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Featured Articles

1. Article number 1 - Hunters Plead Guilty to Illinois Deer Poaching Violations
2. Article number 2 - Registration Open for 2013 Illinois Conservation Congress
3. Article number 3 - Site Up Now for Spring Youth Turkey Hunting on Private Land
4. Article number 4 - Build a Vision for Your Illinois Lake Michigan Shoreline
5. Article number 5 - Featured DNR Site - Ferne Clyffe State Park

• Hunters Plead Guilty to Illinois Deer Poaching Violations

  Seven men charged in Illinois deer poaching cases have entered guilty pleas, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Office of Law Enforcement announced today. The charges stemmed from investigations conducted by IDNR Conservation Police officers, along with law enforcement officers from Michigan, Indiana and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011.

  • Full Press Release
  • IDNR Seeks Applicants for Potential Conservation Police Officers

• Registration Open for 2013 Illinois Conservation Congress

  The mission of the Illinois Conservation Congress is to give IDNR constituencies a formal process to propose and advocate actions that can be taken by elected and appointed officials to protect and conserve the natural resources of the State of Illinois. The goal of Conservation Congress is to ensure through professional management that sustainable use, recreational opportunities and enjoyment of these resources is available for this and future generations.

  Regional meetings are scheduled at these locations to gain interest and feedback from the public: Carterville – February 19 & 20; Normal - February 26 & 27; Moline - March 4 & 5; Chicago – March 12, 13 & 14; and Belleville – March 21 & 22.

  • Register here

• Site Up Now for Spring Youth Turkey Hunting on Private Land

  The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) still has several sites available for youth turkey hunters, kids 15 and younger, during:

  • Youth season (March 30-31 Southern zone, April 6-7 Northern zone)
  • Regular season 3 (April 19-24 Southern zone, April 26 - May 1 Northern zone)
  • Regular season 4, (April 25 - May 1 Southern zone, May 2-8 Northern zone)

  Taking applications on a first come, first serve basis for remaining sites.

  • For more information, visit IRAP's Youth Turkey Hunting Website

• Build a Vision for Your Illinois Lake Michigan Shoreline

  Help the Illinois Coastal Management Program (ICMP) develop an Illinois Lake Michigan Implementation Plan (ILMIP) to guide the funding of coastal projects. Vote for your top priorities by signing on to illinoiscoastalpriorities.org. New topics will launch each week through mid-April, ranging from Public Access and Recreation to Invasive Species to Climate Change, so voice your vote today.

  • Illinois DNR Coastal Management website

• Featured DNR Site - Ferne Clyffe State Park

  Located south of Marion, this park features facinating plants and geologic formations of the scenic Shawnee Hills. An abundance of ferns, unique geological features and unusual plant communities create an atmosphere that enhances the many recreational facilities offered at the park. Trails wind past an intermittent waterfall and the largest shelter bluff in southern Illinois.

  • Ferne Clyffe State Park