Illinois Department Natural Resources
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | State Departments
Recent News About Illinois Department Natural Resources
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IDNR seeks public input on new round of mine reclamation projects
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is currently accepting public comments until September 20 regarding the abandoned mine lands reclamation projects selected for work under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
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Illinois hosts ATA Grand American Trapshooting Championships at WSRC
One of the premier events in shooting sports returns to Illinois from July 31 through August 10 with the annual Amateur Trapshooting Association's Grand American Trapshooting Championships at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Sparta.
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Illinois State Museum announces temporary closure for renovation
The Illinois State Museum is temporarily closing its flagship facility to visitors beginning Thursday, Aug. 1 to accommodate a plumbing project that will involve asbestos removal and construction. The project is expected to last three months.
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Illinois receives $8 million grant for improving transmission projects
Springfield, IL - Last week, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) was awarded $8.3 million from the Department of Energy's (DOE) Grid Deployment Office to enhance the review process for several transmission projects within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) territory. High voltage transmission is a critical component of America's energy infrastructure, transmitting power from generation sites to homes and buildings across regions. Illinois' project was one of 20 selected from 16 states as part of the Transmission Siting and Economic Development grant...
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Illinois seeks conservation police officer trainees for upcoming class
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Office of Law Enforcement is actively seeking applicants for the role of conservation police officer trainee. These officers are responsible for enforcing state laws aimed at protecting Illinois' natural and recreational resources. With full state-wide police authority, they are trained to high standards and play a crucial role in linking IDNR with its constituencies, as well as assisting other agencies during emergencies.
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IDNR alerts residents about potential black bear visits this summer
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has issued a reminder to residents about the potential for black bear sightings during the summer months. While such sightings in Illinois are rare, bears from neighboring states like Missouri and Wisconsin may occasionally venture into Illinois.
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Illinois Conservation Police emphasize sober boating during Fourth of July weekend
During the Fourth of July holiday weekend and throughout the busy summer boating season, Illinois Conservation Police remind boat operators and passengers to stay sober and wear life jackets while on the water.
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Illinois announces waterfowl blind site drawings schedule for July
Waterfowl hunters in Illinois are advised to note the schedule for upcoming waterfowl blind drawings at various public hunting areas. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will conduct traditional blind drawings at multiple locations this year. Participants must adhere to site-specific procedures.
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Application period opens for local park development grants
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept applications for the next round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants from July 1 through September 13.
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Illinois DNR opens application period for $54M park development grants
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept applications for the next round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants from July 1 through September 13, closing at 5 p.m.
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Illinois DNR opens applications for Pheasant Fund and Habitat Fund grants
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is currently accepting grant applications for the State Pheasant Fund Special Funds Grant Program and the Illinois Habitat Fund Special Funds Grant Program through August 1.
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IDNR allocates $2.6M for flood-damaged property buyouts in East St. Louis
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has agreed to provide nearly $2.6 million to the City of East St. Louis to buy out 39 properties that have experienced repeated flooding and flood damage.
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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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Illinois hunters break record with over seventeen thousand wild turkeys harvested
Illinois hunters have set a new record in the 2024 spring turkey season, harvesting a total of 17,208 wild turkeys across the state. This surpasses both last year's total of 16,123 and the previous record of 16,569 from 2006. The top five counties contributing to this year’s harvest were Jo Daviess with 654 turkeys, Jefferson with 472, Marion with 435, Pope with 397, and Randolph with 395.
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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.