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Budget promotes protection, restoration Governor George H. Ryan has proposed a fiscal year 2003 budget of $694.4 million for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, including $40 million for the final year of a four-year, $200 million initiative to protect the state's most precious natural areas. "It is important, even during tough economic times, to plan for the future and to protect the lands and waters of this great state," Ryan said. "The Open Land Trust is the largest initiative of its kind ever undertaken in Illinois, and it is making landmark progress in protecting environmentally significant open space." During the Ryan Administration, more than 43,000 acres of open space already have been protected, including creation of the state's largest state park in southern Illinois at nearly 19,000 acres. A significant portion of the annual Open Land Trust funding is awarded to local communities via grants to acquire open space. State parks and outdoor recreation are key components in economic development and tourism in Illinois. More than 42 million people visit Illinois state parks annually and studies have shown that, for each dollar spent by DNR, another $25 is generated for Illinois' economy. With that in mind, the FY 2003 budget includes $750,000 additional funding to support new park lands acquired by the state and new facilities opening at existing sites, including visitors centers at Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County, Cache River State Natural Area in Johnson County and Beall Woods State Natural Area in Wabash County. The budget recommendation also includes $23.2 million for additional improvements and repairs at state parks around Illinois, including $4.8 million for redevelopment of the north unit at Illinois Beach State Park, $1.9 million for an expansion of the Golconda Marina, $3.5 million for a lodge development at Kankakee River State Park, $2 million for boat dock facilities at Eagle Creek State Park, $1.7 million to replace the floating boardwalk and decks at Volo Bog State Natural Area, and $485,000 to replace the floating boardwalk at Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area. DNR's proposed budget focuses on services and programs provided to the public through its state parks and field offices. At least a dozen more Conservation Police Officers will be hired in the coming year to help shore up the Department's efforts to protect the more than 420,000 acres it manages. Reflecting the tighter economy, 34 other staff positions, predominantly at the Department's central headquarters in Springfield, will be eliminated. The Department's proposed operating budget totals approximately $230 million and includes $120 million in general funds. Communities statewide will benefit from a $500,000 increase to $22 million for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Program, which provides matching grants to acquire and develop local parks. This popular program has funded nearly 1,000 local park projects since being initiated in 1986. During Ryan's tenure as Governor, $84.7 million in assistance—nearly half the dollars available for the program—has been provided for local parks through these grants programs. The recommended budget includes $11.7 million in new funds for the Conservation 2000 program, further preserving and enhancing wildlife habitats while providing new opportunities for outdoor recreation. In FY 2003, $8.5 million will be dedicated to the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), a multi-year $500 million federal-state program to reduce soil erosion, improve habitat and restore wetlands along the Illinois River. More than 128,000 acres of Illinois River floodplain currently are being restored, and an additional 22,358 acres of existing habitat have been permanently protected as a result of the program. The recommended capital budget includes $10 million to fund the final year of a five-year. $50 million commitment to improve museums across the state. The budget also provides $4 million for technology grants to bring museum collections into the classroom. The proposed capital budget provides $18 million for waterway improvements, including $4 million for the flood control project at Hickory and Spring creeks in Will County; $2 million for improvements to the Fox River and Chain of Lakes in Lake and McHenry counties; $2 million for rehabilitation, modification and reconstruction of the Batavia Dam in Kane County; and $7 million for Lake Michigan shoreline protection projects and various other flood-control projects. Braidwood and LaSalle lakes remain closed The traditional opening dates for Braidwood Lake (March 1) and LaSalle Lake (March 15) did not take place this year. These lakes may open at a later date. The lakes, which are managed by the Department of Natural Resources, are owned by Exelon Nuclear. Anglers can enjoy fishing at Ponderosa Lake, Mazonia South and Mazonia which are open. 20 Outdoorlllmois
$1,000 reward being offered No arrests have been made and Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police officers are asking for the public's assistance in the investigation of circumstances surrounding the unlawful killing of a bald eagle found shot to death last month along the Mississippi River near the Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison County. The immature bald eagle was found in debris near the water's edge on Jan. 13. Investigators determined that it had been shot. The unlawful killing of a bald eagle is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 upon conviction. Conservation Police ask anyone who may have been eagle watching, waterfowl hunting or otherwise in the vicinity near the bridge on Jan. 13, and who may have information related to the shooting, to contact investigators at DNR's Alton regional headquarters at (618) 462-1181 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in St. Peters, Mo. at (636) 441-1909. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a $1,000 reward for information resulting in a conviction in this case. Apply now for snowmobile grants Applications for the state-funded Snowmobile Local Government Grant Program and the Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund (STEP) will be accepted through May 1. The snowmobile local government program can provide up to 100-percent reimbursement of approved facility development/rehabilitation costs and 90 percent of approved trail corridor land acquisition costs for public snowmobile trails and areas in the state. Development of shared recreation facilities is eligible for up to 50-percent funding.
The STEP grant program provides financial assistance to incorporated, private snowmobile clubs in Illinois with reimbursement funding assistance up to 100-percent of eligible project costs. Grants may be obtained by local snowmobile clubs to develop and maintain additional public trails and facilities in the state. Applications are available by calling (217)782-7481. Proposals for non-resident archery deer hunters A new non-resident archery deer permit fee of $226 plus a processing fee has been proposed for the season beginning in the fall of 2002. This permit includes an either-sex and an antlerless-only permit. Non-resident deer hunters also must purchase a non-resident hunting license in addition to their permit and habitat stamp. Non-resident hunters may purchase either the annual license ($50.75) or the five-day license ($28.75) depending on the amount of time they will be hunting. Non-resident archery deer hunters are limited to one archery deer permit for the 2002-2003 hunting season. The sale of these permits will be capped at 12,843—the level of non-resident permits that were sold for the 2000-2001 archery deer season. Non-resident archery deer permits are not available over-the-counter at hunting license vendors. Permits will be available by telephone beginning Saturday, July 13. Further details will be announced at a later date. April 2002 21 Pollution prevention can earn award Applications are being accepted through May 20 for the 2002 Governor's Pollution Prevention Awards. The awards annually honor Illinois companies and organizations that are making efforts to reduce their environmental impact and improve their economic viability. Categories include: industrial/manufacturing; vendor/supplier; trade organization; community group; educational institution; and service organization. Applicants also may seek the "Innovate Illinois" award, presented to a company or organization that illustrates a new and innovative pollution prevention technology. Last year, 17 companies were honored for projects with combined annual savings of more than $11 million in material and disposal costs. The companies prevented nearly 70,000 tons of waste materials from being released into the environment and saved more than 34 million gallons of wastewater from being sent to treatment facilities. The awards will be presented in Champaign on Friday, Oct. 18. For more information on eligibility and award categories, or to request an application, call DNR's Waste Management and Research Center at (217) 333-8940, or check the center's web site at http://www.wmrc.uiuc.edu/governorsawards/.
Study targets contaminants A 15-month study now underway by the Department of Natural Resources is investigating the distribution of metal and organic contaminants found in sediment in backwater lakes along the Illinois River between Hennepin and Meredosia Lake. Thick accumulations of sediment have damaged the ecological resources, recreational opportunities and water quality of the Illinois River. Removal of the accumulated sediment is being proposed as a means of restoring habitat diversity and recreational opportunities in the river's backwater and side channel lakes. Information gained from this research project will identify areas suitable for dredging, and aid in evaluating the best method for handling and using dredged material. The project is examining the possible use of this sediment as a soil for agricultural fields, cover for brownfields, or for mine reclamation projects. The study is a joint effort of DNR's Waste Management and Research Center, the State Water Survey and State Geological Survey.
Governor's Cup Shooting Challenge Up to 208 sporting clays enthusiasts will take a shot at dethroning defending champion Bob Maples at this year's Governor's Cup Shooting Challenge on Saturday, May 4, at Faller's Sporting Clays in Butler. Experienced and novice shooters will compete for a guaranteed $5,000 in cash and prizes—including $1,000 HOA and $750 runner-up—in this NSCA-registered tournament featuring Lewis System scoring. Maples, of Godfrey, captured last year's inaugural Governor's Cup by besting nearly 100 shooters. All proceeds from this event will benefit DNR's and the Illinois Conservation Foundation's youth shooting programs and promotions. And since the 1CF is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, a portion of the registration fee is tax deductible. Registration costs $125 per shooter. Every participant will be given his/her shells for the day and a special commemorative gift. Five-stand stations will be available all day. Lunch will be provided, and an awards ceremony and reception will be held at the conclusion of the day. Station sponsorships are available for $150. Hundreds of sporting clays enthusiasts will be on hand at this premier shooting competition. For more information or to participate as either a shooter or station sponsor, call Bob Ruff, DNR Public Events, at (217) 785-8955, or email: events® dnrmail.state.il.us.
22 OutdoorIllinois 2002 Habitat and Pheasant Fund grants awarded The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is awarding $616,517 from the Illinois Habitat Fund for 73 new wildlife conservation projects to begin in 2002. The Illinois Habitat Fund is supported by contributions from Illinois hunters.
Combined with contributions from the organizations receiving grants, the total value of the habitat projects is estimated to be more than $1.36 million. "These awards will provide new and enhanced wildlife habitat in all parts of the state," said DNR Director Brent Manning. "Grants from the Habitat Fund, with the help of our many partner organizations, provide everything from natural land acquisition to windbreaks and grass cover plantings to wetlands education for young people. It is a very worthwhile program." Seventy-three of 89 applications for funding were approved by the Illinois Habitat Fund Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to Manning for project funding. DNR also is awarding more than $300,000 from the State Pheasant Fund for 51 wildlife conservation projects to begin in 2002. These awards are providing funds to create and preserve much-needed pheasant habitat throughout Illinois Fifty-one of 56 applications submitted for this year's grant program were approved by the State Pheasant Committee, which makes recommendations to DNR Director Brent Manning for project funding. Combined with contributions from the organizations receiving grants, the total value of the pheasant projects is estimated to be more than $1.4 million. Both Habitat Fund and Pheasant Fund monies are derived from the sale of a $5.50 Habitat Stamp required of most Illinois hunters. For a complete listing of approved projects, call Jennifer Aherin at (217) 782-2602 or email an inquiry to specialfund@dnrmail.state.il.us. Application forms and project criteria for year 2003 projects will be available by May 1, 2002 at all DNR district and regional offices and at the Springfield headquarters. The application deadline for 2003 projects is Oct. 31, 2002.
Sangamon River FWA gains 40 acres The Department of Natural Resources has acquired 40 acres of land located in rural Sangamon County adjacent to the 139-acre Sangamon River Fish and Wildlife Area. This acquisition will provide flat, safe, economical access and parking for the site, which has had limited public access. The property was acquired with Illinois Habitat Funds and a donation from the Illinois Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to the Illinois Conservation Foundation. Purchase licenses and stamps online Now, individuals can visit the Department of Natural Resources' web site http://dnr.state.il.us to purchase licenses and stamps (except for Federal Migratory stamps) and receive their licenses back at their computer for immediate printing. Lost licenses can be replaced by the system at no additional cost.
Individuals can also call toll-free numbers 1-888-6-PERMIT or 1-888-673-7648 to buy licenses and stamps via telephone. Buyers will receive a confirmation number for their transaction, and their license will be in the mail within 24 hours. Anyone wanting to fish or hunt before the license is received should write down the confirmation number on a piece of paper, along with the license type and date of purchase, and carry this information. April 2002 23 |
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