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Congress
has identified eight required elements for each state's Comprehensive
Wildlife Conservation Plans through the WCRP and SWGP legislation.
(I)
Information on the distribution and abundance of species of wildlife,
including low and declining populations as the State fish and wildlife
agency deems appropriate, that are indicative of the diversity and health
of the State's wildlife;
(ii)
Descriptions of locations and relative condition of key habitats and community
types essential to conservation of species identified in (I);
(iii)
Descriptions of problems which may adversely affect species identified
in (I) or their habitats, and priority research and survey efforts needed
to identify factors which may assist in restoration and improved conservation
of these species and habitats;
(iv)
Descriptions of conservation actions proposed to conserve the identified
species and habitats and priorities for implementing such actions;
(v)
Proposed plans for monitoring species identified in (I) and their habitats,
for monitoring the effectiveness of the conservation actions proposed
in (iv), and for adapting these conservation actions to respond appropriately
to new information or changing conditions;
(vi)
Descriptions of procedures to review the State Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Plan at intervals not to exceed ten years; and
(vii)
Plans for coordinating the development, implementation, review, and revision
of the State comprehensive wildlife conservation plan with Federal, State,
and local agencies and Indian tribes that manage significant land and
water areas within the State or administer programs that significantly
affect the conservation of identified species and habitats.
(viii)
Provisions to ensure public participation in the development, revision,
and implementation of projects and programs.
The
Illinois Department of Natural Resources is taking a broad approach in
developing an
Illinois Wildlife Action Plan
that address the needs of all wild species of animals and plants that
are the responsibility of the Office of Resource Conservation. The Illinois
plan will locate priority areas where conservation opportunities are greatest,
identify partner organizations that work in each area, and help leverage
resources to accomplish our objectives.
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