Chartres Rendezvous, a well-known annual event in Randolph County, is scheduled for June 1 and 2 at the Fort de Chartres State Historic Site. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.
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Annual Grand Levee returns to Vandalia Statehouse on June 15
The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will host the annual Grand Levee, a celebration of the grand receptions held during the 1800s to honor government dignitaries and important visitors. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, and is free and open to the public. The historic site is located at 315 W. Gallatin St. in Vandalia.
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IDNR announces cicada-themed art show for Illinois State Fair
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced its plans to host a cicada-themed art show during the Illinois State Fair. The event is set to commemorate the rare double cicada brood emergence this summer, with Illinois serving as the epicenter.
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IDNR announces waterfowl blind drawings schedule for Mississippi River Area
Waterfowl hunters are urged to mark Sunday, June 2 on their calendars as the day for waterfowl blind drawings at the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area and Horseshoe Lake State Park in Madison County. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host traditional blind drawings at these sites this year. Participants are recommended to follow any site-specific drawing procedures.
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IDNR and IPFC encourage residents to 'map your burn' for annual map
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council (IPFC) are collaborating to urge all prescribed fire practitioners to "map your burn" and contribute to the annual Illinois Prescribed Fires Accomplished Map.
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Summer Cookouts in Illinois Warned Against Use of Red Swamp Crayfish
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding the public and seafood distributors that importing and possessing live red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), also known as crawfish or Louisiana crawfish, is prohibited by law in Illinois. The crustaceans are a popular choice for live crawfish boils.
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Illinois Department of Natural Resources Offers Grants for Natural Areas Stewardship
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 14.
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IDNR seeks campground hosts for 2024; opportunities at 3 state parks in northeastern Illinois
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2024 camping season for three state parks in northeastern Illinois: Illinois Beach, Chain O' Lakes, and Kankakee River.
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IDNR's Furbearer Grant Application Period Open Through May 24
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is currently accepting applications for the State Furbearer Fund Special Funds Grant Program until May 24. The State Furbearer Fund provides grants to not-for-profit organizations, governmental entities, educational institutions, and corporations for projects benefiting fur-bearing mammals and enhancing hunting and trapping opportunities.
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Illinois Conservation Foundation Seeks Nominations for 2024 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame
The Illinois Conservation Foundation is currently seeking nominations for the 2024 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame class. According to the foundation, this prestigious recognition aims to honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to enhancing conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Illinois.As stated by the Illinois Conservation Foundation, "Some inductees touched the lives of thousands by promoting fishing, hunting, conservation, and safety education. Others spearheaded efforts to preserve or enhance fish and wildlife...
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Logan Pappenfort Appointed Director of Tribal Relations for Illinois State Museum
Logan Pappenfort has been appointed as the director of tribal relations for the Illinois State Museum, following his role as interim director of Dickson Mounds Museum and former second chief for the Peoria tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. In his new position, Pappenfort will be responsible for fostering relationships between the museum and tribal nations in Illinois, ensuring compliance with federal laws such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Pappenfort stated, "I am grateful for the...
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3D Archery Range Now Open at Hidden Springs State Forest in Shelby County
A 3D archery range is now open to the public at Hidden Springs State Forest near Strasburg in Shelby County, thanks to students at Stewardson-Strasburg High School. The range, which features 22 targets, is open seven days a week during regular park hours. Hidden Springs had been without a 3D archery range for over a decade, but with the help of the students, the range has been revitalized.
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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site to Host Spring Native American Market in Collinsville
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site will be hosting its annual spring Native American Market on May 18-19 at the Collinsville VFW, featuring arts and crafts by more than 30 tribal-affiliated artists from across North America.According to the event announcement, artists will be showcasing and selling authentic Indigenous arts and crafts, including items such as jewelry, ceramics, paintings, drawings, clothing, flutes, and woodcarvings. The public is invited to attend, and both admission and parking are free for the event, which will be held at 1234 Vandalia St. in...
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Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Ford County, Illinois
Chronic wasting disease has been detected in Ford County in northern Illinois, marking an expansion of the infection in free-ranging deer populations, as announced by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today.According to the IDNR, the always-fatal neurological disease threatens the long-term health of white-tailed deer in Illinois. The detection in Ford County was confirmed in mid-March from a suspect-deer showing symptoms consistent with CWD infection. This adds to the list of affected counties, which now includes a total of 21 counties across northern...