Illinois Department Natural Resources
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | State Departments
Recent News About Illinois Department Natural Resources
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Authorities emphasize safe boating practices ahead of Memorial Day weekend
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Police are urging boaters to prioritize safety as Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Emphasizing the importance of life jackets and sober boating, authorities aim to reduce accidents on Illinois waters.
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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...
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Illinois State Museum's Gen X exhibition wins top awards
The Illinois State Museum has received two prestigious awards from the Illinois Association of Museums for its exhibition focusing on Generation X. The exhibition, titled "Growing Up X," was honored with an Award of Superior Achievement and the Innovation Award.
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Illinois supports national freshwater conservation initiative
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has expressed support for the Biden Administration's new initiative, the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge. This national effort aims to conserve and restore vital freshwater systems across the United States for future generations.
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Lewis & Clark State Historic Site commemorates expedition's start with weekend events
The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford will host the annual Point of Departure Commemoration on May 11 and 12, marking the 220th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The event is free to attend and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
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Illinois Department of Natural Resources hosts webinar on OSLAD grant submissions
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is set to conduct a webinar on May 15 at 11 a.m. for those interested in the Open Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) matching grant program. This initiative provides financial support to local government agencies for acquiring and developing land for public parks and open spaces. The OSLAD program, administered by IDNR, supports projects ranging from small neighborhood parks to large community parks and nature areas.
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Youth turkey hunters set new record in Illinois
Illinois youth turkey hunters achieved a new record during the 2024 season, harvesting a preliminary total of 2,006 birds. This surpasses the previous record of 1,733 set in 2020. The season took place over two weekends: March 30-31 and April 6-7.
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Illinois schools receive over $55K for habitat development
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) have announced the allocation of more than $55,200 in grants for habitat development at schools and other public places across the state. A total of 28 Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants have been awarded to support these projects.
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Illinois spring trout season begins April 6 with early catch-and-release option
The Illinois spring trout fishing season for 2024 is set to begin on April 6, with opportunities available at 58 different locations across the state. Anglers looking to start early can participate in the catch-and-release season starting March 23. During this period, no trout may be kept, but they can be harvested starting from the official opening of the regular season on April 6. Each angler will have a daily limit of five trout.