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Ocean and Coastal Management in Illinois

Illinois' Coastal Program

In 2004 the State of Illinois renewed efforts to gain approval for a Coastal Zone Management Program. This followed initial work, including a preliminary program draft, completed by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Division of Water Resources several years ago. From 1974 through 1978, the State received CZMA Section 305 Program Development Grants of over $1.7 million. NOAA began working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in 2004 to identify and receive input from its various coastal constituents; articulate major issues the Coastal Program would address; determine a vision for the future of the Illinois shoreline and its communities; identify the authority the State has to manage coastal land and water development; and identify support from other state agencies and/or regional councils.

The purpose of the Coastal Program will be to enhance the State’s role in planning for and managing its natural and cultural resources in the coastal region. The IDNR has been designated lead agency for developing a coastal program for Illinois. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor support IDNR in this effort. The IDNR held open houses/workshops on developing a Coastal Program for Illinois in the fall of 2005. Through a series of workshops, the State worked with local governments, interest groups, and interested citizens to establish a coastal program boundary, identify all areas of particular concern or areas meriting special attention, and establish a framework and process for program administration. The workshops were used as a forum for input and discussion for inclusion in the coastal management program document.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is preparing the draft Program Document for scoping purposes.  INDR plans to have a preliminary draft of the major sections of the program document by 2008.  IDNR needs to identify existing State regulations, laws, and authorities which address management or permit requirements of particular issues or areas for NOAA to approve the Program.

Links

Illinois Department of Natural Resources— The website provides information on the Program’s evolution in the State of Illinois

Contact Information for Illinois' Developing Coastal Management Program

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Office of Water Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL   62702-1271
(217) 557-8243

 

 

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