Duck stamp projects approved

Seven waterfowl habitat improvement projects have been approved for funding this year by the State Duck Stamp Committee and Director Manning. Projects are funded from revenues generated by the sale of state waterfowl stamps. They include:
• Construction of a ditch to manage water levels at Pice Lake Fish and Wildlife Area -$158,000.
• Construction of a levee and water control structure, plus riprap at Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area - $75,000.
• Purchase of a portable pump at Des Plaines Conservation Area - $25,000. (Ducks Unlimited is contributing funds to provide needed levee and earthwork.)
• Relocation of pumps and pump station and construction

Waterfowl season update The Waterfowl Hunting Advisory Committee will meet to recommend duck and goose season dates and goose bag limits for the 2001-02 hunting season as follows: North Zone - July 31 at the DeKalb Best Western Inn; Central Zone - Aug. 1 at the Springfield Crowne Plaza; and South Zone - Aug. 2 at the Mt Vernon Holiday Inn. All meetings are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

of a sheetpile wall to protect pumps at Carlyle Lake Waterfowl Management Area - $370,000.

Illinois statutes require that 25 percent of the funds derived from the sale of state waterfowl stamps be turned over to nonprofit organizations for use in implementing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and 25 percent be used for development of waterfowl propagation areas in Canada or the United States that provide waterfowl for the Mississippi Flyway. To date, all of these funds have been contributed to approved projects in Canada, including the following projects approved for this year:
• Ducks Unlimited received two checks for $117,600 each for work it is doing for waterfowl habitat in Saskatchewan Province.
• Delta Waterfowl Foundation received $10,000 for wetland restoration and creation in Manitoba Province, and $34,800 for its easement program to permanently protect waterfowl nesting acreage in Manitoba Province.

Illinois waterfowl stamps, which cost $10, are affixed to state hunting licenses and are required of all hunters age 16 and older who take or attempt to take waterfowl in Illinois, except for those specifically exempt. Funds collected from the sale of waterfowl stamps must be used exclusively for acquisition and development of waterfowl habitat.

Since the inception of the State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp program in 1976, more than $8.2 million has been used to develop and improve waterfowl propagation areas within the United States and Canada.

Groups or individuals interested in being considered for future State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp projects may obtain applications from the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Resource Conservation-Federal Aid/Special Funds Section, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, or call (217) 782-2602. Completed applications must be received no later than Oct. 31, 2001, to be considered for funding in 2002.

ICF tops the $10 million mark

Gov. George H. Ryan has congratulated the Illinois Conservation Foundation on surpassing $10 million in contributions for natural resources programs.

"Our natural resources are the foundation of our future. We must protect them for our grandchildren and the generations of children that will follow them," the Governor said. "The Illinois Conservation Foundation is working hard toward that end by raising contributions to help stretch state dollars."

Foundation funds have supported a wide range of Department of Natural Resources programs, including youth and physically challenged hunting, fishing and camping programs, the planting of hundreds of thousands of trees, the acquisition of habitat and threatened natural heritage lands, the construction of an almost 800-foot habitat reef in Lake Michigan, as well as many other programs.

The Foundation was created in November 1995. It is governed by a 13-member board appointed by the Governor and the four legislative leaders and chaired by DNR Director Brent Manning. The Illinois Conservation Foundation is an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information, contact Executive Director John Schmitt at (312) 814-7237.

Public waterfowl blind drawings

Waterfowl hunting blind sites at several public hunting areas now are being allocated. Duck and goose hunters must register in person for blind site drawings and must be present at the drawing held immediately after the registration period to claim their blind sites. Mail registrations are not accepted. Blind allocations are good for one year, except on the Mississippi

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To participate in a drawing, applicants must present a 2000 or 2001 hunting or combination sportsman's license and an Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Hunting Stamp at the time they register, unless exempted by law. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the date of the drawing.

Registrants must also possess a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card. Although a FOID card that has expired within a year of the drawing is acceptable for the registration, hunters are required to have a current FOID card before they can hunt a site in the fall. Applicants under the age of 21 do not need a FOID card if they are accompanied by an adult who has one. Out of state residents must have a 2000 or 2001 non-resident hunting license for Illinois and an Illinois waterfowl stamp.

Dates and registration times for 2001 waterfowl blind drawings are as follows:
• July 15: Mississippi River Pools 21, 22 and 24 (Pike and Adams counties): Registration from 10 a.m. until noon. Pool 21 at the Twin Oaks Sportsman's Club, 2707 Bonansinga Drive in Quincy, Pool 22 at the South Side Boat Club, 640 S.Front St. in Quincy and Pool 24 at the Department of Natural Resources office. Route 106 West in Pittsfield.
• July 28: Blanding Wildlife Area (Savanna Army Depot), Jo Daviess County: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Blanding's Landing public use area, 7 miles west of Hanover, off Illinois Route 84 on West Blanding Road.
• July 28: Chain O'Lakes State Park and Redwing Slough/Deer Lake Natural Area, Lake County: Registration for both sites 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Oak Point day use area, 1/5 mile east of the Fox River on the south side of Illinois Route 173. Hunters will be allowed to register for only one of the two sites.
• July 28: Des Plaines Conservation Area, Will County: Registration 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the site office, 2 miles northwest of Wilmington Exit 241 on Interstate 55.
• July 28: Kankakee River State Park and Momence Wetlands, Kankakee and Will counties: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for both sites at the Kankakee River State Park office, 5 miles northwest of Bourbonnais on Illinois Route 102. Hunters will be allowed to register for only one of the two sites.
• July 28: Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area, Grundy County: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the site office just off Illinois Route 53, 2 miles southeast of Braceville.
• July 28: Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, DeKalb County: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the park office. Go 21/2 miles south of Shabbona on Shabbona Road, follow it east and go 1/2 mile to the office on the left side of the road.
• July 28: Sinnissippi Lake, Whiteside County: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Harry Oppold Marina, Stouffer Road on the east edge of Sterling.
• July 28: William Powers Fish and Wildlife Area, Cook County: Registration 10 a.m-2 p.m. at the boat launch, 12800 Ave. 0, Chicago.
• July 29: Anderson Lake Conservation Area, Fulton County: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the area check station, 20 miles south of Havana on Illinois Route 100.
• July 29: Clear Lake at Sand Ridge State Forest, Mason County: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m., approximately 11/2 miles northwest of Forest City on County Road 2800E.
• July 29: Lake DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area, Bureau County: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Oak Grove park, 3/4 mile west of DePue on Illinois Route 26.
• July 29: Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, Marshall County: Registration from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the area check station, 5 miles south of Lacon on Illinois Route 26.
• July 29: Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Fulton County: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the area check station, 3 miles of Banner on Illinois Route 24.

John Husar Fund raising begins for John Husar Memorial The Illinois Conservation Foundation has kicked off a fund-raising effort in memory of John Husar, former outdoor writer for the Chicago Tribune. "Through his writing John Husar helped shape state and federal natural resource policies and programs," said DNR Director Brent Manning, who chairs the Foundation Board of Directors. "He was a strong advocate for conservation and never hesitated to take to task those who put their own interests above what was best for the natural resources. Many of the milestones we've achieved right here in Illinois are due in part to his influence and advocacy." The Foundation is raising funds for two projects in Husar's memory-creation of a substantial observation facility at Mississippi Palisades State Park in northwest Illinois and endowment of an outdoors program for urban youths. An observation deck at Mississippi Palisades will rise 270 feet above the Mississippi River and provide a panoramic view of the area's sheer cliffs and surrounding valley. An interpretive kiosk will supply educational information about the history and natural resources in northwestern Illinois. The Foundation is hoping to raise $200,000 for this project. The Foundation also is creating the John Husar Under Illinois Skies Endowment. Under Illinois Skies is a program in which urban children are provided with camping experiences and outdoor learning opportunities at an Illinois state park. Contributions to help fund these projects can be sent to the Illinois Conservation Foundation, John Husar Endowment, 100 West Randolph, Suite 4-300, Chicago, IL 60601. Gifts of any size are welcome. The Illinois Conservation Foundation has raised more than $10 million for natural resources causes. It is an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information, contact Executive Director John Schmitt at (312) 814-7237, or visit the Foundation's web site at www.ilcf.org.

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Are you a shutter-bug?

Entries for the second annual OutdoorIllinois photo contest will be accepted until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. The four categories include wildlife, backyard/urban wildlife, scenic/flora and recreational activities.

A grand prize package consisting of weekend lodging at Illinois Beach Resort, Zion, and the Illinois Conservation Foundation's framed limited edition print, "Jumping Mallards" by Maynard Reece, will go to the entry judged "Best of Show."

First- and second-place winners in all categories will receive three-year and two-year subscriptions, respectively, to OutdoorIllinois and an opportunity to have their winning photos published in the February 2002 issue of the magazine.

Details of contest guidelines were published in the May issue of OutdoorIllinois and can also be obtained by contacting Liz Pensoneau at (217) 782-7454 or emailing editor ©dnrmail.state.il.us.

Illinois pheasant management workshop set

Illinois landowners, sportsmen and others, who want to see ringneck pheasant numbers increase, are invited to attend a free Landowner's Pheasant Management Workshop, on Saturday, Aug. 25, in Carroll County.

The workshop will be at the Don Meador property, located 2 1/2 miles west of Lanark or 3 1/2 miles east of Mt. Carroll on U.S. 52/IL 64. Follow the pheasant workshop signs.

The workshop, which will begin at 9 a.m., will focus on improving pheasant habitat and accessing state, federal and private programs to implement various wildlife management practices. Resource agency speakers will discuss improving the farmland landscape for the benefit of ringneck pheasants and other wildlife through the use of nest cover plantings, native grass patches, prescribed burning, wetland construction, food plots, filter strips and contour buffer strips. In addition, commercial seed and equipment vendors will be on hand to discuss their products. The workshop will be followed by a tour of habitat practices and a free lunch provided by Pheasants Forever.

The event is jointly sponsored by Illinois Pheasants Forever, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District, University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Register in advance for this free workshop by telephoning (815) 244-8732 or faxing (815) 244-3836 with your name, phone number and the number attending. Those who pre-register will have their names entered in a drawing for a shotgun donated by Pheasants Forever. For more information, interested landowners and sportsmen may call the Department of Natural Resources at (815)244-3655.

Addison school receives 100th action grant

The Army Trail Courtyard Nature Center, an outdoor wildlife habitat study area being developed by third- and fourth-grade students at Army Trail Elementary School in Addison, recently was honored as the recipient of the 100th grant awarded through the Illinois Schoolyard Action Grant program.

Students from Army Trail Elementary School, Addison, made presentations to commemorate the 100th School-yard Action Grant. Pictured with the students are (1-r) Jack Jadel, Jadel Family Foundation; John Schmitt, ICF; Kathy Andrews, DNR; and Melinda Tury, teacher.

The program, a cooperative effort of the Jadel Family Foundation, the Illinois Conservation Foundation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, provides funding for the establishment of habitat areas organized by schools and local communities.

The action grant program is an adjunct of Project WILD, Project WET and Project Learning Tree, interdisciplinary environmental education programs featuring hands-on learning correlated to state learning standards for math, science and other subjects. Grants are based on student and community involvement, incorporation of the project into school curriculum and benefits to wildlife.

Army Trail Elementary School District #4, received a $300 grant to help develop four habitats in the school's courtyard area. The students raised an additional $2,000 for the project. The Illinois Conservation Foundation and DNR's Division of Education recognized the occasion by installing a park bench made of recycled materials in the school's courtyard area and presenting a plaque to the students and staff commemorating the 100th grant.

More information on the grant program is available by calling (217) 524-4126.

 
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Confiscated and abandoned property auction

The Department of Natural Resources will auction its inventory of confiscated and abandoned property on Saturday, July 14, at the Jack Perschbacher Service Center in Pawnee. Pawnee is located 10 miles south of Springfield and 3 miles east of Interstate 55 on Route 104. The Service Center is 2 blocks south of Route 104 on the west edge of Pawnee.

Take aim at a Wingshooting clinic this year DNR and the Hunt Club are hosting wingshooting clinics for hunters and advanced shooters at Kaskaskia River/Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Baldwin, on Saturday, July 7 from 9-11:30 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. Registration is from 8-9 a.m. For more information or to make a reservation, call the site between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday at (618) 785-2522.

Bidder registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and the auction starts at noon. Potential bidders may not inspect the merchandise before 9:30 a.m. the day of the sale.

No firearms or vehicles will be sold. The following items will be offered: 6 wooden commercial fishing basket traps; 25 commercial fishing trammel nets; 100 commercial fishing hoop nets; 80 steel leghold traps; 110 sport fishing rods and reels; 4 crossbows; 15 compound bows; 30 spotlights; 90 assorted tree stands for deer hunting; 2 aluminum canoes; and 4 small aluminum jonboats. Several dozen miscellaneous items related to outdoor sports also will be auctioned.

Property will be sold "as is," and all sales will be final. Payment may be in cash, cashier's check, money order or traveler's checks in increments of $100 or less. Personal or business checks also will be accepted if they are accompanied by a letter of credit from a bank stating that the bidder's credit is in good standing and that the bank will guarantee the check to a specific amount through a specific date. Such letters must be approved when registering. The state reserves the right to reject the payment or identification of any bidders if their acceptance appears not to be in the best interest of the State of Illinois. Buyers must take possession of their property immediately, and unclaimed items will be disposed of.

Confiscated and abandoned property auctions are conducted by DNR approximately every five years. Proceeds of these auctions are deposited in the State Wildlife and Fish Fund.

Commission approves new nature preserves

The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission has dedicated two new nature preserves, an addition to one nature preserve, and the registration of two new land and water reserves.

Nature preserve dedications are: Hemmer Fen and Sedge Meadow Nature Preserve in Kane County, consisting of three wetland basins near the headwaters of the south branch of the Kishwaukee River and Coon Creek; and the 694-acre Singing Woods Nature Preserve in Peoria County, which is owned by the Peoria Park District.

The addition to an existing nature preserve is 38 acres to the North Park Addition to Florsheim Park Nature Preserve in Lake County, owned by the Village of Linconshire.

The two land and water reserve registrations are: Chip-O-Will Land and Water Reserve, a 55-acre site in Washington County, and the Tri-County Wetland Land and Water Reserve, a 31.5-acre wetland owned by DNR in DuPage and Kane counties.

Illinois now has 299 nature preserves in 78 counties totaling 39,970 acres, and 56 land and water reserves in 39 counties totaling 21,556 acres. Landowners interested in preserving high-quality natural lands through nature preserve dedication or land and water reserve registration should contact the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787 or phone (217) 785-8686.

Bullfrog season now underway

Illinois' annual bullfrog hunting season continues through Friday, Aug. 31. Bullfrogs may be taken by hand, pole and line fishing methods, pitchfork, landing net, bow and arrow, spear or gig. Firearms, air guns, gas guns or commercial fishing devices such as dip nets, hoop nets, traps or seines may not be used. The daily limit is eight frogs, and the possession limit is 16.

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