Newsworthy Items Archives for 2001

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12/31/01

NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSBITS

IDNR TO TEST BOAT MOTOR CHANGE ON SIX LAKES IN 2002

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is proposing to allow boats with any size motors on select lakes where a 10-horsepower limit is now in place, provided that the more powerful motors are operated at idle speed only and the boats create no wake while on those bodies of water.

"This is a pilot project to determine whether we can provide greater access for anglers and others who operate larger boats without disrupting the traditional users of these lakes," said IDNR Director Brent Manning. "We want to test the concept on six lakes in all regions of the state next year to see how it works, and to give boat operators a chance to see how it works, too."

State regulations provide that on bodies of water under the Department's jurisdiction, a 10-horsepower limit applies when the surface water area is between 60-500 acres. Only electric trolling motors may be used on bodies of water of less than 60 acres.

The proposed regulation, which would be in effect during 2002, would allow operators of boats with motors larger than 10 horsepower to use, at idle speed with no wake:

•Shabbona Lake at Shabbona Lake State Park, DeKalb Co. (a 318-acre lake) 
•Pierce Lake at Rock Cut State Park, Winnebago Co. (162 acres) 
•Wolf Lake at William W. Powers Conservation Area, Cook Co. (419 acres) 
•Dawson Lake at Morraine View State Park, McLean Co. (158 acres) 
•Washington County Lake at Washington County Conservation Area (248 acres) 
•Mermet State Lake at Mermet Lake Conservation Area, Johnson Co. (452 acres) 
Boats with motors of 10 horsepower or less would not be subject to an idle speed/no wake restriction.

"Operators of boats with motors up to 10 horsepower will be able to continue to use their motors as they have in the past," Manning said. "The idle/no wake restriction will apply only to boats with motors of more than10 horsepower."

The proposal will be considered this winter through the Department's administrative rule process. Anyone interested in commenting on the proposal should contact Jack Price, Department of Natural Resources, 524 South Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787. The deadline to comment is Feb. 18. Full text of the proposal (17 Ill. Adm. Code 110) is or will be available on the Department's web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/rule-status.htm

12/18/01

Let's Talk Fishing Opens New Season with TV Show Taping - News from Illinois Outdoors:

On January 19th, 2002 the Let's Talk Fishing Show will begin a new season with a live taping of two All Outdoors Television Shows. Let's Talk Fishing is a fund raising show that is held at the Edge Restaurant and Lounge in Midlothian every Saturday from January to April from 1to 6 PM to help support the Duke O'Malley Kids Fishing Derby. This derby held each summer at Tampier Lake for local kids at no cost. Over a thousand children come to the fishing derby to have a great day at the water's edge with their family. Every kid receives a fishing pole to fish on derby day and goes home with an assortment of prizes supplied by O'Malley through his efforts and those of outdoor writer "Catfish" Bill Wesolowski, owner of The Edge.
The public is invited to be part of the audience at this live taping of the All Outdoors Television Shows. The All Outdoors is aired on various affiliates of AT&T Broadband every week and will celebrate the beginning of it's 4th year for TV show. Co-hosts Don Dziedzina and Rich Komar will be showing some new and unusual fishing products and talk about fishing with guest experts. Ron Miltzow will be sharing some of his All Outdoors fishing and hunting tips and a live band will be on hand to entertain the audience before the show and during commercial breaks. While supplies last, free fishing tackle will be given away to the audience from the All Outdoors TV Show sponsors. 
Wesolowski says that free food will be served to the people in the audience as he normally does at all of the Let's Talk Fishing shows that are held every Saturday starting at 1 PM. As part of the fund raiser for the Kids Fishing Derby, raffle tickets are sold for great prizes including rods, reels, tackle boxes, lures and an assortment of other outdoor related items. All proceeds will go to the Kids Fishing Derby fund.
Last year when the All Outdoors TV Show taped two shows at the Edge, there was an audience of over 250 sportsmen and women who all had an enjoyable time. The crew from The Edge and the All Outdoors TV Show are hoping for a bigger turn out this year. 
The doors will open at noon and there is no charge for admission. The TV shows are scheduled to begin taping at 1:30 PM and 3 PM. The Edge Restaurant and Lounge is located at 4810 W. 148th St., Midlothian on the south end of the plaza.

NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSBITS

REMINDER: Tickets are available for the first-ever Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet, Friday, Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The event is jointly sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation. Five individuals will be inducted at charter members of the Hall of Fame, including Frank Bellrose, Jack Ehresman, James Helfrich, John Husar and Gene Morgan. Funds generated from the banquet are earmarked for the ICF grants program. Individual tickets are $100 each and would make a terrific holiday gift. Give the sportsman in your life a great evening out and at the same time, donate to a worthy cause. For more information, see with Illinois Conservation Foundation web site at http://www.ilcf.org.

The Department of Natural Resources Urban Fishing Program has been honored by the USDA Forest Service for providing assistance with the federal Fish Tales program. Fish Tails won a Rural Community Assistance Award for enhancing the lives of more than 100 children in Alexander and Pulaski counties. The program targets under-served youth and expands the Urban Fishing clinic into a three-day fishing day camp at Shawnee Community College where children fish and learn area cultural history. IDNR provided fishing equipment, educational materials and training assistance to the program's instructors.

STATE CAMPSITE, PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED BY MAIL BEGINNING JAN. 2; IN PERSON FEB. 1

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Reservations for the 2002 camping season for Illinois Department of Natural Resources campsites, group campsites and picnic shelters may be made by mail beginning Jan. 2 and in person beginning Feb. 1, Director Brent Manning announced today.

"The reservation program for 33 campgrounds and dozens of picnic shelters throughout the state provides families, groups and other visitors an opportunity to plan ahead for the busy outdoor recreation season," Manning said.

No telephone reservations will be accepted in January. Beginning February 1, credit card reservations using Visa and MasterCard will be accepted over the telephone and in-person at the following sites: Chain O'Lakes, Clinton Lake, Fox Ridge, Jim Edgar Panther Creek, Kankakee River, Pere Marquette, Ramsey Lake, Rock Cut, Shabbona, and Sangchris Lake. In-person reservations will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

A daily lottery will be conducted for mail-in reservations. Up to six mail-in reservations per envelope, per person will be accepted for campsites or shelters. Camping groups may mail more than six reservations per envelope as long as no more than six are for one individual. 

A reservation fee must be paid at the time reservations are made. Once a reservation is confirmed, the fee is non-refundable unless the IDNR closes an area due to storm damage or other reasons. 

In addition to regular camping fees and utility fees payable upon arrival at the site, regular campsites and group campsites require a $5 reservation fee at the time the reservation is made. All sites taking reservations will require the first night's camping and utility fee plus a $5 reservation fee. Payment of the first night's camping and utility fee guarantee that the reservation will be held until 3 p.m. the following day. Shelter reservation fees are $20.

Campsites can be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights and reservations should be made at least seven days before the campsite is needed. Reserved campsites will be held until 3 p.m. the following day, after which time the site will be offered to other campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends require a minimum three-day reservation.

Campsite reservations will be available at 33 state parks: Apple River Canyon, 8763 E. Canyon Road, Apple River, IL 61001; Argyle Lake, 640 Argyle Road, Colchester, 62326; Big River, R. R. #1, Box 118, Keithsburg, 61442; Chain O'Lakes, 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, 60081; Clinton Lake, R. R. #1, Box 4, DeWitt, 61735; Eagle Creek, P. O. Box 16, Findlay, 62534; Eldon Hazlet, 20100 Hazlet Park Road, Carlyle, 62231; Fox Ridge, 18175 Sate Park Road, Charleston, 61920; Hidden Springs, R. R. #1, Box 200, Strasburg, 62465; Horseshoe Lake-Madison, 3321 Highway 111, Granite City, 62040; Illini, 2660 East 2350th Rd., Marseilles, 61341; Illinois Beach, Lake Front, Zion, 60099; Jubilee College, 13921 West Route 150, Brimfield, 61517; Kankakee River, P.O. Box 37, Bourbonnais, 60914; Kickapoo, 10906 Kickapoo Park Road, Oakwood, 61858; Lake Le-Aqua-Na, 8542 North Lake Road, Lena, 61048; Lincoln Trail, 16985 East 1350th Road, Marshall, 62441; Mississippi Palisades, 16327A IL Rte 84, Savanna, 61074; Moraine View, R.R. 2, Box 110, LeRoy, 61752; Pere Marquette, P.O. Box 158, Grafton, 62037; Ramsey Lake, P.O. Box 97, Ramsey, 62080; Rock Cut, 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park, 61111; Sam Dale, R.R. #1, Box 101 Johnsonville, 62850; Sangchris Lake, 9898 Cascade Road, Rochester, 62563; Shabbona Lake, 4201 Shabbona Grove Road, Shabbona, 60550; Siloam Springs, 938 E. 3003rd Lane, Clayton, 62324; Starved Rock, P.O. Box 509, Utica, 61373; Trail of Tears, 3240 State Forest Rd., Jonesboro, 62952; Walnut Point, 2331 East Co. Road, 370N, Oakland, IL 61943; Wayne Fitzgerrell, 11094 Ranger Rd, Whittington, 62897; Weldon Springs, 1159 500 N., R. R. #2, Box 87, Clinton, IL 61727; White Pines Forest, 6712 West Pines Road, Mount Morris, 61054; and Wolf Creek, R.R.# 1, Box 99, Windsor, 61957.

Shelter reservations will be available at the following sites: 

Northwest Illinois: Argyle Lake State Park, Big River State Forest, Castle Rock State Park, Delabar State Park, Franklin Creek State Natural Area, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Illini State Park, Jubilee College State Park, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Rock Cut State Park, Shabbona Lake State Park and White Pines Forest State Park. 

Northeast Illinois: Buffalo Rock State Park, Chain O'Lakes State Park, Gebhard Woods State Park, Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, Kankakee River State Park, Moraine Hill State Park, Silver Springs State Park and William W. Powers Conservation Area. 

East-central Illinois: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Eagle Creek State Park, Fox Ridge State Park, Hidden Springs State Forest, Kickapoo State Park, Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park, Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, Moraine View State Park, Spitler Woods State Natural Area, Walnut Point State Park, Weldon Springs State Park and Wolf Creek State Park.

West-central Illinois: Beaver Dam State Park, Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Eldon Hazlet State Park, Frank Holten State Park, Horseshoe Lake State Park in Madison County, Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA, Pere Marquette State Park, Randolph County Conservation Area, Sand Ridge State Forest, Sangchris Lake State Park, Siloam Springs State Park, Washington County Conservation Area and Weinberg-King State Park.

Southern Illinois: Dixon Springs, Ferne Clyffe State Park, Fort Massac State Park, Giant City State Park, Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area in Alexander County, Lake Murphysboro State Park, Ramsey Lake State Park, Red Hills State Park, Sam Dale State Park, Sam Parr State Park, Stephen A. Forbes State Park, Trail of Tears State Forest and Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park.

11/25/01

NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSBITS

Tickets are available for the first-ever Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet, Friday, Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The event is jointly sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation. Five individuals will be inducted at charter members of the Hall of Fame, including Frank Bellrose, Jack Ehresman, James Helfrich, John Husar and Gene Morgan. Funds generated from the banquet are earmarked for the ICF grants program. Individual tickets are $100 each and would make a terrific holiday gift. Give the sportsman in your life a great evening out and at the same time, donate to a worthy cause. For more information, see with Illinois Conservation Foundation web site at http://www.ilcf.org.

REMINDER: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has changed the requirement for individuals wanting to claim a road-killed deer. Only individuals who wish to take the animal to a taxidermist or tannery are required to report the animal, and should call IDNR's Law Enforcement Office at 217/782-6431 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to receive a tag for the animal. IDNR's Road Kill Line (1-800/406-3477) will continue to operate with a recorded message to inform the public about the change. The change means meat processors can accept a road-killed deer without a tag for processing. Even if you no longer are required to report the deer, if you intend to keep it, you should record the location the deer was hit, the date, the sex of the deer, and where the meat is being stored and make that information available to law enforcement officials if asked, as long as you have the deer or any of its parts in your possession.

REMINDER: Sangchris Lake will be closed to boating and fishing Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Waterfowl and archery deer hunters are prohibited from using the East and Middle Arms of the lake during this time period. Archery deer hunters may use the West arm of the lake to access the middle peninsula after 1 p.m. Prior to 1 p.m., archery deer hunters may use the area near the dam to access the middle peninsula. Contact the park office for further information at 217/498-9208.

The Endangered Species Protection Board has selected the following dates for its meetings in 2002:

February 8, 2002 -- Springfield

May 17, 2002 -- Chicago

August 16, 2002 -- Springfield

November 15, 2002 -- Chicago

All meetings begin at 10 a.m. Exact locations will be available closer to each date. For ore information, contact the Board at 217/785-8687.

The Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center, Whittington. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call 217/782-4963.

Individuals have until Nov. 26 to comment on proposed amendments to Sport Fishing Regulations (17 Ill. Adm. Code 810). The proposal is as follows: Fulton County Goose Management Area Waters, State of Illinois, Fulton County, Recreational Use Restrictions,Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area(all use other than waterfowl hunting is prohibited from October 1 through the end of the central zone Canada goose season)

..All Fish.............................2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)

..Channel or Blue Catfish...............6 Fish Daily Creel Limit

..White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie.......10" Minimum Length Limit

..White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie (15)...25 Fish Daily Creel Limit

..Bluegill or Redear Sunfish (14).......25 Fish Daily Creel Limit

..Large or Smallmouth Bass.............21" Minimum Length Limit

..Large or Smallmouth Bass (14)........1 Fish Daily Creel Limit

Comments should be sent in writing to Jack Price, Department of Natural Resources, 524 S. Second Street, Springfield IL 62701-1787.

November 16, 2001

Governor Ryan Announces Open Land Trust Acquisition of Duck Island, Adjacent to Rice Lake Conservation Area in Fulton County 

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the state is acquiring the 1,209-acre Duck Island property adjacent to the Rice Lake Conservation Area in Fulton County through his Open Land Trust initiative, providing enhanced natural resource protection and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

“This acquisition will assure long-term protection of the island, benefiting waterfowl and other wetland wildlife,” Ryan said. “It will also provide the public with increased opportunities for fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing in this beautiful part of the Illinois River valley.” 

The Duck Island parcel is located in the middle of the state’s Rice Lake Conservation Area, between the Illinois River and U.S. Rt. 24, south of Banner.. 

The acquisition includes 285 acres of recreational land at the northern part of the island, much of which is under water, which will be managed for fishing and hunting. More than 580 acres of the island is farmed for corn and soybean production. 

The southernmost portion of the island contains a sand and gravel quarry, which will continue to operate under a five-year lease with Duck Island Sand and Gravel Co. 

Duck Island is being acquired from the Commerce Bank of Peoria. 

“The acquisition of Duck Island is critically important to managing the duck and goose refuge and public hunting programs at Rice Lake Conservation Area and it’s also important to the waterfowl migrating through the middle Illinois River basin,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning. 

So far, during the Ryan Administration more than 43,900 acres of open space have been acquired and more than two thirds of it through his Open Land Trust Initiative.

11/09/01

Recent IDNR Press Releases:

LARGEMOUTH BASS VIRUS CONFIRMED IN ILLINOIS:

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - As part of a nationwide protocol to test for and conduct research relating to largemouth bass virus (LMBV), Illinois has tested and found the virus at its hatcheries and several lakes in Illinois.

Results from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service LaCrosse Fish Health Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, indicate the virus was found everywhere it was tested for in Illinois.

"Presence of the virus in a population does not mean the fish have disease, nor is it an indication that they will have the disease in the future," said Mike Conlin, IDNR Fisheries Chief. "Largemouth bass virus appears to be triggered by a combination of stress and heat. Fish are more likely to be impacted by the disease when they are stressed. Stress factors such as hot water temperatures, low oxygen, and frequent handling appear to increase the chances fish will show signs of illness."

Biologists noticed that the only fish in the hatcheries testing positive for the virus were under stressed conditions. They noted that when the primary cause of stress was removed, fish mortalities ceased or decreased dramatically.

Largemouth bass were tested from the Jake Wolf Hatchery, Little Grassy Hatchery, as well as four lakes with different variables. The lakes included Lou Yaeger, which experienced a multiple species fish kill this year and has not been stocked from the hatcheries; Jacksonville, which is routinely stocked and experienced a largemouth bass kill in August, likely caused by high temperatures and handling associated with a bass tournament; Crab Orchard, which is routinely stocked, receives heavy tournament pressure and had largemouth bass mortalities several years ago; and Cedar, which is not stocked, has only small local fishing tournaments and has had no reported bass kills.

2001 production fish from Little Grassy and Jake Wolf fish hatcheries, except those that were fin clipped for research purposes, were negative for the virus. IDNR is planning to stock the fish that tested negative in lakes around Illinois this fall.

LMBV first gained attention in 1995 when it was implicated in a fish die off in South Carolina. It is one of more than 100 naturally occurring viruses that affect fish but not warm-blooded animals. Although the virus can be carried by other fish species, such as crappie and bluegill, it is only fatal to largemouth bass. Scientists do not know exactly how the virus is transmitted or why it sometimes kills bass. Warm water temperatures is one common variable identified at lakes where LMBV related fish kills have been confirmed. Scientists know of no cure. LMBV has been found in at least 15 states. Generally, states that haven't reported finding it have not yet tested for the virus.

Most fish carrying LMBV appear completely normal. In cases where the virus has triggered disease, dying bass may be near the surface having difficulty swimming and remaining upright. LMBV attacks the swim bladder, causing bass to lose their equilibrium. Diseased fish might also appear bloated. Studies have shown that all sizes of bass may be carriers of the virus. However, larger bass are more apt to develop disease because they are more likely to undergo stress.

Although biologists do not know if the virus will have extensive or long-lasting effects on bass populations, Conlin does not believe it will harm fisheries in the long run. There have been no documented cases of LMBV kills in Illinois. In other states, bass populations in LMBV-infected lakes have not dropped significantly, though reductions in angler success have been noted subsequent to an incident for a year or two.

Fish with LMBV are safe to handle and eat. The virus does not infect warm-blooded animals, including humans.

Anglers can help minimize the impact of largemouth bass virus by doing the following:
- Drain all water from the bilge and live wells and clean boats, trailers, and other equipment thoroughly between fishing trips to prevent transporting
LMBV -- as well as other pathogens and organisms -- from one water body to another. The virus can live for several hours in water.
- Do not move fish or fish parts from one body of water to another. And do not release live bait into the water.
- Handle bass as gently as possible.
- Conduct tournaments during cooler weather, so fish caught will not be stressed by hot temperatures and low oxygen levels.
"Although the virus has been confirmed in only a handful of locations, the virus may be present elsewhere. In fact, results so far indicate we'll find the virus virtually anywhere we look for it," Conlin said.

If you see unusual numbers of dead or dying fish, call DNR's Law Enforcement Hotline at 1-877/236-7529, or contact a DNR fisheries biologist.

Dan Sallee is IDNR's new Fisheries Regional Administrator for Region 1, based in Sterling. Dan is a 1977 graduate of Western Illinois University where he earned his Bachelor degree in Zoology with a minor in Botany. From 1976 thru 1980 Dan worked as a Research Assistant for the Illinois Natural History Survey at the River Research Laboratory at Havana, IL, where he supervised and conducted fisheries and mollusk research projects and surveys. Since 1980 Dan has worked as a Streams Biologist with the Division of Fisheries, and for the past several years as the Upper Mississippi River Project Manager for the Boundary Rivers Program out of the Aledo Office. Dan is a past President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, current President of the North Central Division American Fisheries Society Rivers & Streams Technical Committee, and is an Executive Board Member of the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee (UMRCC).

John Kennedy and John Nick Kennedy of Springfield won first-place prize money of $1,000 at the 6th annual Director's Muskie Tournament on Lake Shelbyville, held Oct. 19-20. The Kennedy's' two-day catch of two muskies totaled 71 inches. Second place was awarded to the team of Tom Czelatdko of Charleston and Frank T. Luchsinger of Chicago. They boated a 43-and-a-half inch muskie, good for second-place prize money of $500 and another $300 awarded for catching the longest fish. The team of Kurt Sprinkle and Steve Bailey of Houlton, Wisconsin won third place prize money of $250 for their 43-inch fish. The event was sponsored by Midwest Marina of Rantoul and Bass Pro Shops of Gurnee. Proceeds from the tournament are used to improve muskie fishing on Lake Shelbyville and for youth hunting, fishing and education programs.

CABINS AVAILABLE AT JIM EDGAR PANTHER CREEK: A portion of the new campground is now open at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area near Chandlerville in Cass County. Nine rent-a-cabins are available for reservation and use on a first-come, first served basis. The cabins are located on the shoreline of the new 210-acre lake at the site. They include two rooms and a covered porch, can sleep six with two sets of bunk beds and a double bed, feature a table and chairs inside and a picnic table and fire grill outside. The cabins are heated, have electrical outlets and ceiling fans. They can be reserved for a $5 fee and are available for use at the rate of $35 per night. To reserve a cabin, call the site office at 217/452-7741, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The primitive camping area at Jim Edgar Panther Creek is also open. Seven three-sided shelters are available to camp near or camp in for a fee of $6 per night. Hikers and mountain bike riders must travel approximately one-tenth of a mile from the nearest parking lot to access the shelters.

A new shelter with a fireplace at the site's West Lake day use area is also available. The 210-acre lake is open to bank fishing. The main campground is expected to open in April 2002. For more information, contact Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA, 10149 County Highway 11, Chandlerville, IL 62627. 

Credit cards will now be accepted for campsite and picnic shelter reservations at two additional Illinois Department of Natural Resources campgrounds. Now you can use your Visa or MasterCard to make reservations over the telephone or in person at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA, 10149 County Highway 11, Chandlerville, IL 62627, 217/ 452-7741 and Ramsey Lake S.P., P. O. Box 97, Ramsey, IL 62080, 618/ 423-2215. For additional information on sites now accepting credit cards, please call 217/ 782-6752 or visit us on the Internet at http://dnr.state.il.us under Parks, Lodges and Conservation Areas.


Electro-fishing on Lake Michigan, spring turkey hunting results, Dickson Mounds Museum, a "huntaholics" quiz and waterfowl call-maker Jeff Foiles are featured in the November issue of OutdoorIllinois, the monthly magazine of the Department of Natural Resources. Subscriptions are $10 per year and are available by calling 800/720-3249.

Individuals have until Nov. 26 to comment on proposed amendments to Sport Fishing Regulations (17 Ill. Adm. Code 810). The proposal is as follows: Fulton County Goose Management Area Waters, State of Illinois, Fulton County, Recreational Use Restrictions, Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (all use other than waterfowl hunting is prohibited from October 1 through the end of the central zone Canada goose season)

..All Fish.............................2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)

..Channel or Blue Catfish...............6 Fish Daily Creel Limit

..White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie.......10" Minimum Length Limit

..White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie (15)...25 Fish Daily Creel Limit

..Bluegill or Redear Sunfish (14).......25 Fish Daily Creel Limit

..Large or Smallmouth Bass.............21" Minimum Length Limit

..Large or Smallmouth Bass (14)........1 Fish Daily Creel Limit

Comments should be sent in writing to Jack Price, Department of Natural Resources, 524 S. Second Street, Springfield IL 62701-1787.

10/27/01

I recently heard that the White River (In.) contamination lawsuit was settled.  As a result, I searched the Indiana DNR web site for the press release regarding the settlement.  The following was released on June 18th, 2001:

Governor Frank O’Bannon announced today that Guide Corp. will pay $13.937 million to settle the state and federal lawsuit against the corporation, as well as plead guilty to federal criminal charges, in connection with the December 1999 chemical release that killed five million fish in the White River. 

Guide, an Anderson auto parts manufacturer, will pay criminal and civil penalties, restitution and payments for restoration of the White River. It also will plead guilty to seven counts of criminal negligence. 

O’Bannon stood on the banks of the White River in downtown Indianapolis to make the announcement this afternoon. He was joined by Timothy M. Morrison, the U.S. attorney whose agency sought criminal charges against Guide, and Gail Ginsberg, regional counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5, whose agency joined the state in its civil lawsuit. 

"Less than 14 months ago, I came to the federal courthouse to promise the people of Indiana that the polluter would be held accountable for harming one of Indiana’s most important natural resources," O’Bannon said. "Today, I can tell them: I’ve made good on that promise. 

"The settlement secured from Guide Corporation ensures restoration of the White River from Anderson to Indianapolis. Six million dollars from Guide will go into a trust fund so that we can improve water quality, protect riverbanks, develop more habitat for wildlife and create more opportunities for Hoosiers to enjoy the river for recreation. 

"And let me emphasize again: It is the Guide Corporation – not the Hoosier taxpayer – that will foot the bill for improving the White River and for the legal work it took to reach this conclusion." 

The state sued Guide and Crown Environmental Group of Dayton, Ohio, which operates Guide’s wastewater treatment plant, in April 2000. The federal government also brought civil action, and the suits later were combined. (The suit against Crown continues.) 

The lawsuit alleged that workers at the plant used excessive amounts of a chemical to treat wastewater, causing the city of Anderson’s Publicly Owned Treatment Works to malfunction. That in turn sent toxins into the river, killing the fish. 

After learning of the fish kill, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management undertook an exhaustive investigation to identify the Guide plant as the source of the chemical. Five million fish died in a three-county, 50-mile stretch of the river that reached south of Indianapolis. 

"This settlement, by itself, is extremely important for the people of Indiana, who are assured that their river will once again be alive with fish," O’Bannon said. "But it has even deeper significance. 

"We have sent the message to would-be polluters that we will not tolerate abuse of our precious natural resources. We’ve sent the message that we will vigorously pursue restitution and penalties against those who fail to heed our warning. And we’ve sent the message that Indiana’s rivers and streams belong to its citizens and that ownership may not be stolen by a thoughtless or deliberate polluter." 

In a related matter, O’Bannon also announced that three Hoosiers would share a $10,000 reward for providing information essential to the investigation of the fish kill. The DNR’s Turn in Poachers/Polluters program offered a $5,000 reward and the Indianapolis Water Company matched it. Although the recipients were prepared to testify in court if necessary, they have asked that their names be kept confidential.

10/24/01

Recent IDNR Press Releases:

NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSBITS

Below is an update on sites impacted by increased security measures. All activities at these sites and possibly others are subject to change that may occur at a moment’s notice. Anyone traveling to visit these sites should call ahead to the site to get the most current information.

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Lake closed to boats. Bank fishing, camping, day-use, upland game and archery deer hunting are still allowed. The boat restriction precludes waterfowl hunting and boat fishing.

Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area

Lake totally closed to boating that precludes waterfowl hunting on the lake. However, waterfowl hunting will be available at Mazonia. We have increased the number of duck blinds for a total of 28 to help offset the loss of the lake. Fishing on Mazonia’s lakes will end the 14th of October, the normal closing time and will reopen on schedule next spring.

LaSalle Lake

Lake closed.

Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area

Area is closed to all activities. Activities impacted include deer and upland game hunting programs. Individuals with shotgun deer permits will be notified by mail and have an opportunity for a permit refund.

Heidecke Lake

Lake is closed.

Free Poster

A free poster, "Illinois Furbearers," is available from the IDNR Clearinghouse (clearing@dnrmail.state.il.us; phone 217/782-7498; TTY 217/782-9175). The poster includes full-color photos of all 14 mammals that are classified as furbearers in Illinois, including the bobcat, coyote, raccoon and river otter. Also featured are sketches of these species' tracks and information about their habitats, habits, foods, reproduction and conservation.

William G. Stratton Lock

The William G. Stratton Lock (formerly the McHenry Lock), located on the Fox River near McHenry, Illinois, will close to all boat traffic for the winter season at 11:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Until the closing date and time given above, hours of operation for the lock will continue as before, from 8 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, seven days a week. The closing date has been chosen so that routine maintenance and preparations for winter can be accomplished before the onset of freezing weather. We anticipate a timely opening in the spring of 2002, and look forward to another season of service to the boating public on the Fox River and Chain-O'-Lakes. The William G. Stratton Lock is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Water Resources, utilizing funds appropriated from the State Boating Act Fund. There is no charge for boats using the lock.

10/12/01

From the IDNR:

ILLINOIS PARKS FOR RED CROSS

The Department of Natural Resources is undertaking "Illinois Parks For Red Cross," a fund-raising drive to assist individuals devastated by the terrorist attacks, at its facilities around Illinois, Director Brent Manning announced today.

The effort includes a commemorative lapel pin, which will be given to individuals for a $5 minimum donation.

"In response to the tragic events of September 11th and America's continuing efforts to honor the victims and support their families, I am asking employees and friends of the Department to join together, as part of the State of Illinois relief effort, to demonstrate support for those whose lives have been devastated by the terrorist attacks," Manning said. "We hope this effort will help us remember and assist our fellow Americans in their time of need."

Donations will be collected on behalf of the American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund at DNR facilities around the state. Department offices, State parks, lodges and concession facilities, visitor centers, State museums, and other Department facilities will be participating. In addition, the Department's constituency groups are being asked to participate in this voluntary collection effort.

As a special endeavor for the Illinois Parks for Red Cross effort, the Illinois Conservation Foundation has ordered a limited supply of a uniquely designed lapel pin featuring the World Trade Center and the American Flag, wrapped in a black ribbon. The pin is available at many DNR facilities, including the State museums, lodges and visitor centers, for a $5 minimum donation to the relief effort. They also are available through the Department's Merchandise Sales by sending a $5 check made out to either the American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund or the Illinois Conservation Foundation to: IDNR Merchandise Sales, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 627011-1787. The Merchandise Sales office can be reached toll-free in Illinois at 800/720-3249, or at 217/782-1687 for out-of-state callers.

"Fall color season is a time of year when many families are enjoying the splendor of our state parks. It is also a time to reflect on the many freedoms we, as Americans, all enjoy and sometimes take for granted," Manning said. "Our constituents have always been very generous to those in need. It is my hope that they once again answer the call and help their fellow Americans."

"I am truly proud of the tremendous outpouring of generosity shown by the citizens of Illinois and people across the nation. Everyday as I travel around the state, people ask me what they can do to help those most affected by this tragedy," said Lt. Gov. Corrine Wood, who chairs the Disaster Relief Cabinet in Illinois. "By making a donation for this commemorative pin through the Illinois Conservation Foundation, we can remember those tragically lost and at the same time make a financial donation to help those families who have suffered unspeakable losses."

10/04/01

From the IDNR:

Heidecke Lake has reopened. The last day to fish at Heidecke is Sunday, Oct. 14. The site also is open for archery deer hunting. Waterfowl hunting and shotgun deer hunting programs are expected to go on as originally scheduled.

Due to heightened security at some facilities, the lakes at Braidwood, LaSalle, and Clinton remain closed until further notice. These are precautionary measures. There have been no identified threats. Restricted access may be in effect for other recreational areas as well. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We encourage you to visit one of the many other sites open for recreational use.

10/01/01

From the IDNR:

ILLINOIS FALL TROUT SEASON OPENS OCTOBER 20

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning today announced that the state's annual fall catchable trout program season opens on Oct. 20 at 5 a.m., with trout stocked at 35 locations throughout the state.

"Autumn is a great time of year to go fishing, and anglers of every age enjoy the fall trout season in Illinois," Manning said. "Even though we open the fall trout season at 5 o'clock in the morning on October 20, anglers should call ahead of time to make sure the location they intend to fish is going to be open that early in the morning."

No trout may be taken at any of the 35 stocked sites from Oct. 1 until the program's legal opening at 5 a.m. on Oct. 20. More than 70,000 trout will be stocked prior to the opening day of the season. Each of the stocked trout weighs approximately one-half pound and is 10-to-12 inches long.

To take trout legally beginning Oct. 20, anglers must have a fishing license and an inland trout stamp, unless they are under 16 years of age, blind or disabled, or an Illinois resident on leave from the Armed Forces. The catch limit for each angler is five trout per day.

For more information, contact the IDNR Division of Fisheries at 217/782-6424 or at any one of the five IDNR regional offices: Region I, Sterling, 815/625-2968; Region II, Yorkville, 630/553-6680; Region III, Champaign, 217/278-5773; Region IV, Alton, 618/462-1181; Region V, Benton, 618/435-8138.

Illinois fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available at bait shops, sporting goods stores and other vendors, at IDNR regional offices, Springfield and Chicago offices, or with a credit card on the Department of Natural Resources web site at http://dnr.state.il.us.

For more information about site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. The 35 locations are:

•Siloam Springs State Park - Adams County, 217/894-6205
•Greenville Old City Lake - Bond County, 618/664-2330
•Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park - Bureau County, 815/454-2328
•Campus Pond at Eastern Illinois University - Coles County, 217/345-2420
•Axehead Lake - Cook County, 847/294-4134
•Belleau Lake - Cook County, 847/294-4134
•Crawford County Conservation Area Pond - Crawford County, 618/563-4405
•Villa Grove West Lake - Douglas County, 217/443-0529
•Boston Pond at Stephen A. Forbes Park - Marion County, 618/547-3381
•Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond - Jefferson County, 618/547-3610
•Ferne Clyffe State Park - Johnson County, 618/995-2411
•Bird Park Quarry in Kankakee - Kankakee County, 630/553-6680
•Big Lake at Silver Springs State Park - Kendall County, 630/553-6297
•Banana Lake - Lake County, 815/675-2319.
•Sand Lake at Illinois Beach State Park - Lake County, 847/662-4811
•Faries Park Pond in Decatur - Macon County, 217/345-2420
•Beaver Dam Lake - Macoupin County, 217/854-8020
•Highland Old City Lake - Madison County, 618/931-8901
•Fairgrounds Pond, Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis - Massac County, 618/524-4712
•Argyle Lake at Argyle Lake State Park - McDonough County, 309/776-3422
•Randolph County State Fish and Wildlife Area Lake - Randolph County, 618/826-2706
•Prospect Pond in Moline - Rock Island County, 815/454-2759
•Frank Holten State Park Lake - St. Clair County, 618/874-7920
•Jones Park Lake in East St. Louis - St. Clair County, 618/847-7920
•Willow Lake at Peabody River State Fish and Wildlife Area - St. Clair Co., 618/785-2555
•Jones State Lake at Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area - Saline County, 618/276-4405
•IDOT Lake in Springfield - Sangamon County, 217/632-3841
•Washington Park Pond in Springfield - Sangamon County, 217/632-3841
•Forest Park Lagoon in Shelbyville - Shelby County, 217/345-2420
•Mineral Springs Park Lagoon in Pekin - Tazewell County, 309/347-5119
•Clear Lake at Kickapoo State Park - Vermilion County, 217/442-4915
•Beall Woods Lake in Beall Woods State Park - Wabash County, 618/298-2442
•Citizen's Lake in Monmouth - Warren County, 309/344-2617
•Sam Dale Trout Pond at Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area - Wayne County, 618/835-2292
•Coleta Trout Pond, just west of Coleta - Whiteside County, 815/454-2759

09/29/01

Went out and fished Hammond Marina this morning and saw that the State Line power plant was still closed to shore fishermen.  Called NIPSCO in Gary (219) 977 5061, and was told that the property is still closed to shore fishermen and that boaters are being restricted as well.  No specifics about boaters.  Called John at Vet's Live Bait and Tackle on Indianapolis Blvd.(773) 734-6720, he advised me that Amoco is closed to shore fishermen as well. Yesterday I received a response from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding the "official" status of all the local plants.  The response was to contact the public relations advisor for Exelon (formerly ComEd).  I did so, and will post any response I receive.

09/28/01

Illinois Cooling Lakes Update:

Recent Nuclear Regulatory Commission Press Releases:

Recent IDNR Press Releases:

Canadian Border Update:

09/18/01

Chicago Area Cooling Lakes Remain Closed:

There's been no word yet on if or when the Chicago area cooling lakes will re-open for fishing.  There's been a mixed reaction as to whether or not the lakes should re-open, or for that matter, be closed at all.  If anyone hears any updated information, feel free to pass it along.  I will post anything of interest.  In the mean time, I recommend trying the Lake Michigan for the fall Kings. - J. D.

09/17/01

Canadian Border News:

The bottle neck at the U.S. Canadian border seems to have loosened up a bit.  Waiting times are down to under an hour as of 09/16/01.  This is drastically lower than the 6 hour wait that was reported late last week.  To get a look at the current wait times, check out the U.S. Customs' port of entry page at www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/travel.htm

Capt. Jerry Meyer of Water Witch Charters tells us that it is still possible to fish both U.S. and Canadian Lake Erie waters, but that fishermen are required to have a passport and two other forms of I.D. handy.  I will be out on Lake Erie this weekend and will post anything of interest.

Robin from the Minnesota DNR reports that there have been no boundary water problems reported to the DNR.

For more information regarding any border or customs questions, go to www.customs.ustreas.gov.

08/12/01

Recent IDNR Press Releases:

ILLINOIS CONSERVATION FOUNDATION HOSTS ANNUAL CHICAGOLAND GOLF BENEFIT AUG. 24 

WHEATON, Ill. - The Illinois Conservation Foundation will host the fourth annual ICF Chicagoland Golf Benefit on Friday, Aug. 24, at the Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton.

"The Chicagoland golf outing provides support for a wide variety of youth education and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning, who serves as chairman of the ICF Board of Directors.

The Wheaton Park District operates Arrowhead Golf club and is co-sponsor of the event.

Golfers will compete in a four-person scramble format, with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. There will be team and individual prizes, as well as door prizes, including golf equipment, fishing gear and hunting equipment.

The registration fee is $150 per golfer, or $500 per registered foursome. Golfers will receive green fees and cart fees, beverages, prizes, breakfast and lunch. Hole sponsorships are available for $300. 

Registration and breakfast begin at 8 a.m., with golf beginning at 9:30 a.m. A social hour following golf begins at 2 p.m., followed by lunch, awards and door prizes at 2:30 p.m.

For more information or to register for the golf outing, contact Ron Allen, Illinois Conservation Foundation, 524 South Second St., Springfield, Ill. 62701-1787, phone 217/785-9371.

All proceeds will benefit the Illinois Conservation Foundation, an IRS 501 (c)(3) organization, which has raised more than $10.4 million in support of programs and projects of the Department of Natural Resources since 1995. For more information, contact Executive Director John D. Schmitt at 312/814-7237, or check the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.

6th annual Director's Muskie Tournament

Eagle Creek State Park and the Illinois Conservation Foundation will be hosting the 6th annual Director's Muskie Tournament on Lake Shelbyville, Oct. 19-21. The entry fee is $80 per boat. The event is sponsored by Midwest Marina from Rantoul and Bass Pro Shops from Gurnee. Ranger Boats also will present a cash award of $300 to the anglers catching the largest muskie during the event. The winning team will be awarded $1,000, with a $500 prize and $250 prize for second the third place.

This unique catch and release tournament uses mobile judges in boats stationed throughout the lake. When an angler catches a muskie, the catch and location are radioed in and a judge responds - traveling to the boat to measure and record the catch. Scoring begins at 32 inches and length is rounded to the nearest 1/4 inch. Fishing hours are Saturday, Oct. 20 from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 21 from 7 a.m. until noon. The tournament kicks off on the evening of Friday, Oct. 19 with a hog roast.

Proceeds from the Director's Muskie Tournament go to the Illinois Conservation Foundation and will be used to improve muskie fishing on Lake Shelbyville and for youth hunting and fishing programs and education. For more information or registration forms, please contact Eagle Creek State Park at 217/756-8260. The Illinois Conservation Foundation is an IRS 501 (c)(3) organization, which has raised more than $10.4 million in support of programs and projects of the Department of Natural Resources since 1995. For more information about the Foundation, contact Executive Director John D. Schmitt at 312/814-7237, or check the ICF Web site at www.ilcf.org.

Boating Safety Courses

Following are some of the boating safety courses being offered at various locations around the state from Aug. 13-26. Most are free, although there is an occasional fee to cover room rental costs. Students must attend all sessions of listed classes. Call the listed phone numbers for reservations or more information.

Boating: Saturday, Aug. 18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, 950 N. 27th Rd., Ottawa, LaSalle County. 815/667-4054.

Boating: Tuesdays, Aug. 21 and 28, and Sept. 4, 7-9:30 p.m., The Depot, 511 S. York, Elmhurst, DuPage County. 630/993-8989.

Three Area Anglers Find Success at Lake St. Clair Bass Tourney.

The Daily Southtown's Outdoors Columnist Duke O'Malley reported that three area anglers found success last Saturday at the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League regional tournament on Lake St. Clair. Jeff Miller of Midlothian walked away with the top prize in the Professional division with a total weight of 19 pounds, 10 ounces. Miller beat out the 2nd place finisher by 3 ounces. Rich Dahlman of Mokena walked away with the top prize in the Co-Angler division with a total weight of 18 pounds, 11 ounces. He also took top honors for the largest fish which weighed 5 pounds. Dahlman was fishing from the back of Allen Hubra's boat. Hubra, from Joliet, took third place honors in the Professional division with a total weight of 19 pounds, 5 ounces. Congratulations to all three, and best wishes for the rest of the year.

07/01/01

Recent IDNR Press Release:

FIVE SELECTED FOR INDUCTION INTO NEW ILLINOIS OUTDOOR HALL OF FAME

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Five individuals, each acclaimed for a life-long commitment to natural resource protection and outdoor recreation in Illinois, have been selected for induction into the new Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, a program of the Illinois Conservation Foundation, Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning announced today.

"These five individuals, each in his own way, have helped make Illinois a better place to live, work and play through their dedication to the outdoors," said Manning, who serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. "We can all draw inspiration from their efforts in protecting, promoting and enhancing the natural wonders of our state."

The inaugural class of Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees are:

•Frank C. Bellrose, Havana, one of the world's foremost authorities on waterfowl and wetlands. His research career spanned more than 50 years with the Illinois Natural History Survey. His books Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America and Ecology and Management of the Wood Duck both received Wilderness Society "Book of the Year" honors. Frank is the namesake of the INHS Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center near Havana. 
•Jack Ehresman, Hanna City, outdoors columnist for the Peoria Journal-Star for 30 years until his retirement in 1997, part of a 45-year sports writing career at the newspaper. Jack wrote more than 7,500 columns on outdoors activities and issues, receiving numerous state, regional and national awards for his insight into the needs and interests of hunters, anglers and conservationists. 

•James Helfrich, Hammond, a 33-year employee of the Illinois Department of Conservation, who served as the agency's assistant director from 1977 until his death in 1986. A former state police trooper, Jim championed conservation education, preservation and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities as a Department of Conservation staff writer, administrator, legislative liaison and assistant director. The Department of Natural Resources' Helfrich Wildlife Propagation Center near Lincoln is named in his honor. 
•John Husar, Willow Springs, award-winning sportswriter and columnist for the Chicago Tribune. From 1984 until his death in 2000, John was among the nation's premier outdoors writers. Through his columns and through personal contact with policymakers, he was a forceful advocate for wildlife restoration, hunting and fishing access in Illinois, natural resources protection world-wide, and the life-enhancing value of spending time outdoors. 
•Gene Morgan, Sesser, high school biology teacher and founder of the Sesser-Valier High School Outdoorsmen's Club. Gene engages his students in conservation education through bird, plant and forestry management activities, wildlife research and recycling initiatives. His Outdoorsmen's Club members provide outdoor recreation opportunities to people with disabilities through activities including an annual deer hunt and participation in special events for youngsters with developmental disabilities in southern Illinois. 
The five were selected from among 41 nominees for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame submitted by citizens from throughout the state. 

They will be inducted during ceremonies at the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Feb. 1, 2002 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

The banquet will also feature a raffle, a 200-item silent auction and a live auction. Auction items will include a Triton bass boat, motor and trailer; a Tracker walleye boat, motor and trailer; a camouflage waterfowl boat with motor and trailer; a state parks lodge tour including accommodations and meals; and, a variety of hunting and fishing trip opportunities.

For more information on the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet, contact Ron Allen, Illinois Conservation Foundation, 524 South Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, phone 217/785-9371, or check the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation, an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1995, has raised more than $10.4 million to support the programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information, contact Executive Director John Schmitt at 312/814-7237.

06/19/01

Great Lakes News from the Daily Southtown, via the AP

Great Lakes governors to develop new standards for water exports 

By Carolyn Thompson
The Associated Press

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Determined to retain control of an ever more valuable resource, the governors of the eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian premiers on Monday agreed to set new standards for regulating lake water exports.
The Great Lakes — Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior — comprise 20 percent of the world's fresh water.

"There is more pressure every single day, given this abundance of a very precious water supply ... to divert it, sell it, to withdraw it," said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, outgoing chairman of the Council of Great Lakes Governors. "Clearly, it's been an even more pressing issue in the past couple of years in that there have been actual attempts to do just that."

The Great Lakes Charter Annex 2001 signed Monday gives the Council of Great Lakes Governors three years to establish the new guidelines. An amendment to the Great Lakes Charter of 1985, the annex places new emphasis on conservation and environmental protection — including improving water quality.

"We thought we ought to be talking about improvements," said Michigan Gov. John Engler, acknowledging the topic is certain to ignite debate. "It isn't something where we're just saying, well it's just about not making a situation worse. It really is seeking to improve."

It's a strategy that will make it easier for the governors and premiers to fend off any potential attempts at federal control of the Great Lakes, Engler and others said.

"I think if we went to Congress in any other fashion, at least among many of our federal officials the temptation would be irresistible not to raise the bar and somehow claim a higher moral authority over the waters of the Great Lakes," Engler said, "particularly for those who live outside the region."

Reg Gilbert, senior coordinator of the watchdog group Great Lakes United, said the threat provides council members with plenty of incentive to compromise.

"The premiers and the governors ... are afraid of international trade law seizing control of a very important resource for the region, so they're willing to do things that in no other area would they be willing to do in hopes they can retain authority in the basin," he said.

The most important issue for the council, he said, would be to police water use within the basin as strongly as they propose for those outside it.

"If we're harming water ourselves here in the Great Lakes basin with our water use, obviously our claims that we're trying to stop diversions to protect the ecosystem will ring hollow," Gilbert said, "and our rules and regulations to prevent diversions will be thrown out in court. So the idea is to be consistent."

Gov. George Pataki said he was confident the council would be able to establish the new standards within three years.

"It's in our interest to work cooperatively and we will get this done," the New York governor said.

Under the current 1985 charter, the governors and premiers of Ontario and Quebec must consult with each other on proposals for diversions and consumptive uses of water of more than 5 million gallons per day. Additionally, the 1986 federal Water Resources Development Act requires the governors to unanimously agree on any bulk export or diversions. The Canadian premiers are not bound by the act.

An early proposal to allow for new diversions of less than 1 million gallons a day for certain uses, including the protection of public health and safety, was taken out of the final annex signed Monday amid public concerns.

"People talked about losing water by pin pricks," said Jeffrey Edstrom, senior policy director for the Council of Great Lakes Governors. "The governors determined there's a lot more work that needs to be done."

Also Monday, the council unanimously elected Ohio Gov. Bob Taft chairman, succeeding Ridge. Taft immediately called for a timetable to establish a binding agreement.

The council is made up of governors Pataki, Ridge, Taft, Engler, Scott McCallum of Wisconsin, Frank O'Bannon of Indiana, George Ryan of Illinois and Jesse Ventura of Minnesota, and Canadian premiers Mike Harris of Ontario and Bernard Landry of Quebec.

O'Bannon, Ryan and Ventura were absent from Monday's meeting at Niagara Falls state park, but signed the annex beforehand, Ridge said.

05/07/01

Recent IDNR Press Releases:

For more Illinois and Indiana DNR press releases, check out the Illinois and Indiana DNR websites:

Illinois DNR

Indiana DNR

URBAN FISHING CLINICS, ACCESS TO FISHING EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM GEAR UP FOR 2001 FISHING SEASON

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. -- Children and families can experience the fun of fishing by participating in the annual Illinois Department of Natural Resources' free urban fishing clinics this summer, while anyone interested in fishing can borrow the needed equipment through the popular Access to Fishing equipment loan program. 

"Young people will receive free hands-on instruction as they learn to fish at the urban fishing clinics in communities throughout the state," said IDNR Director Brent Manning. "The Access to Fishing equipment loan program offers fishing tackle to anyone interested in giving fishing a try. We are confident that once youngsters and adults experience the fun of fishing, they'll be hooked on fishing for a lifetime."

The free Urban Fishing Program clinics are geared toward children ages 16 and younger, but anyone interested in learning basic fishing techniques may attend. Clinics can also be arranged for special needs or senior groups. The clinics are presented on weekdays during the late spring and summer months at 29 locations throughout the state. The schedule of clinic dates, locations and contact information is listed below (no clinics are offered on July 4):

June 4-July 27
(Contact Larry Cruse, 618/462-1181)
Mt. Vernon City Park, Mt. Vernon (June 4-June 29 only) 
Foundation Park Pond, Centralia (July 2-3 and July 5-July 28 only) 
SIU Campus Lake, Carbondale 
Jones Park Pond, East St. Louis 
Gordon Moore Park Lake, Alton 

June 11-August 3
(Contact Herb Dreier, 217/782-6424)
Miller Park, Bloomington (phone 309/434-2260 for reservations) 
Crystal Lake Park, Urbana (phone 217/367-1544 for reservations) 
Fairview Park, Decatur (phone 217/422-5911 for reservations) 
Washington Park, Springfield (phone 217/544-1751 for reservations) 

June 18-Aug. 3
(Contact: Karen Anderson, 815/625-2968)
Riverside Park, Moline 
Glen Oak Park Lagoon, Peoria 
Levings Lake, Rockford 
Big Pond, Boone County Conservation District, Belvidere 
Mill Race Ponds, Belvidere 

June 18-Aug. 17
(Contact: Brenda Harris or Roland Steinhauser, 847/294-4137)
Chicago Park District lagoons at Columbus/Douglas, Gompers, Humboldt, Jackson, Marquette, McKinley, Sherman and Washington parks, Chicago 
Cook County Forest Preserves at Flatfoot Lake, Dolton; Cermack Quarry, Lyons; and, Schiller Pond, Schiller Park 
Lake Owens, Hazel Crest 
Community Park Pond, Mundelein 
Elliott Lake, Wheaton 

August 10-19

(Contact: Herb Dreier, 217-782-6424)

Illinois State Fair Conservation World, Springfield - five clinics daily. Instructors employed by the IDNR present information on fish and other aquatic life, fishing rules and regulations, and fishing basics including how to bait a hook, tie a knot, cast, catch, handle and return a fish to the water. Participants are then provided with rods, reels, bait and tackle for a half-hour of catch-and-release fishing.

------------------------

The Access to Fishing equipment loan program is a statewide initiative in which local public libraries, park and forest preserve districts, recreation departments, bait shops and other sites make available to would-be anglers rods, reels and tackle packs.

"It is an ideal way for youngsters who have participated in the urban clinics, adults who want to try fishing, or anyone who wants to fish but doesn't have access to the gear to give fishing a try," said Mike Conlin, chief of the IDNR Division of Fisheries. "Illinois is a great place to fish and fishing is a great family activity. It is a way for parents and grandparents to 

enjoy time together with the kids, and we want to make fishing accessible to as many people as possible. That's what the urban clinics and equipment loan program are all about."

There are more than 130 locations throughout the state at which loaner fishing equipment is available (see list below). For more information on participating as an equipment loan site, contact the IDNR Urban Fishing Program at 217/782-6424, Ameritech Relay 800/526-0844, TDD 217/782-9175.

SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNED FOR FREE FISHING DAYS, JUNE 8-11

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Family fishing clinics, kids fishing derbies and other community events are planned throughout the state as part of the annual Illinois Free Fishing Days observance, June 8-11. 

"Free Fishing Days events are becoming more popular every year as groups and organizations discover that fishing is a fun, family-oriented activity," said Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning. "We're asking local scout troops, recreation agencies, senior citizens groups, civic organizations, fishing clubs or anyone planning a special event for the free fishing weekend to let us know about it and to get the word out early." 

Free Fishing Days is a four-day celebration of fishing in Illinois in which anglers can fish without purchasing an annual fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp. It is co-sponsored by Plano Molding Co., the world's largest manufacturer of fishing tackle boxes.

Organizations interested in receiving promotional and educational materials to be used in conjunction with a Free Fishing Days event, or for more information, should contact Gary Watson, IDNR Public Events and Promotions, 524 South Second St., Springfield, IL, phone 217/782-9990, Ameritech Relay 800/526-0844, TDD 217/782-9175.

Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting nominations until May 1 for the new Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, established to honor individuals who have made significant commitments to natural resource protection and outdoor recreation in Illinois. To receive a copy of the official nomination form and a postage-paid return envelope, please call the Illinois Conservation Foundation at 312/814-7237 or 217/785-9371, or check the ICF web site at http://www.ilcf.org. The first members of the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame will be inducted at the Illinois Conservation Foundation Annual Dinner and Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Feb. 1, 2002 at Drury Lane in Oak Brook Terrace. 

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Visitors to Clinton Lake State Recreation Area should be aware that parking regulations will be strictly enforced this year. Vehicles, trailers and boats that are parked in areas that are not designated for them or parked on road shoulders will be ticketed and towed. Clinton Lake is a popular site with anglers, boaters, water-skiers and swimmers and can become crowded on weekends in particular. Visitors parking in non-designated locations have been blocking in other vehicles, causing damage to the site, causing accidents and creating public safety concerns. These vehicles can prevent emergency vehicles from reaching park visitors who need assistance and the Clinton Power Station. By exceeding parking capacity, the visitors in turn exceed safe boating capacity limits on the lake. While the Department of Natural Resources wants visitors to Clinton Lake to enjoy themselves, we want them to do so safely. For more information contact the site at 217/935-8722.

04/15/01

B.A.S.S. BASSMASTER CastingKids National Semifinals

Three Illinois kids will be participating in the B.A.S.S. BASSMASTER CastingKids National Semifinals in Mobile, Ala., April 27-28.  Check out the BASSMASTER website at www.bassmaster.com for details.

Fukar Christopher Woodridge, IL 

Phillips Lex Pontiac, IL 

Howard Michael Danville, IL 

03/15/01

ILLINOIS CONSERVATION FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - The Illinois Conservation Foundation launched a new, user-friendly web site today, www.ilcf.org, which focuses on the many accomplishments of the organization.

"This new web site is intended to be user friendly," said John Schmitt, the Foundation's Executive Director. "We hope visitors to the site find the information they need and are impressed by the variety of programs the Foundation supports and the diversity of its achievements since its inception."

The Foundation, established by law in 1994, has raised nearly $10 million to support worthwhile projects and programs to benefit people today and future generations. Among those programs are youth outdoor recreation, hands-on habitat creation grants for school children, camping programs for disadvantaged youths, the planting of thousands of trees, wildlife restoration and habitat acquisition.

The new web site includes detailed information about the Foundation, its achievements, special events, its most recent biennial report, Foundation-related merchandise, news releases, and board members and staff. The site also provides a secure site for making monthly or one-time donations, via credit card, in support of Illinois Conservation Foundation program areas.

The ICF is governed by a 13-member board of directors appointed by the Governor and the four legislative leaders and chaired by the director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The role of the Illinois Conservation Foundation and its partners is to preserve and enhance our precious natural resources by supporting and fostering ecological, educational and recreational programs for the benefit of all people now and for generations to come.

For more information about the Foundation or to make a contribution, contact Schmitt at 312/814-7237.

3/15/01

IDNR IMPLEMENTS NEW SYSTEM FOR IMPOSING LICENSE REVOCATIONS AND SUSPENSIONS OF PRIVILEGES

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has developed a new system for determining the length of license revocations and suspension of privileges, providing more uniformity in imposing sanctions against those who violate state and federal hunting, fishing and other natural resource protection laws and regulations in Illinois.

"This new system reinforces that those who violate the law will have their privileges suspended and licenses revoked for a period commensurate with the seriousness of the offense," said IDNR Director Brent Manning. "We are calling it a point system because each level of offense has a point value assigned to it, and the more serious the offense, the greater the points and tougher the penalty."

In addition to possible criminal penalties, those individuals convicted of violating state or federal natural resource protection laws and regulations may have their Illinois licenses and permits revoked and privileges suspended, based on the type of violation and classification of the offense.

Point values assigned to each offense classification are: 

Petty offense 3 points 
Class C Misdemeanor 6 points 
Class B Misdemeanor 9 points 
Class A Misdemeanor 12 points 
Class 4 Felony 24 points 
Class 3 Felony 60 points 
Any violation during period of suspension 60 points 
Violations are grouped by activity involving wildlife, aquatic life and plant life: 

Group A: Illinois Wildlife Code, Endangered Species Protection Act, federal wildlife statutes and regulations; 
Group B: Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code, Endangered Species Protection Act, federal aquatic life statutes and regulations; 
Group C: Illinois Timber Buyers Licensing Act, Forest Products Transportation Act, Ginseng Harvesting Act, Endangered Species Protection Act and federal plant life statutes and regulations.
"The points are cumulative and the system makes clear the number of months violators will lose their privileges," Manning said. "A violator accumulating 13 or more points within a 36-month period within a single group will lose privileges in that wildlife, fish or plant activity group for a number of months equal to the number of points." 

For example, an individual convicted in court of unlawfully taking deer (class A misdemeanor - 12 points) and of unlawfully taking quail (petty offense - 3 points) within a three-year period will have his or her hunting license revoked and will lose privileges for wildlife activity for 15 months from the date of notice (12 points plus 3 points equaling 15 months). If the individual is convicted of another wildlife offense during the suspension, 60 months would be added to the suspension.

All accumulated points will remain in place for 36 months from the date of arrest.

Violators will be notified by the IDNR of a revocation of a license and suspension of privileges and will have the right to appeal by petitioning for a hearing before an IDNR hearing officer. 

In addition to the new point system, IDNR also may revoke a license/suspend privileges of an individual if a situation warrants by holding an administrative hearing even if that individual has not been prosecuted in court.

For more information on license and permit revocation and suspension of privileges, as well as the new point system, contact the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement, 524 South Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, phone 217/782-6431, Ameritech Relay 800/526-0844, TDD 217/782-9175.


3/13/01

2001 ILLINOIS FISHING INFORMATION GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -Anglers in Illinois can expect another good season of sport fishing in the state, with few changes in statewide and site-specific regulations. A detailed look at state fishing regulations is featured in the 2001 Illinois Fishing Information guide published by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

"Resident anglers and visitors to our state who love to fish should thoroughly enjoy their time on or near the water here in Illinois this year," IDNR Director Brent Manning said. "Fishing opportunities abound in all parts of the state, and I urge anglers to get a copy of this year's fishing information guide to review the regulations for the new season."

The booklet is available free of charge wherever fishing licenses are sold, including bait shops, sporting goods stores and at Department of Natural Resources offices. New regulations for 2001 take effect on April 1 and are shaded in gray in the text of the booklet.

The fishing information guide also includes a review of fishing prospects, a list of places to fish, meal advice for eating fish caught in Illinois waters and details on North American and Illinois state record fish.

One change in regulations, first announced last December, involves yellow perch in northeastern Illinois. Continued restrictions on the harvest of yellow perch are necessary because of poor reproduction of the species. Beginning April 1, anglers will no longer have to release perch which are shorter than eight inches or longer than 10 inches. The daily catch limit will remain at 15 fish. Sport fishing for yellow perch will close entirely for the month of July, rather than the June closing which had been in place since 1995.

The yellow perch regulations apply to the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River -- including its North Branch, South Branch and the North Shore Channel -- and the Calumet River. Lake Michigan remains closed to commercial fishing for yellow perch, a 

restriction in effect since 1997.

Another new regulation taking effect April 1 on Coffeen Lake, Governor Bond Lake and Rend Lake requires that all jugs set in a body of water for jug fishing be under the immediate supervision of the fisherman. Jug fishing is used by some anglers for catching catfish. The new regulation requiring anglers to be on the water where their jug lines are set at all times on the three lakes is the result of problems with abandoned jugs found littering those lakes in recent years. 

Among the changes in site-specific regulations for 2001:

Argyle Lake (McDonough Co.) - bluegill or redear sunfish 25-fish daily catch limit. 
Arrowhead Heights Lake (Adams Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only; catfish six-fish daily limit. 
Arrowhead Lake (Williamson Co.) - large and smallmouth bass three-fish daily catch and 15-inch minimum length limits. 
Carlton Silt Basin (Whiteside Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only; bluegill and redear sunfish 10-fish daily catch and eight-inch minimum length limits; large and smallmouth bass catch and release fishing only. 
Carthage Lake (Hancock Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only. 
Coffeen Lake (Montgomery Co.) - channel catfish jugs must be attended at all times while fishing. 
Gages Lake (Lake Co.) - walleye, sauger and hybrid walleye three-fish daily limit. 
Gebhard Woods Pond (Grundy Co.) - large and smallmouth bass 15-inch minimum length limit. 
Governor Bond Lake (Bond Co.) - channel catfish jugs must be attended at all times while fishing. 
Herrin Lake #1 (Williamson Co.) - large and smallmouth bass three-fish daily catch and 15-inch minimum length limits. 
Herrin Lake #2 (Williamson Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only; channel catfish six-fish daily limit. 
Homer Guthrie Pond at Eldon Hazlet State Park (Clinton Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only; channel catfish six-fish daily limit; bluegill and redear sunfish 15-fish daily limit; large and smallmouth bass 14-inch minimum length limit. 
Illinois & Michigan Canal (Grundy, LaSalle and Will counties) - large and smallmouth bass 15-inch minimum length limit. 
Independence Grove Lake (Lake Co.) - pure muskellunge 48-inch minimum length limit. 
Kinkaid Lake (Jackson Co.) - white, black and hybrid crappie 25-fish daily catch and nine-inch minimum length limits. 
Lake County Forest Preserve District lakes - walleye, sauger and hybrid walleye 16-inch minimum length limit. 
Lake Decatur (Macon Co.) - white, black or hybrid crappie 10-fish daily catch and 10-inch minimum length limits. 
Lake Kakusha (LaSalle Co.) - white, black and hybrid crappie 25-fish daily limit. 
Lake Storey (Knox Co.) - pure muskellunge 42-inch minimum length limit. 
McMaster Lake and small ponds at Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area (Knox Co.) - pure muskellunge 42-inch minimum length limit. 
Mill Creek Lake (Clark Co.) - pure muskellunge 42-inch minimum length limit. 
Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri - the statewide daily catch limit of three bass 17-inches or longer is no longer in effect on this portion of the river; any tagged sport fishing device may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours or must be completely removed. 
Mt. Sterling Lake (Brown Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only. 
Olson Lake at Rock Cut State Park (Winnebago Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only; channel catfish six-fish daily limit; large and smallmouth bass one-fish daily catch and 14-inch minimum length limits. 
Ramsey Lake State Park Ponds (Fayette Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only; channel catfish six-fish daily catch and 14-inch minimum length limits. 
Rend Lake (Franklin and Jefferson counties) - channel catfish jugs must be attended at all times while fishing; striped, white, yellow or hybrid striped bass 20-fish daily catch limit; limit of three for those bass 17-inches or larger. 
Schuy-Rush Lake (Schuyler Co.) - two-pole and line fishing only; channel catfish six-fish daily limit. 
Sparta "T" Lake (Randolph Co.) - bluegill and redear sunfish 15-fish daily catch and eight-inch minimum length limits. 
Sterling Lake (Lake Co.) - pure muskellunge 48-inch minimum length limit. 
Anglers are required to have a valid Illinois fishing license in their possession at all times while fishing in the state. An annual resident sportfishing license is $13.00 ($6.75 for anglers age 65 and older). Those under 16 years of age, blind or disabled, or those residents home on leave from active military service, do not need a fishing license. Non-residents may purchase an annual Illinois fishing license for $24.50 or a 10-day non-resident fishing license for $13.00. Residents and non-residents may purchase a 24-hour fishing license for $5.50. Annual licenses expire on March 31 each year. Fishing licenses and stamps may also be purchased on-line with a credit card through the IDNR home page at http://dnr.state.il.us.

Anglers are reminded that the spring catchable trout program opens at 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 7 and trout may not be legally taken prior to that time.

This year's annual Illinois Free Fishing Days observance is June 8-11. Anglers can fish without a license, inland trout stamp or salmon stamp during the four-day free fishing promotion.

For information on places to fish in Illinois, phone 1-800/ASK-FISH (1-800/275-3474), or the IDNR Division of Fisheries at 217/782-6424, Ameritech Relay 1-800/526-0844, TDD 217/782-9175.

3/13/01

2001 SPRING TROUT SEASON OPENS APRIL 7

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - The 2001 spring trout fishing season in Illinois will begin on Saturday, April 7 at 5 a.m., Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning announced today.

"Each spring, the opening day of trout season is a fun day for families to go fishing," Manning said. "There will be more than 60,000 catchable-size trout stocked in ponds and streams at 40 locations throughout the state, providing a great opportunity for youngsters and adults to enjoy some time outdoors." 

The trout stocking program is supported by funds generated from the sale of inland trout stamps. The stamps are available for $6.50 each at IDNR offices in Springfield, Chicago, Alton, Benton, Champaign, Spring Grove and Sterling, at many municipal, township and county clerks' offices, and at many sporting goods stores and bait shops. Inland trout stamps, as well as fishing licenses, also may be purchased with a credit card through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us.


To legally participate in the catchable trout fishing program, anglers must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp, or a 24-hour fishing license, which includes trout fishing privileges. A license is required unless the angler is under age 16, blind or disabled, or an Illinois serviceman or servicewoman home on leave. Annual fishing licenses now being sold for the 2001 season expire on March 31, 2002.

Anglers are prohibited from taking trout from any of the stocked sites from March 15 to April 7 at 5 a.m. Anyone attempting to take trout before the legal opening will be issued citations. The daily possession limit for the spring trout season is five fish.

The IDNR's Disabled Outdoor Opportunities Program will host an accessible fishing area for physically challenged anglers on the opening day of the spring trout season on April 7 at 

Waddams Creek at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park in Stephenson County. 

For more information about the trout stocking program, contact the IDNR Division of Fisheries at 217/782-6424, Ameritech Relay 800/526-0844, TDD 217/782-9175; or, IDNR regional offices at Sterling, 815/625-2968; Yorkville, 630/553-9164; Champaign, 217/278-5773; Alton, 618/462-1181; Benton, 618/435-8138; or by calling 1-800/ASK-FISH.

Stocking sites (by county) for the spring catchable trout program:

Adams County: Siloam Springs State Park Lake. 
Boone County: Mill Race Ponds in Belvidere. 
Bureau County: Hennepin Canal Parkway. 
Cass County: Gurney Road Pond at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area. 
Champaign County: Lake of the Woods. 
Cook County: Axehead Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District. 
Cook County: Belleau Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District. 
Coles County: Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond in Charleston. 
DuPage County: Silver Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District. 
Grundy County: Gebhard Woods State Park Pond. 
Jefferson County: Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond. 
Jo Daviess County: Apple River Canyon State Park. 
Johnson County: Ferne Clyffe State Park Lake. 
Kankakee County: Bird Park Quarry in Kankakee. 
Kankakee County: Rock Creek in Kankakee River State Park. 
Kendall County: Big Lake at Silver Springs State Park. 
Lake County: Banana Lake, Lake County Forest Preserve District. 
LaSalle County: Illinois and Michigan Canal at Uttica 
Lake County: Sand Lake at Illinois Beach State Park. 
Macon County: Rock Springs Pond, Macon County Conservation District. 
Marion County: Boston Pond at Stephen A. Forbes State Park. 
Massac County: Fairgrounds Pond in Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis. 
McLean County: Miller Park Lake in Bloomington. 
McHenry County: Lake Atwood, Hollows Conservation Area, McHenry County Conservation District. 
McHenry County: Piscasaw Creek. 
Moultrie County: Wyman Lake in Sullivan. 
Ogle County: Pine Creek in White Pines state Forest. 
St. Clair County: Frank Holten State Park main lake. 
St. Clair County: Jones Park Lake in East St. Louis. 
Sangamon County: Illinois Department of Transportation Lake in Springfield. 
Sangamon County: Washington Park Pond in Springfield. 
Shelby County: Forest Park Lagoon in Shelbyville. 
Stephenson County: Waddams Creek at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park 
Stephenson County: Yellow Creek in Krape Park, Freeport. 
Vermilion County: Clear Lake at Kickapoo State Park. 
Wabash County: Beall Woods Lake, Beall Woods State Park 
Wayne County: Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area Trout Pond. 
Whiteside County: Coleta Trout Ponds. 
Will County: Lake Milliken at Des Plaines Conservation Area. 
Winnebago County: Kent Creek in Page Park, Rockford. 

2/23/01 - (Indiana)

STATE PARK GATE FEE TO INCREASE BY A DOLLAR

Other recreation fees also scheduled to increase

A carload of Hoosiers visiting Indiana's state parks have paid just $2 at the gate for the past 14 years while the sticker price on the vehicles transporting them has more than doubled.

To keep up with the cost of doing business, the Indiana Natural Resources Commission today increased the gate admission by one dollar per carload at state parks, state reservoirs and four additional recreation areas. Vehicles with out-of-state license plates will continue to pay $5 for admission.

It is the first increase in the gate admission since 1987, and is among several fee enhancements passed by the commission today. Most of the fee adjustments take effect March 1.

"At $3 per carload, Indiana's state parks and reservoirs are just about the best recreational value for the dollar you can find anywhere," said Larry Macklin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. 

"One of the legacies created by Richard Lieber, the founder of Indiana's state park system, is to ask the people who visit our state parks to pay for most of the cost of operating those beautiful facilities. That philosophy was supported strongly today by the Natural Resources Commission," Macklin said.

"Fifteen years ago, about three-quarters of the operating budget for Indiana's state parks was financed by park visitors," Macklin said. "The amount we charged didn't keep pace with inflation over the years. Today, a little more than half of the state parks' budget is paid for by park visitors, with the state's general fund financing the remainder of the operating expenses."

Macklin, who conducted a review of fees paid for recreational services, submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the Natural Resources Commission. The commission, the DNR's governing body, passed the package that includes increases for camping, launching boats and for renting cabins, recreation equipment and shelters. 

The fee package is expected to bring in $3 million each year to help pay for the agency's recreational services.

"Before I became DNR director in 1997, I was associated with a family business in Decatur. I always worried about price adjustments, but sometimes they are absolutely necessary" Macklin said.

"These are modest increases for individuals, but they are very important for the DNR's overall ability to provide high-quality recreational opportunities," Macklin said.

Check the Indiana DNR website for more rate increases.

02/23/00

Cook County Forest Preserve District Budget Deficit

The Cook County Forest Preserve District will have only $145 million dollars to operate this year, creating a $20 million dollar deficit. During the Cook County Board Meeting on Wednesday, board members argued along party lines as usual, debating whether or not to purchase batteries and lumber for the upcoming year.

Also at issue is the state of the Cook County Forest Preserve District's golf course management. In order to help ease the deficit, Cook County Board President gave officials approval to seek bids for the privatization of all 10 golf courses.

The arguing will no doubted  go on in the next few months. As it does, Anglers throughout Cook County will be watch what, if any effects the deficit will have on the numerous Forest Preserve lakes.

Could this deficit be a direct result of President Stroger's way over budget hospital?? We will soon see. - J.D.


02/23/00

Governor Pushes For Peotone Airport

As most of you heard by now, Gov. George Ryan, with the backing of the new U.S. Secretary of Transportation, is going to go all out for a third airport in Monee Township.

"Gov. George Ryan on Wednesday directed the Illinois Department of Transportation to start buying land for a third airport near Peotone. The land could go for as much as $10,000 an acre. For the people whose lives have been attached to every new airport development, the future will become more clear when state officials, checkbooks in hand, arrive at their doorsteps." - Guy Tridgell, Transportation Writer - Daily Southtown.

Along with displacing many long time residents, the airport threatens the areas environment. Check out what one fellow Angler has done to get his voice heard. - J.D.
http://noairport.freehomepage.com/

02/12/01

From the National Park Service - Released February 1st, 2001

NATIONAL LAKESHORE TO BAN PERSONAL WATERCRAFT 

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will implement a ban on personal watercraft along its Lake Michigan shoreline effective April 21, 2001. 

The decision was made after consideration of the comments contained in the nearly 2,700 letters and e-mails submitted during a 60-day public review and written comment period on the proposal. While not a vote, all but a handful of the comments submitted supported the proposed ban. Those opposing the ban were not able to demonstrate how the use of personal watercraft could be allowed to continue under the conditions contained in a final rule for managing personal watercraft in the National Park System that was issued last April. 

The national lakeshore's jurisdiction extends 300 feet off the shore of Lake Michigan, except for the area in and next to Indiana Dunes State Park. The prohibition includes the waters offshore of the communities of Beverly Shores, Porter, Portage, Dune Acres and Ogden Dunes. It does not apply to waters adjacent to the City of Gary from Lake/Porter County Line Road west to and including Marquette Park, the Burns/Portage Waterway, or the Port of Indiana. 

Under the final rule issued last April, the national lakeshore was given a two-year grace period to determine if the regulated use of personal watercraft could be authorized. The decision had to be based on specific criteria such as the legislation establishing the area and other visitor uses of the area. If the park determined personal watercraft use could continue, special regulations regarding their use were to be developed and finalized following a nationwide public review and comment period. However, if the park did nothing at all, under the final rule the use of personal watercraft would have been prohibited in park waters effective April 21, 2002. 

Park managers determined the criteria that would permit the creation of special regulations allowing the use of personal watercraft at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore after April 21, 2002 could not be met. However, rather than wait for the imposition of the automatic ban, park managers chose to propose an April 21, 2001 ban on personal watercraft use in park waters. 

Other forms of water-based recreation are already regulated in the national lakeshore. There are no designated launching, landing, or overnight mooring sites for motorized watercraft. All watercraft are prohibited from designated swimming areas. State law mandates a non-wake zone for all watercraft up to 200 feet off shore. Other regulations place restrictions on water skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. 

02/04/01

City of Blue Island Awarded $50,000 for Cal Sag Study Grant

Late last week, the city of Blue Island was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Tourism to complete a study as to the feasibility of creating a recreational area along the Cal Sag Channel.
The city of Blue Island will match the grant funds, enabling the city to put forth $100,000 towards the study, which is scheduled for 2001. The study is likely to be finished by November.

The recreational area is to include boat launches and fishing stations, enabling shore fishermen access to a fishery that has become more popular in recent years, but still has limited access areas.  If the study gives the green light for future development, we can expect the project to cost nearly $1,000,000 dollars. Chicago Fishing Links supports this project, and is glad to see funds of this nature given back to the community for the purpose of public recreation, as well as area development.

The Daily Southtown is covering this project, and will most likely have all of the latest developments. Chicago Fishing Links will continue to provide updates, as soon as they are reported. - Source Daily Southtown.

01/29/01

Musky attack on dog no laughing matter

By Bob Riepenhoff
Journal Sentinel Outdoor Editor

Last Updated: Aug. 21, 1999

A story was making the rounds awhile back about a toy poodle that was swallowed by a big musky.

Supposedly, there was a guy who had a cottage on a lake somewhere up north and, to amuse his friends and neighbors, he would gently toss his little pet off the pier and watch it paddle back for more.

Everyone thought it was a cute trick until one day, after a sudden swirl and a splash, the little dog vanished forever.

"That story was made up, I think," said Dick Wanasek of Big Bend. "But mine is true."

Wanasek tells about a real dog that was attacked by a real musky in the shallow shoreline water of the half-acre pond on his property last Sunday.

Wanasek is no stranger to muskies and musky behavior.

In addition to being an avid musky angler and a member of the Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc., he enjoys watching fish - especially the muskies - in his pond, which has plenty of bass and bluegills, plus a few walleyes and muskies.

"I've observed fish in my pond as a hobby for 30 years," he said.

In fact, he sometimes gives presentations, based on his observations, to local fishing clubs about musky spawning, feeding and other behaviors.

Even so, he was surprised by what happened last Sunday.

Wanasek's son, Rick, of Cookeville, Tenn., was visiting and he brought along his dog, a 2-year-old hound mix named Rex.

"It took almost a week before the dog got used to going in the water," Wanasek said. "But, after a while, he started walking along the shore and wading in the shallows. I think he was curious about the bluegills in the shallow water."

Apparently the musky was, too.

It was between about 1 and 2 p.m., Wanasek recalled, when he heard a big commotion.

"I heard my wife and son screaming and the dog squealing," he said. "The musky had locked onto the dog's leg and was thrashing. By the time I got there, the musky let go."

But Rex, who weighs 46 pounds, was bleeding profusely from wounds to his right front leg, just above the paw.

"He had five big tears in his leg from the musky's teeth," Wanasek said. "There was blood all over the patio."

After an emergency trip to the vet, where Rex was stitched and bandaged, the dog was limping a little but OK.

"The vet said he was all right," Wanasek said. "But I don't think he'll ever go near the water again."

Musky attacks are not unheard of, but they are quite rare.

A search of Journal Sentinel files turned up just two incidents and, in both cases, the victims were people.

One was a Merrill man whose hand was bitten as he dangled it over a pond at a zoo in Minocqua in 1990. The other was an off-duty Platteville police officer whose foot was chomped as he hung it over the side of a canoe while vacationing in Governor Dodge State Park last year.

Wanasek said that Rex was back home in Tennessee and recovering nicely.

And, for now at least, the musky, a 39-incher, is still alive and well in the pond.

"I know which musky it was," Wanasek said. "He's a very aggressive fish. He wouldn't last very long in Pewaukee Lake. He's the only one that comes into the shallows to feed on bluegills or frogs."

Wanasek said his biggest concern now was that the musky might strike again.

"The scariest thing about this is that my 3-year-old granddaughter, Kristen, was walking in that same area just before it happened," he said. "I'm afraid to let her go into the pond after what happened. It's too dangerous."

He also said this: "I'm thinking that I may have to get rid of that fish." -

01/28/01

Angler found dead at sea

George Peza died doing what he truly loved. The angler was found dead on his new boat in Honker Bay with a 35 pound sturgeon on his fishing line.

"If you're gonna go, you may as well be pulling in your last keeper," said Tony Lopez, who works at McAvoy bait shop, where Peza, 73, bought his last supply of grass shrimp.

Peza's friends found his body hours after his death Monday, Contra Costa Fire Department officials said.

The 60-inch sturgeon was still alive, in a snare.

The cause of death is pending a medical examiner's review, but Peza most likely died of a heart condition, coroner's office officials said. -- From Union-Tribune (San Diego) news services

01/28/01

SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN FISHERIES FORUM TO BE HELD IN CHICAGO

The Illinois DNR, Indiana DNR, and the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program will host their second annual fisheries forum on Saturday, February 3, 2001, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Chicago Park District's South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.

The forum will focus on the status and current trends of the sport fishery in the Illinois and Indiana waters of the lake, including harvest totals, stocking levels, prey fish status, abundance of key sport species, exotic species, and the status of the new artificial reef off Chicago.

The Cultural Center is located at 7059 South Lake Shore Drive. All anglers, charter captains, and commercial interests are encouraged to attend. It should be an excellent opportunity to get together with one another, experience an informative and educational program, and have your questions answered about biological issues affecting the fishery. The forum is free, and snacks and refreshments will be provided.

For more information or to register please contact the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program at 847-872-8677 or charlebo@uiuc.edu. -- From the Illinois DNR.

If you see any newsworthy items, please send a link or copy of the item to Info@chicagofishinglinks.com.  Be sure to include your name, e-mail address and source of information.

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