One-Stop Shop

DNR's clearinghouse spreads the word to constituents.

BY Liz PENSONEAU

In today's age of large governmental agencies, it can oftentimes be a confusing process when one needs to request specific printed information from them.

You might think, "Which division-should I call? Will I be transferred to several different people? Worse yet, is there a chance I will end up with a recording that instructs me to 'press 1 for this, press 2 for that, press 3 for yet another option or hold for the operator?'"

Not at the Department of Natural Resources.

Here, constituents can take advantage of the DNR Clearinghouse, a warehousing service of printed brochures, pamphlets and booklets that are available to the public at no charge. It's a one-stop shop, a wonderful time-saver and a fuss-free source for obtaining information in a timely manner.

The clearinghouse was established to consolidate free printed materials that are available from all divisions within the DNR, whether the topic be state parks, hunting, fishing, the scientific surveys, mining, water resources, specific programs and activities, etc. While it is true that the clearinghouse deals in only those materials available without charge, it also can be your source for catalogs listing publications that require a nominal fee, such as those from the state scientific surveys and the Illinois State Museum.

"We stock the free publications put out by the scientific surveys;

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Information you can use
DNR Clearinghouse 524 South Second Street Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 782-7498
TTY: (217) 782-9175
Fax:(217)782-9552
E-mail:clearing@dnrmail.state. il.us.
A directory of publications is available upon request.

however, the ones requiring a fee have to be obtained directly from the surveys. We do send out their publications catalogs free of charge," said Production Coordinator Darla Follis, who oversees the clearinghouse.

"Those seeking information from the Department should make the clearinghouse their first stop. If the requested material is not available, we will work to make certain the request is complied with," she said, adding that inquiries are processed within 48 hours or less.

Follis said materials also are available in bulk for meetings and conferences, however, the shipping costs; are negotiable on these large orders.

"Sometimes guidelines affect the distribution of materials in bulk, and the clearinghouse is aware of such stipulations," Follis said. "It is also very important that anyone who sends an order for bulk materials includes a daytime telephone number.

Follis pointed out that all mailings from the clearinghouse include a copy of the state parks magazine and an order form listing publications available from the facility.

So, the next time you are searching for DNR-related material, join the 750 to 1,000 individuals who contact the clearinghouse each month for information. Take advantage of the Department's printed resources. You'll be glad you did!"

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