OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

Nature Vistas

DNR's new wildlife and nature viewing guide
includes popular park district sites

BY JULIE KAISER

With nearly 300 species of birds, Illinois is a birder's paradise, while wildlife observers can sight more than 60 different kinds of mammals, 196 species of fish, and abundant plant life.

Prepare to explore the outdoors this summer armed with an exciting new guidebook from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Watchable Wildlife Project. The Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guide highlights 94 of the state's natural areas including eight sites owned by local park districts.

"This 144-page guide is an excellent resource that enables visitors to gain a greater understanding of the plants, wildlife and terrain that make each site special," said DNR director Brent Manning. "In addition, it provides visitors with a comprehensive summary of habitats, historical and geological information, recreational facilities, trails, maps and more."

The book includes nearly 100 full-color photographs of Illinois wildlife and landscapes, six color illustrations of different Illinois habitats, notable wildlife sections, viewing tips and detailed information on various species.

Major sponsors of the guide through the Watchable Wildlife Project include the DNR. the United States Forest Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, the Illinois Audubon Society, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and Drumlins Biological Services. Additional contributors include the Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society, the Professional Association of Conservation Resource Managers, and the Illinois Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

"We have been very pleased with the cooperation between so many state, federal, local and private organizations," said Jerry Beverlin, head of DNR's Land Management and Education Office.

"This viewing guide was a project that required a high level of commitment and coordination. The funding and staff assistance from these organizations made this guide a reality."

The guide divides Illinois into five regions and covers sites stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Mississippi River to the rolling hills of southern Illinois and everything in between. The steering committee spent many months deliberating which of Illinois' hundreds of scenic sites to include in the book. Of the 94 selected areas, eight are owned by local park districts including the following five sites from the Chicagoland region.

• Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Preserve (site #22) Long Grove Park District

• The Grove (site #26) Glenview Park District

• Red Oak Nature Center (site #29) Fox Valley Park District

• Lincoln Marsh Natural Area (site #31) Wheaton Park District

• Chicago Lakefront (site #33) Chicago Park District

Each site description has several distinct sections, "Habitat at a Glance" summarizes the highlights of each site. Following is a short excerpt from the habitat at a

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OUR NATURAL RECOURCES

The cover of the Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guide will feature this photograph in full color of a great spangled fritillary resting on acornflower. IDNR photographer Michael Jeffords took this shot plus the inset of Illinois Beach State Park, another illustration from the guidebook.

glance section of the Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Preserve page:

This pristine forest is a remnant of a large grove of trees that once graced the presettlement prairie. Ravines contain the wide, ancient floodplain of a narrow, meandering branch of Indian Creek. The site's steepness made logging difficult during early settlement, so this portion has remained relatively untouched.

Or for those interested in a beachfront nature experience, this portion from the Chicago Lakefront site description focuses on migratory birds:

Hidden along Chicago's developed beachfront are a number of excellent migratory bird viewing areas. The trees, hedges, grassy areas, beaches, breakwaters and open lake provide a resting and feeding area for birds flying across Lake Michigan. Beginning in March, migratory birds find refuge at the lakefront's

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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

3.4 million Illinois residents participating in watchable wildlife recreation activities.

Magic Hedge, a small clump of shrubs that provides close-up views of warblers."

Chicago does not hold a monopoly on unique natural areas tucked into busy urban areas. The Urbana Park District owns Busey Woods, site #43 in the book, which has a variety of interesting natural qualities:

Busey Woods is a remnant of the former oak-hickory Big Grove, a 10-square mile woodland which once grew along the drainage of the Saline and Salt Fork branches of the Vermilion River. The remaining small woodlot contains at least 30 different types of trees, a well-developed shrub layer, vernal ponds and a spectacular display of spring ephemeral woodland wildflowers and migratory songbirds."

Central Illinois nature enthusiasts long have known about the Peoria Park District's Forest Park Nature Center (site #54) and trails through prairie and woodland surroundings:

Perched on a glacial moraine, this dedicated Illinois State Nature Preserve is cloaked in thick, rich woodlands similar to what the first European settlers found....A bit of tallgrass prairie with big bluestem and Indian grass show what the larger expanses of central Illinois native grasslands must have been like.

At the end of each "Habitat at a Glance" section is a listing of practical information for your visit to each site—available trails and interpretive services. At The Grove:

Three loop trails weave across the site. Some trails have discrete tapping rails for the convenience of visually impaired individuals. Other trails are wheelchair accessible. The Interpretive Center has educational programs and displays of live native wildlife.

Other features of the site descriptions include a series of icons representing habitat, wildlife and recreational opportunities. For example, on the Urbana Park District's Meadowbrook Park page (site #44), there are icons for biking, cross-country snow skiing, fishing, hiking, picnicking, parking, restrooms, drinking water and food services.

Each site also has a notable wildlife section. The Red Oak Nature Center has the following list of notable wildlife: beaver, muskrat, mink, eastern chipmunk, southern flying squirrel, common merganser, great egret, green and great blue herons, bald eagle, osprey, belted kingfisher, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, red bellied woodpecker, northern flicker, rough-win and tree swallows, indigo bunting, Baltimore oriole, migratory songbirds, fox snake, monarch butterfly and dragonfly. While it may be difficult to spot all of these wildlife species on any given trip, the list helps viewers know what to look for on the trail.

The Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guide is a useful tool for both the novice and the expert With nearly 300 species of birds, Illinois is a birder's paradise, while wildlife observers can sight more than 60 different kinds of mammals, 196 species offish and abundant plant life. These nature observers are being joined by hundreds of others as the number of people getting outdoors and observing wildlife is increasing.

According to the 1991 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation survey conducted every five years by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the United States Census Bureau, there were 3.4 million Illinois residents participating in watchable wildlife recreation activities. There were also 1.1 million non-residents traveling to Illinois to observe wildlife or to participate in wildlife related activities during that same time period.

"These statistics indicate a high level of interest in Illinois nature viewing opportunities," said Manning. "Whether they are birding, hiking, boating or just relaxing on a park bench, more and more people are discovering Illinois' vast outdoor resources. This guide is the perfect companion for many visits to our parks and natural areas."

The Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guide was written by Mary Kay Murphy, Ph.D and John Mellen, Ph.D. Photographs were provided by Michael Jeffords, Susan Post, and Joseph Milosevich. The guide is available for $8.95 plus tax. Call 217.782.1687 (TDD: 217.782.9175) or fax your order to 217.782.9552.

JULIE KAISER
is on staff at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS BRIEFS

Three World-class Sporting Events To
Be Held in Illinois this Summer

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs are joining forces with Cabela's/Chevy Suburban-Tahoe Sportsman's Quest, Inc. to bring three worlddass sporting events to Illinois in July.

"We are extremely pleased to be hosting fishing, sporting clays and archery contests that will allow outdoor enthusiasts from around the nation the opportunity to see firsthand the wealth of recreational opportunities available in Illinois," says Department of Natural Resources director Brent Manning. "These world-class sporting events are sure to add excitement to Illinois' summer outdoor sports lineup and should provide a boost to area tourism."

"Illinois has a wide variety of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast," adds Norm Sims, acting DCCA director. "DCCA is pleased to work with DNR to bring these events to Illinois to showcase our great state." On July 12 and 13, Lake Shelbyville will serve as the Illinois site for the North American Walleye Anglers' "Team Event" series, which is scheduled at sites in six states from May through September. The "Team Event" is designed to promote team fishing. Each two-day tournament competition features separate large payouts on the day of the event. First place each day pays $5,000 based upon a field of 150 teams, with a $500 daily big fish award. The 10 top teams also will receive a check. The entry fee is $300 per two-person team. Entry forms and additional information can be obtained by contacting Sportsmen's Quest, Inc. at 1.800.224.4990.

Veteran and novice sporting clays enthusiasts from across the nation will gather at Oakland's Olde Barn Sporting Clays in Coles County July 19 and 20 for the Illinois DNR- DCCA/Remington Land of Lincoln Classic. As part or the North American Sporting Clays Tournament Series, the main event features sporting clay competitions in seven separate classes: AA, A, B, C, D, E and Ladies. In addition to the 200-target main event, the competition includes concurrent events in Seniors, Veterans, Juniors and Sub-Junior Classes. Three classes (pump, auto and double barrel) in the Sportsman's Event are open to all participants who currently are not registered shooters with any recognized sporting clays organization. The entry fee for the two-day, 200-target main event is $175. Entry fees for the Senior, Veteran, Junior and Sub-Junior concurrents are $135, while participants in the special, one day, 100-target Sportsman's Event pay only $50. Many prizes will be awarded, including $1,000 cash prize and an engraved knife for the High Overall shooter in the main event. Because the number of participants is limited, pre-registration is advised. For more information, contact Sportsman's Quest at 1.800.224.4990.

Eagle Creek State Park at Shelbyville has been chose as the site for the North American Bowhunters' 3-D Archery Championship July 25-27. The finest professional and amateur 3-D archers from 30 states are expected to vie in this competition, which offers a purse of $80,000. The championship, the crown jewel of the 1997 NABH tournament tour, is the final stop following a five-event qualifying tour throughout the continental United States. Championship berths go to all pros and semi-pros who place in the top 20 at a qualifying event. Any amateurs who compete in a qualifier also may compete in the championship. For additional information, contact Sportsmen's Quest at 1.800.224.4990.

Information regarding the three events also may be obtained by contacting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Land Management and Education, Division of Education, 525 South Second Street, Room 530, Springfield, IL 62701-1787, telephone 217.785.8955.

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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS BRIEFS

$ 1 Million in Grants Awarded for
Boating and Canoe Areas

Gov. Jim Edgar recently announced more than $ 1 million in grants to help nine local governments build or improve boat and canoe access areas to Illinois rivers, streams and lakes.

"These grants will provide better access to Illinois waterways, and that means Illinoisans will be better able to enjoy our state's natural resources," the Governor said. "This grant program through the Department of Natural Resources has funded more than $28 million worth of projects at 354 sites throughout Illinois during the past 29 years."

The grants will provide for improvements and new boat access facilities to serve communities on the Mississippi, Ohio, Des Plaines and Sugar rivers; the south branch of the Chicago River; the Cal-Sag Channel in Cook County; and Lake Sule in Ogle County.

The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and are administered by the Department of Natural Resources. Natural Resources director Brent Manning said 15 applications totaling nearly $1.9 million were submitted to the Department for consideration.

Funds for the state grant program come from fees boaters pay on motor fuel and registrations for boats and canoes. The grants must be used for boating-related activities and projects.

Grants can provide up to 100 percent funding for construction and improvements to public boat access facilities and 90 percent funding for land acquisition costs associated with providing boat access facilities. The maximum grant per project is $200,000.

Grant applications for next year can be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources between July 1 and Sept. 1. More information on the grant application forms is available from the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Grant Administration, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, 111. 62701- 1787or call 217.782.7481 or 217.782.9175 (TDD).

1997 Boating Improvement Grants

City of Alton

$125,000 to build a 300-foot rip rap breakwater to prevent damage from tow boat wakes at the existing Mississippi River public boat launch facility.

Chicago Park District

$75,000 to develop a public canoe launch facility at the Chicago Origins Site, located at the confluence of the South Branch of the Chicago River and the South Fork of the South branch. Improvements will include modifying the slope wall, railing, signage, benches, lighting, canoe rack and paved walkways.

Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District

$52,100 to improve existing boat access facilities at Lake Sule. Improvements will include boat docks, a paved walkway to restrooms and the parking lot, and an asphalt overlay for the existing parking lot and access road.

City of Joliet

$141,500 to acquire 10.83 acres of land located on the Des Plaines River which connects to the recently developed Broadway Greenway. Future development of the site will include a public boat launch area, a boat launch parking area and an access road.

Lake County Forest Preserve District

$55,000 to develop a public canoe launch offering canoeists access to the northernmost point of the Des Plaines River in Lake County. Improvements will include a grass launch ramp, asphalt entrance drive and turn-around, a 10-car parking lot, signage and landscaping with native plants.

City of Metropolis

$120,000 to construct an additional boat ramp and repair an existing ramp at a boat access site located at the end of Market Street on the Ohio River.

Showneetown Regional Port District

$200,000 to construct an additional boat ramp, a parking area and to place rip rap at an existing boat access facility on the Ohio River.

Winnebago County Forest Preserve District

$56,000 to develop a canoe launch facility on the Sugar River at the Colored Sands Forest Preserve.

Village of Worth

$200,000 to construct a two-lane boat launch ramp on the Cal-Sag Channel. The new facility will include a sidewalk on both sides, a two- to four-boat capacity floating dock, a 50-space aggregate parking lot for boat trailers and towing vehicles, and a 20- space car parking lot.

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Buy a Fishing License and Order Free
Publications Via the DNR Website

Spring is in the air, the water looks great. It's time for a fishing trip. It's time, that is, if you have remembered to purchase your new fishing license.

That's not a problem if you have a credit card and access to the Internet. You can purchase your new fishing license, hunting license, sportsman's license, trapping license, plus any and all of the state stamps you'll need on line. Non-residents can buy their licenses this way, too.

Simply click on the "Licenses and Permits" box from the DNR home page, then click on the button to buy your licenses/stamps online an follow the easy directions. Once the transaction is complete, your license will appear on our web screen. You simply print out the license and sign it. You'll be ready to head out the door for a fishing trip in less than 10 minutes. There's no extra charge for the service, and you can save your license in your computer and make extra copies in case you lose one. If you're not sure of the regulations where you're heading, the "1997 Illinois Fishing Regulations" booklet is now online in the same place you purchase your license.

Looking for more information? You can also find a listing of more than 400 free publications in DNRs home page. Click onto "Publications" from the home page, and you'll see a listing of DNR publications arranged by categories. All you have to do is click the box for the ones you'd like (limit of 10), type in your name/address in the order form and send your order to us electronically. It's as simple as that.

What else is new on DNRs home page? Last month we told you that you can now read how district biologists rate the state's lakes and streams for bass. Since then, we've added their assessments for this years fishing for channel catfish, muskie and walleye. You can find how the biologists rate these species by clicking onto the "Plants/ Animals" button.

If you haven't looked at the DNR home page in a while, you're in for a surprise. The DNR home page has a new look featuring changing photos of Illinois scenes and wildlife, and user-friendly buttons to help you navigate the page. DNRs home page address is: http:// dnr.state.il.us. 

Tree City USA Designation conferred
on 145 Illinois Communities

"Tree City USA" designation has been awarded to 145 Illinois communities for their promotion of urban forestry during 1996.

The program, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources, the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service, strengthens community involvement in tree planing and reforestation efforts.

"Illinoisans' growing interest in tree resources is reflected in the success of the Tree City US A program," said DNR Director Brent Manning. "This is the 21st year for the program, and the number of participating Illinois communities has more than doubled during the past six years."

To be eligible to participate in the Tree City USA program, a community must legally designate an individual or a group to care for urban forests, enact a community tree ordinance and expend a minimum of $2 per resident for its urban forestry program. In addition, it is required to have an Arbor Day proclamation and a public tree planting ceremony.

To qualify for the programs Growth Award, a community previously must have been designated as a Tree City USA participant, conducted a variety of urban forestry activities, and spend at least the same amount of money on its program this year as last year.

DNRs Division of Forest Resources has a team of professional foresters who are available to provide technical assistance to communities that want to Improve their urban forestry programs.

For additional information, contact the Urban Conservation Program Administrator at the Department's Division of Forest Resources, 217.782. 2361.

The annual application deadline for the Tree City USA program is December 31.

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