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OutdoorIllinois
VOLUME IX, NUMBER 12
OUTDOOR ILLINOIS is published monthly by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Public Services, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, phone (217) 782-7454, e-mail editor@dnrmail.state.il.us.
(Publication number: ISSN 1072-7175) Periodical Postage Paid at Springfield, IL POSTMASTER: Send address changes to OUTDOOR ILLINOIS, Department of Natural Resources, Dept. NL, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787.
George H. Ryan Governor
Brent Manning Director
James D. Garner Deputy Director
Jim Riemer, Jr. Deputy Director
STAFF: James L. Fulgenzi, office director; Gary Thomas, editor; Liz Pensoneau, managing editor; John Alien, staff writer; P.J. Perea, staff writer; Adele Hodde, chief photographer; Chas. J. Dees, staff photographer; Charles J. Copley, design & layout; Cheryl Gwinn, production coordinator; Vera Lynn Smith, circulation.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Internet Address: http://dnr.state.il.us
Staff-written material appearing in this publication may be reprinted without permission, provided that OUTDOOR ILLINOIS, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is acknowledged as the source. OUTDOOR ILLINOIS assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or illustrations.
Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source's civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, DNR, 524 S. Second, Springfield, IL 62701-1787; 217/785-0067; TTY 217/782-9175.
All public meetings conducted by the Department of Natural Resources will be accessible to handicapped individuals in compliance with Executive Order No. 5 and pertinent state and federal laws, upon notification of the anticipated attendance. Handicapped persons planning to attend and needing special accommodations should inform the Department of Natural Resources at least five days prior to the meeting by telephoning or writing the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Department of Natural Resources, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, phone (217) 785-0067.
Department of Natural Resources information is available to the hearing impaired by calling DNR's Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (217) 782-9175.
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois PRT3216173-28,395-7/01 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with soy-based ink.
Illinois Department of
Natural Resources
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On a Quest
There are no boundaries when this Chicago club goes looking for adventure.
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12
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A Festive Occasion
A wonderful retreat, White Pines Forest State Park will observe its 75th anniversary in 2002.
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16
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Three Cool Cats
This trio of anglers pursues trophy catfish year round, and they know where to look for the monsters.
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NewsFront
We'll tell you about new acreage at Goose Lake Prairie, who received this year's snowmobile grants, about the dedication of the Tunnel Hill State Trail, about archery clinics, give you some tree stand safety tips, tell you who won this year's Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament and let you know how you can help others by buying big buck pins.
On the cover...
Alma photographer Richard Day took this month's cover photo of a bluejay sitting in a juniper tree.
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Following the terrible events of Sept. 11, employees of the Department of Natural Resources, like most other Americans, were shocked, saddened and looking for ways to assist the victims of the attacks.
As individuals, they gave blood, sent money to the Red Cross and other charities, flew their flags and sang "God Bless America" and the national anthem with a renewed sense of patriotism. Working together, they held bake sales and hot dog and chili luncheons, sold bumper stickers and flags, and found other unique ways to raise money, donating all proceeds to the relief efforts.
Our employees' efforts mirrored those of millions of Americans across the country, who so far have raised billions of dollars to support both the relief agencies and families of the victims. The response has been both overwhelming and heart-warming.
Americans have always been the most generous people in the world, routinely sending billions of dollars in aid to victims of catastrophes and the less fortunate in other countries. However, the huge outpouring of support following the events of Sept. 11 still has not been enough to satisfy our national need to do something, anything, to help.
In early October we began "Illinois Parks for Red Cross" at Department offices, state parks, lodges, concession stands, visitor centers, state museums and other facilities around the state. A commemorative lapel pin featuring the World Trade Center and the American flag wrapped in a black ribbon was offered for a minimum $5 donation, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross Liberty Relief Fund.
We initially ordered 20,000 of the pins, but the demand was so strong we had to order additional pins. We also initially planned to conduct this fundraiser for only a week, but again, the demand made us extend it.
In addition to our own employees, donations for the pins were received from constituent groups such as the Illinois Association of Park Districts and those participating in Conservation Congress, and by thousands of visitors at our sites and offices. Three Springfield businesses—Illinois National Bank, R.J. Power Plumbing and Heating Co. and A-l Lock, Inc.—made a joint donation and then presented more than 600 pins to the city's police and firefighters and county sheriff's officers in appreciation of their efforts.
The effort did not go unnoticed by Gov. George H. Ryan who said, "I commend the employees of the Department of Natural Resources for their generous support of the survivors of Sept. 11 events and the police officers, firefighters and others who continue to work at the ground zero site. Their efforts are an excellent example of the patriotic, caring individuals throughout Illinois who have given of themselves in response to the terrorist attacks."
I couldn't agree more.
The "Illinois Parks for Red Cross" fund-raiser is drawing to a close. However, as we enter the holiday season, our employees and constituents have shown that no matter what the time of year, they are always willing to share the spirit of Christmas by participating in worthwhile causes. I want to thank everyone for their participation and financial support. God Bless America.
December 2001
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