Hine's emerald dragonfly adult. Significant conservation efforts to benefit this species were included in the I-355 project.

In October, the Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, successfully completed a formal consultation on the effects of the I-355 South extension project near Joliet, Ill., might have on the Hine's emerald dragonfly, a species listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.  Through a highly streamlined consultation process the Service, Corps and ISTHA reached agreement on a variety of conservation actions that will create and restore dragonfly habitat, advance our understanding of the genetics of the species, refine captive rearing techniques, and help determine the extent of habitat that is actually occupied by the dragonfly. The timely conclusion of this consultation will ensure that critically important work can continue through the winter months and the project can remain on schedule.