STAFF: James L. Fulgenzi, office director; Gary Thomas, editor; Liz Pensoneau, managing editor; John Alien, staff writer; P.J. Perea, staff writer; Adele Hodde, chief photographer; Chas. J. Dees, staff photographer; Charles J. Copley, design & layout; Cheryl Gwinn, production coordinator; Vera Lynn Smith, circulation.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Internet Address: http://dnr.state.il.us

Staff-written material appearing in this publication may be reprinted without permission, provided that OUTDOOR ILLINOIS, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is acknowledged as the source. OUTDOOR ILLINOIS assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or illustrations.

Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source's civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, DNR, 524 S. Second, Springfield, IL 62701-1787; 217/785-0067; TTY 217/782-9175.

All public meetings conducted by the Department of Natural Resources will be accessible to handicapped individuals in compliance with Executive Order No. 5 and pertinent state and federal laws, upon notification of the anticipated attendance. Handicapped persons planning to attend and needing special accommodations should inform the Department of Natural Resources at least five days prior to the meeting by telephoning or writing the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Department of Natural Resources, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, phone (217) 785-0067.

Department of Natural Resources information is available to the hearing impaired by calling DNR's Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (217) 782-9175.

Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois PRT3216173-28,395-7/01 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with soy-based ink.

Illinois Department of
Natural Resources

What'sInside

2 Little Fish/Big Fish
A small fish may result in a new state record coho salmon this summer.

4 Oh Deer
This Illinois state lottery is the most important one to many Prairie State sportsmen.

7 Beaver Built
The scenic lake at Beaver Dam State Park owes its origin to busy beavers and a group of Carlinville businessmen.

11 Runnin' the River
Illinois' Big Vermilion River rivals mountain state rivers for whitewater rafting fun each spring.

16 Dog Gone It
This is a story about a nosey CPO, but if you think we're being critical you're barking up the wrong tree.

19 Snap to It
OutdoorIllinois is sponsoring its first-ever photo contest.

20 NewsFront
Director Manning receives a prestigious award, a wing-shooting school, suggested revisions to the farm bill, how to apply for deer permits on the Internet, the junior duck stamp contest winner, protection given to new natural areas. Rivers Project training and OutdoorIllinois receives a national award are stories you'll find in this month's NewsFront.

On the cover...

Staff photographer Chas. J. Dees snapped this month's cover photograph of rafters riding the whitewater on the Big Vermilion River.

UpFront

May finds spring in full swing. Sportsmen are wrapping up turkey season, mushroom enthusiasts are wandering through woodlands in search of morels, anglers seem to fill the state's waters and wildflowers are in bloom.

It's a perfect time to urge you to become more involved with the outdoors. Since there are constant threats to our environment and our favorite forms of outdoor recreation, we, as lovers of the outdoors, need to be strong to meet those threats. And as the saying goes: "There is strength in numbers."

Now is the perfect time to consider joining an organization. But don't just join. To be effective, you need to be active-working toward the goals of whatever organization you choose.

If you hunt and fish and camp, you might consider joining a local sportsman's club. These clubs not only put you in touch with others who enjoy the same activities, but oftentimes offer a club facility where you can take your kids to fish, shoot and camp. If you are more activity to enjoy a specific activity, there probably is a club nearby geared to your interest. Organizations like Quail Unlimited, the Bass Federation, Ducks Unlimited, the Sierra Club, Pheasants Forever, the Izaak Walton League and the National Wild Turkey Federation, just to name just a few. These groups have local chapters throughout the state. There are clubs for hikers and bikers, catfish and crappie anglers, campers and dog handlers, and for coyote and coon hunters. If you have an interest in the outdoors, there probably is a club for you.

We also have numerous "friends" groups that do wonderful work in our state-friends of a particular state park, friends of a prairie, friends of a nature preserve. You need only keep an eye on your local newspaper to find out what groups are active in your area, or you can contact a nearby park or recreation area and ask.

If you are concerned with getting more kids interested in the outdoors, consider becoming a safety instructor. These volunteers teach youngsters how to hunt, boat, trap and snowmobile in a safe and ethical manner. It can be a very rewarding experience.

The message then is quite simple: Get involved. Commit yourself. Don't take a chance of losing what you treasure. Take an active interest in the outdoors, and when you do, you'll gain an even greater appreciation of the environment and the recreation you enjoy.