2008 - 2010 PRESS RELEASES

Public Affairs Office, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
For more information Contact:
Chris McCloud 217-785-0075
Stacey Solano 217-558-0994

Questions & Comments

JANUARY 2010

• IDNR Announces $17 million in Grants for Parks and Open Space (January 29, 2010)
  
  
• DNR Making Plans for More Fish Stocking in Rock River (January 26, 2010)
  
  
• Illinois State Museum Curator Receives State Police Award (January 22, 2010)
  
  
• Illinois Deer Hunting Closes with Preliminary Overall Harvest of 189,277 (January 20, 2010)
  
  
• Agencies Accelerate Action in Response to New Test Results Suggesting Asian Carp Presence in Calumet Harbor (January 19, 2010) (US Army Corps of Engineers Press Release)
  
  
• Copperhead Hollow Land Acquisition (January 15, 2010)
  
  
• Eagle Creek Resort Mold Assessment Completed (January 13, 2010)
  
  
• Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Seasons Extended by Two Days at JEPC and Sand Ridge (January 11, 2010)
  
  
• NEWS BITS (January 7, 2010)
  

DECEMBER 2009

• IDNR Applauds Midwest Generation for Project to Protect Heidecke Lake, Retain Recreational Access
  Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area popular spot for anglers, waterfowl hunters (December 29, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Accepting Campsite Reservations for the Upcoming 2010 Camping Season; Reservations accepted by mail beginning Jan. 4; in person and by phone beginning Feb. 1 (December 23, 2009)
  
  
• Four Dedicated Conservation Advocates Selected for Induction into Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame (December 22, 2009)
  
  
• Snowmobile Operators Reminded to Focus on Sled Safety (December 16, 2009)
  
  
• Hunters Harvest 4,697 Deer During Illinois Muzzleloader Season
  
  
• Firearm and Archery Deer Hunting Opportunities Remain for Hunters in Illinois (December 16, 2009)
  
  
• 2009 Illinois Firearm Deer Season Preliminary Harvest Totals 99,419 Deer (December 9, 2009)
  
  
• Asian Carp Rapid Response Workgroup Finishes Operation on Cal-Sag Channel (December 8, 2009)
  
  
• Dedication Ceremony for James “Gene” Korando State Natural Area (December 8, 2009)
  
  
• News Bits (December 7, 2009)
  
  
• Asian Carp Rapid Response Workgroup Wraps up Main Operation on Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal (December 6, 2009)
  
  
• Bighead Asian Carp Found In Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (December 3, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Conservation Police Honoring Heroes on December 8 (December 3, 2009)
  
  
• Asian Carp Rapid Response Project to begin on Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (December 1, 2009)
  
  
• Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt is December 27 - 28 (December 1, 2009)

NOVEMBER 2009

• First Weekend Preliminary Firearm Deer Season Harvest In Illinois Totals 66,126 (November 24, 2009)
  
  
• Illinois Firearm Deer Season Begins This Week
  Hunters reminded of deer check-in requirements, staying safe during firearm hunt Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 3-6 - November 17, 2009
  
  
• Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to Close for Fish Barrier Maintenance - November 13, 2009
  
  
• 2009 Wildlife Landowners of the Year - November 10, 2009
  
  
• News Bits - November 3, 2009
  
  
• Oral History of Illinois Agriculture Website Launched - November 3, 2009

OCTOBER 2009

• Request for Proposals Deadline Extended to Jan. 15 for Eagle Creek Resort and Conference Center - October 30, 2009

• A New Mission for Conservation Congress
  
  Constituents come together; identify next steps in conservation - October 28, 2009

• Applications now Available for Two Educational Grants - October 23, 2009
  
  
• Hennepin & Hopper Lakes to Undergo Rehab, Carp Removal - October 22, 2009
  
  
• IDNR’s Gary Jereb Named Government Civil Engineer of the Year - October 21, 2009
  
  
• IDNR Announces $200,000 to Enhance Snowmobile Trails Throughout Illinois - October 15, 2009
  
  
• Deer Crashes on the Decline; Fewer Fatalities Statewide; IDOT/IDNR Officials Partner to Put Motorists on Alert to Help Prevent Deer Crashes - October 14, 2009
  
  
• Fort Massac Encampment Provides a Sample of Colonial Times - October 9, 2009
  
  
• Deer Hunters Can Help the Hungry Through Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger Program - October 8, 2009
  
  
• IDNR News Bits - October 2, 2009

SEPTEMBER 2009

• IDNR Reminds Boaters/Outdoor Enthusiasts of Carbon Monoxide Dangers this Fall and Winter - September 30, 2009
  
  
• Fall Trout Fishing Season Begins in Illinois on Oct. 17 - September 29, 2009
  
  
• Nominations Being Accepted for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame - September 23, 2009
  
  
• Illinois Observes National Hunting and Fishing Days September 26-27, September 21, 2009
  
  
• Colonial Faire Coming to Jubilee College State Park - September 21, 2009
  
  
• Illinois Office of Mines and Minerals Receives Federal Funds to Aid Mine Rescue Team Training - September 18, 2009
  
  
• Deer Hunters in Illinois Reminded of New Regulations, Permit, Season Changes for 2009-2010 - September 14, 2009
  
  
• DNR Conservation Police Arrest Multiple OUI/DUI Offenders During Labor Day Weekend in Illinois - September 10, 2009
  
  
• IDNR Announces Special “Free Fishing Day” - September 4, 2009
  
  
• IDNR Launches New Interactive Calendar Focused on Outdoor Youth Events - September 4, 2009
  
  
• >IDNR Conservation Police Announce Increased Enforcement Detail this Labor Day Weekend - September 2, 2009
  
  
• News Bits  - September 1, 2009

AUGUST 2009

• New and Experienced Hunters Encouraged to Take an Illinois Hunter Safety Education Course  - August 27, 2009
  
  
• Proposals Sought for Operation of Eagle Creek Resort and Conference Center  - August 25, 2009
  
  
• Illinois Artisans Program Call for Artists - August 24, 2009
  
  
• Conservation Village at DuQuoin State Fair Focuses on the Outdoors - August 24, 2009
  
  
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources Honors Volunteers in Ceremony at Illinois State Fair - August 19, 2009
  
  
• Governor Quinn and IDNR announce water conservation effort at the Illinois State Fair - August 13, 2009
  
  
• IDNR to Conduct Auction of Confiscated and Abandoned Property - August 13, 2009
  
  
• Endangered Piping Plover Chicks Make History - August 11, 2009
  
  
• Conservation World Celebrates the Outdoors at the Illinois State Fair - August 6, 2009
  
  
• IDNR News Bits - August 3, 2009

JULY 2009

• IDNR Waterfowl Hunting 2009-2010 Seasons Announced (July 30, 2009)
  
  
• Grand American Trapshooting Championships Return to Illinois (July 29, 2009)
  
  
• Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information Now Available Online (July 23, 2009)
  
  
• John D. Rogner Named Assistant Director of Illinois Department of Natural Resources (July 20, 2009)
  
  
• Hunters Encouraged to Sign Up for Illinois Hunter Safety Education Courses
  Traditional and Online Courses Now Available (July 10, 2009)
  
  
• Conservation Police Officers Crack Down on Drunk Boating (July 8, 2009)
  
  
• lllinois State Museum Director Named to Chair National Accreditation Post (July 8, 2009)
  
  
• July News Bits (July 7, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Reminds Public about Importance of Boating Safety during Fourth of July Weekend (July 1, 2009)
  

JUNE 2009

• IDNR Releases Preliminary Data on Rock River Fish Kill (June 30, 2009)
  
  
• Boating Under the Influence Enforcement Steps Up This Weekend (June 25, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Schedule of Waterfowl Blind Site Drawings (June 17, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Seeking Applicants for Conservation Police Officers (June 8, 2009)

• IDNR Celebrates National Trails Day - IDNR Trail Designated National Recreation Trail (June 5, 2009)
  
  
• Families Encouraged to Celebrate “No Child Left Inside Month” in June (June 4, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Summer Urban Fishing Clinics, Clinics provide free instruction and fun for kids (June 3, 2009)
  
  
• News Bits (June 2, 2009)
  

MAY 2009

• Free Fishing Days June 5-8 Features Special Events (May 28, 2009)
  
  
• Portion of Lake Murphysboro State Park Reopening (May 20, 2009)
  
  
• Giant City State Park Welcomes Spring and Summer Visitors (May 20, 2009)
  
  
• Hunters Wingshooting Clinic Provides Opportunities to Improve Shotgun Shooting Skills (May 20, 2009)
  
  
• Hunters Bag 15,488 Birds During 2009 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season (May 20, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Reminds Public about Importance of Safety Education during National Safe Boating Week (May 19, 2009)
  
  
• Ridge Lake Opens for the Season May 21 (May 15, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Conservation Police to Conduct Courtesy Boat Inspections (May 13, 2009)
  
  
• Governor Quinn Announces more than $21 million for Parks and Open Space (May 6, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR May Newsbits (May 5, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Deer Hunting Dates, Regulations Changes for 2009-2010 Seasons (May 4, 2009)

APRIL 2009

• Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Announces New Nature Preserves, Land and Water Reserve (April 28, 2009)
  
  
• State Museum Receives Fourth Accreditation (April 21, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Illinois Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners- Fifth Graders Highlight the Theme “Trees are Terrific… in Cities and Towns!” (April 17, 2007)
  
  
• Hours at Stratton Lock and Dam Reduced (April 17, 2007)
  
  
• IDNR Seeking Applicants for Conservation Police Officers - CPO Trainee Exam Scheduled for April 27-30 and May 4-7 (April 16, 2009)
  
• April Newsbits (April 8, 2009)
  
  
• Earth Day in the Parks Promotes Natural Resources Stewardship for Students (April 7, 2009)
  
  
• Abraham Hunter Wins the 2009 Illinois Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest (April 3, 2009)
  
  

MARCH 2009

• Illinois State Museum Recognizes 39 Students from Museum Tech Academy (March 27, 2009)
  
  
• Tree City USA Communities in Illinois to be Recognized at 2009 Conference and Awards Ceremony (March 26, 2009)
  
  
• Watercraft Restrictions Removed on Illinois River (March 23, 2009)
  
  
• Repairs Made to Red Hills State Park Lake Spillway
  Fish will be restocked after lake refills (March 23, 2009)
  
  
• 2009 Spring Trout Season Opens April 4; Rainbow Trout Stocked at 43 Locations in Illinois (March 23, 2009)
  
  
• Tunnel Hill State Trail Open Again (March 18, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Newsbits - Spring Turkey Updates (March 18, 2009)
  
  
• Watercraft Restrictions Removed on Several Rivers in Northern Illinois (March 17, 2009)
  
  
• DNR Awards Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grants (March 17, 2009)
  
  
• Damage Repair and Cleanup Continues at IDNR Sites from January Ice Storm in Southern Illinois - Facilities at some sites remain closed (March 11, 2009)
  
  
• Endangered Species Protection Board Finalizes  Changes to the Illinois Endangered and Threatened Species List (March 5, 2009)
  
  
• March News Bits (March 5, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Expands Protection for Rare Habitat at Volo Bog State Natural Area
  (March 4, 2009)

FEBRUARY 2009

• Governor Quinn Calls on IDNR to Reopen Seven State Parks (February 26, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Expands Partnership with Ducks Unlimited (February 23, 2009)
  
  
• Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (February 13, 2009)
  
  
• Teachers Can Now Apply for the 2009 Earth Day in the Parks Program  (February 10, 2009)
  
  
• Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces Youth Achievement Scholarship Winners (February 10, 2009)
  
  
• News Bits (February 5, 2009)
  
  

• Black Bear Captured in Bureau County (February 5, 2009)
  
  
• From Humble Beginnings: Lincoln's Illinois 1830 - 1861 (February 4, 2009)
  
  
• Section of Tunnel Hill State Trail Closed Due To Ice Storm Damage (February 3, 2009)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Drawing for Rock/Pecatonica River Commercial Fishing Contracts (February 3, 2009)
  
  

JANUARY 2009

• IDNR Urges Snowmobile Operators to Ride Responsibly (January 30, 2009)
  
  
• DNR Awards Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants (January 29, 2009)
  
  
• Illinois Deer Hunting Closes with Late-Winter and Special CWD Seasons (January 29, 2009)
  
  
• CPO Dennis Michael named Shikar-Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year (January 27, 2009)
  
  
• llinois Artisans Program is Calling all Artists (January 22, 2009)
  
  
• Changes in Illinois Endangered and Threatened Species List Proposed (January 9, 2009)
  
  
• Joint Deer Population Task Force Makes Final Recommendations (January 7, 2009)
  
  
• DNR News Bits (January 6, 2009)
  
  

DECEMBER 2008

• IDNR Accepting Campsite Reservations for the 2009 Camping Season (December 22, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Issues Reminder: Don’t feed Wild Deer (December 15, 2008)
  
  
• Hunters in Illinois Harvest 105,595 Deer During Seven Day Firearm Season (December 10, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Reminds Snowmobile Operators to be Cautious this Winter (December 9, 2008)
  
  
• Hunters Reminded to Keep Safety in Mind as Firearm Deer Season Resumes (December 3, 2008)
  
  
• News Bits (December 2, 2008)
  
  

NOVEMBER 2008

• Hunters in Illinois Harvest 71,894 Deer During First Weekend of Firearm Deer Season (November 26, 2008)
  
  
• 2008 Firearm Deer Season Opens This Week (November 19, 2008)
  
  
• Funds Available to Illinois Teachers for Wildlife Habitat Projects (November 19, 2008)
  
  
• Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest (November 19, 2008)
  
  
• Register Now for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt~ Phone-in Registration Deadline for Youth Hunt Lottery Drawing is Dec. 5 (November 12, 2008)
  
  
• Endangered Crane is Making a Comeback (November 10, 2008)
  
  
• News Bits (November 6, 2008)
  
  

OCTOBER 2008

• Historic Fort Massac to Host Centennial Celebration (October 30, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Warns Outdoors Enthusiasts of Carbon Monoxide Dangers (October 29, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Announced (October 27, 2008)
  
  
• Deer Hunters Encouraged to Donate to the IL Sportsmen Against Hunger Program (October 21, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Participating in Avian Influenza Surveillance (October 14, 2008)
  
  
• Motorists Beware of Deer as Fall Season Gets Underway (October 10, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Seeks Applications for Competitive State Wildlife Conservation Grant Program (October 9, 2008)
  
  
• Kids Fishing Opportunities Enhanced by Pond Renovation (October 7, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Offers Hunters a New Way to “Get Smart” (October 3, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Fall Trout Season Begins October 18 (October 2, 2008)
  
  
• News Bits (October 1, 2008)
  
  

SEPTEMBER 2008

• Celebrity Quail Hunt Event Features Shooting Sports, Fishing, Golf (September 23, 2008)
  
  
• Flooding Prompts Changes in 2008-09 Waterfowl Season Operations for Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area (September 23, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Acquisition of 165 Acres of Forested Habitat in Southwest Illinois (September 17, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Days Sept. 27-28 (September 17, 2008)
  
  
• Labor Day Weekend Enforcement Detail Produces 42 Arrests (September 9, 2008)
  
  
• News Bits (September 3, 2008)
  
  
• U.S. Open Skeet Championships This Weekend at World Shooting and Recreational Complex (September 3, 2008)
  
  

AUGUST 2008

• Deer Population Task Force Schedules Public Meetings (August 27, 2008)
  
  
• DuQuoin State Fair visitors Invited to Sample the Outdoors at Conservation Village (August 19, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Acquisition of 151 Acres of Forest Habitat in East-Central Illinois (August 15, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Announced (August 12, 2008)
  
  
• News Bits (August 5, 2008)
  
  
• Entire Length of Tunnel Hill State Trail Open Again (August 4, 2008)
  
  

• IDNR Welcomes Back the ATA Grand American Trapshooting Championship (July 31, 2008)
  
  
• Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair Helps Families Celebrate the Outdoors (July 31, 2008)
  
  
• Work on Sanganois Fish and Wildlife Area levee repair project (July 30, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information now Available Online (July 23, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Wildlife Preservation Fund Project Grants (July 22, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Announces New Website to Help Illinois Residents Identify and Live With Wildlife (July 21, 2008)
  
  
• Governor Blagojevich signs bill expanding Illinois Apprentice Hunter License Program opportunities (July 18, 2008)
  
  
• New hunters – and experienced hunters – encouraged to take an Illinois Hunter Safety Education course (July 16, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Assists Iowa Fisheries Personnel in Flood Recovery (July 14, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Announces First Dedicated Nature Preserve in the City of Chicago (July 11, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Recommends Waterfowl Season Dates for 2008-2009 (July 9, 2008)
  
  
• Governor Blagojevich Encourages Illinois Landowners to Take Part in New SAFE Program (July 8, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Urges Boaters to be Safe this July 4th Weekend (July 3, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Announces Emergency Regulations to Stop Spread of Fish Virus (July 2, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR News Bits (July 1, 2008)
  
  

JUNE 2008

• Gov. Blagojevich Announces Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant applications now Being Accepted (June 18, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Summer Urban Fishing Clinics (June 13, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Welcomes Annual Heritage Tractor Adventure (June 11, 2008)
  
  
• State Records Third Wettest January-May in Over 100 Years (June 10, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Reminds Site Visitors of Firewood Ban (June 7, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Encourages Families to Get Outside During Great Outdoors Month this June (June 5, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR News Bits (June 2, 2008)
  
  

MAY 2008

• IDNR Announces Second Straight Memorial Day Weekend without a Water Fatality (May 30, 2008)
  
  
• Special events planned for Illinois Free Fishing Days June 6-9 (May 23, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR reminds boaters and anglers to practice safety this Memorial Day weekend (May 23, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Harvest Totals 15,792 ; Second Largest Harvest for Illinois Turkey Season (May 21, 2008)
  
  
• Gov. Blagojevich Announces Nearly $950,000 in Recreational Trail Grants (May 19, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR reminds public animals are mothers too; offers advice about the do’s and don’ts of removing animals from the wild (May 9, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Schedule of Waterfowl Blind Site Drawings (May 7, 2008)
  
  
• Eagle Cam at Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (May 7, 2008)
  
  
• April Another Wet Month in 2008 (May 7, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR News Bits (May 5, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Reminds Boaters and Anglers to Practice Safety as Weather Warms in Illinois (May 1, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Announces Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipients (May 1, 2008)
  
  

APRIL 2008

• U.S. Open Trap Shooting Championships returns to Sparta World Shooting and Recreational Complex (April 29, 2008)
  
  
• Gov. Blagojevich Announces over $5 Million in Park Development Grants (April 25, 2008)
  
  
• Gov. Blagojevich Announces over $18 Million in Park Development Grants (April 25, 2008)
  
  
• Gov. Blagojevich Announces Nearly $2 Million in Park Development Grants (April 25, 2008)
  
  
• Southern Illinois Student Wins Illinois Junior Duck Stamp Contest (April 25, 2008)
  
  
• Earth Day in the Parks Promotes Natural Resources Stewardship for Students (April 11, 2008)
  
  
• Fishing at World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta to debut April 14 - Wet weather delayed opening (April 11, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners Announced (April 9, 2008)
  
  
• Precipitation Significant throughout Illinois in March (April 4, 2008)
  
  
• 2008 Spring Trout Season Opens April 5 (April 3, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Seasons Get Underway (April 3, 2008)
  
  
• Wet Weather Delays Opening of Fishing at WSRC (April 3, 2008)
  
  
  

MARCH 2008

• IDNR to Improve Public Safety and Recreational Benefits at Illinois Dam (March 27, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR attempts to revitalize Mermet Lake (March 21, 2008)
  
  
• Tree City USA Communities to be Recognized at Awards Ceremony (March 20, 2008)
  
  
• 2008 Spring Trout Season Opens April 5 (March 12, 2008)
  
  
• News Bits (March 4, 2008)
  
  
• Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest entries due March 15, 2008 (March 3, 2008)
  
  

FEBRUARY 2008

• Tunnel Hill State Trail Remains Closed Due to Ice Storm Damage (February 28, 2008)
  
  
• Ferne Clyffe State Park Remains Closed Due to Ice Storm Damage (February 28, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Announces World Famous BBQ Restaurant will Become Permanent Fixture at WSRC (February 8, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Experiences Several Seasons in One Month (February 8, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Urges Illinois Snowmobile Operators to Enjoy Recent Snowfall Safely (February 7, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Addresses Recent Internet Rumors of Cougars in Illinois (February 6, 2008)
  
  
• New Bits (February 4, 2008)
  
  

JANUARY 2008

• Illinois Deer Hunting Seasons Close with Higher Late-Winter Harvest; Preliminary Data Shows Archery Deer Season Harvest Down Slightly   (January 24, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Natural History Survey Biologist Honored by National Wildlife Society (January 17, 2008)
  
  
• Call for Artists (January 17, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Seeks Proposals for State Wildlife Conservation Grants (January 15, 2008)
  
  
• IDNR Awards Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants (January 14, 2008)
  
  
• Illinoisans Experience Spring-like Weather in January (January 11, 2008)
  
  
• Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces 2008 Youth Achievement Scholarship Winners (January 10, 2008)
  
  
• News Bits (January 8, 2008)
  
  
• Tickets Available for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet; Dubin, Fell, O’Malley to be Inducted February 9 (January 4, 2008)