Illinois Department Natural Resources
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Environment & Natural Resources
Recent News About Illinois Department Natural Resources
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Ferne Clyffe State Park celebrates its diamond jubilee with community events
SPRINGFIELD - When the State of Illinois purchased Ferne Clyffe for a state park in 1949, it was already well known for its natural beauty and scenic views.
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Illinois Department of Natural Resources schedules public meetings on chronic wasting disease
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host public meetings throughout northern Illinois to provide information on the status of chronic wasting disease (CWD), its effect on free-ranging deer populations, and IDNR's ongoing efforts to manage the disease.
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Illinois DNR announces bids for agriculture leases for crop years 2025-2029
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept sealed bids this fall for approximately 30 agricultural lease contracts for crop years 2025-2029.
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Illinois Conservation Police urge boaters to wear life jackets over Labor Day weekend
This Labor Day weekend, the Illinois Conservation Police are urging boaters to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets. The reminder comes as part of a broader effort to prevent drownings and other boating-related incidents.
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IDNR recognizes outstanding volunteers for contributions across state parks
Eleven individuals and organizations have been recognized as 2024 outstanding volunteers of the year for their volunteer efforts on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
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Oak Ridge Campground announces temporary closure for bridge replacement
The Oak Ridge Campground at Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area in Marion County will be closed to the public beginning Sept. 3 due to a bridge replacement project on the only access road to the campground.
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Illinois Conservation Police investigate fatal boating accident at LaSalle Lake
The Illinois Conservation Police are investigating a boating accident at the LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area that resulted in the deaths of two Indiana men who had been fishing with their 7-year-old granddaughter.
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Fishing events featured during final weekend of Illinois State Fair
Visitors to the Illinois State Fair are invited to explore a variety of new and long-standing fish- and fishing-related activities and exhibits in Conservation World during the final weekend of the 2024 Illinois State Fair, which closes on August 18.
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Illinois State Museum showcases new art acquisitions at Lockport Gallery
New additions to the Illinois State Museum's art collection are on display at its Lockport Gallery through Oct. 12, featuring works by artists Glen Davies, Evelyn Statsinger, Barbara Rossi, and Jaroslava Lialia Kuchma.
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IDNR announces winners in statewide cicada-themed art competition
The rare double-brood emergence of billions of cicadas in Illinois earlier this summer has inspired a commemorative art show. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) received nearly 350 entries for its cicada art contest, announced in May.
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Illinois Dedicates Conservation World In Honor Of Former IDNR Director Brent Manning
State officials on Thursday dedicated Conservation World 2024 in honor of Brent Manning, the longest-serving director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and a nationally respected champion for conservation and natural resources stewardship.
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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.