Latest news with #IllinoisDepartmentofNaturalResources
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dana-Thomas House Foundation donates $50k for historic Springfield site restoration
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Nearly $50,000 is headed to the Illinois Conservation Foundation for the restoration of a national historic landmark in Springfield. On Wednesday, it was announced that the Dana-Thomas House Foundation donated $48,874 to the Illinois Conservation Foundation to facilitate the purchase and installation of historically appropriate rugs at the Dana-Thomas House. Urbana City Council approves method to pay millions for previous agreement with Hotel Royer 'The Dana-Thomas House is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a vital piece of our state's cultural heritage,' said Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 'Preserving historic sites like this ensures future generations can learn from and experience Illinois' rich history.' The Dana-Thomas House is one of the most complete early examples of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie-style architecture. Wright designed the house in 1902 for socialite and philanthropist Susan Lawrence Dana. Additionally, the home contains over 100 pieces of original Wright-designed furniture and more than 250 examples of art glass. Monticello students build bike racks for park named after fallen Marine The Illinois Conservation Foundation will administer the donation to ensure it directly supports the carpet restoration project at the Dana-Thomas House. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources operates this house, as well as 55 other state historic states across the state. 'We are proud to work alongside the Dana-Thomas House Foundation on this effort,' said Jenny Vaughn, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. 'Public-private partnerships like this play a critical role in ensuring that Illinois' historic sites and state parks are protected and maintained for the future.' This historic site is open to the public for tours year-round. To learn more about the Illinois Conservation Foundation, or to support preservation efforts, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois finalizes deal for land near Joliet needed for stalled invasive carp prevention project
The state of Illinois on Friday finalized its acquisition of a 50-acre piece of land needed for a project to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp, construction that has drawn the support of both Gov. JB Pritzker and President Donald Trump. 'This is something that we've been waiting for for over a decade,' Marc Smith, policy director for the National Wildlife Federation, said. 'It's very good progress.' The state earlier this year postponed construction on the Joliet-area project, with state officials saying they didn't want to move forward because they anticipated a federal funding shortfall. Then, two weeks ago, the Trump administration announced it supported the project and that funding was available, though Pritzker and Trump still managed to snipe at each other at the time. Midwest Generation, an energy company that had owned the parcel, donated the land after the Illinois Department of Natural Resources approached the company about acquiring the property. Midwest Generation donated the land 'in support of the project,' company spokesperson Erik Linden said. Acquiring the land, which includes riverbed access for the Brandon Road lock, will help enable construction at the lock and dam there. The work is intended to stop the spread of invasive carp, which could pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes region's native species, ecosystems and billion-dollar fishing and boating industries. The property transferred Friday is needed to complete the first part of a three-phase project, according to IDNR spokesperson Jayette Bolinski. Additional upland property will eventually also need to be acquired, Bolinski said. The land transfer that was finalized Friday 'enables ongoing construction to proceed on schedule,' said Don Jodrey, director of federal relations at the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Trump earlier this month blamed Pritzker for not allowing the project to start, while the federal government, he said, has already begun work on it. The Pritzker administration said it halted the work earlier this year in part because it was worried needed federal funding wouldn't come through, as the Trump administration had pulled back on unrelated projects. The land had previously been a key sticking point for the project, with some advocates worried it might be contaminated as it's the site of a former coal plant. The agreement reached on the project included assurances that the land will be safe, Smith said. And the Pritzker administration last year said the state negotiated a deal ensuring taxpayers would not have to pay for remediation costs. So-called Asian carp, which are invasive across the United States, include silver, bighead, grass and black carp. Silver and bighead carp are particular threats to native species as they have no natural predators in American waterways and likely never will, meaning their populations can grow uncontrollably. Invasive carp were introduced in the 1960s to get rid of chemicals in aquaculture and other facilities without using chemicals. But after flooding in the 1980s and '90s, they escaped into the Mississippi River basin and spread to 31 states. Progress on the project has been a long time coming, Smith said. Congress identified the site as a place to deter invasive species in 2015, according to IDNR. 'We've had three presidents, multiple Congresses … two, three governors from Illinois, multiple governors from Michigan' as well as several project managers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he said. 'With this property secured, construction can move forward.'
Chicago Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Illinois finalizes deal for land near Joliet needed for stalled invasive carp prevention project
The state of Illinois on Friday finalized its acquisition of a 50-acre piece of land needed for a project to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp, construction that has drawn the support of both Gov. JB Pritzker and President Donald Trump. 'This is something that we've been waiting for for over a decade,' Marc Smith, policy director for the National Wildlife Federation, said. 'It's very good progress.' The state earlier this year postponed construction on the Joliet-area project, with state officials saying they didn't want to move forward because they anticipated a federal funding shortfall. Then, two weeks ago, the Trump administration announced it supported the project and that funding was available, though Pritzker and Trump still managed to snipe at each other at the time. Midwest Generation, an energy company that had owned the parcel, donated the land after the Illinois Department of Natural Resources approached the company about acquiring the property. Midwest Generation donated the land 'in support of the project,' company spokesperson Erik Linden said. Acquiring the land, which includes riverbed access for the Brandon Road lock, will help enable construction at the lock and dam there. The work is intended to stop the spread of invasive carp, which could pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes region's native species, ecosystems and billion-dollar fishing and boating industries. The property transferred Friday is needed to complete the first part of a three-phase project, according to IDNR spokesperson Jayette Bolinski. Additional upland property will eventually also need to be acquired, Bolinski said. The land transfer that was finalized Friday 'enables ongoing construction to proceed on schedule,' said Don Jodrey, director of federal relations at the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Trump earlier this month blamed Pritzker for not allowing the project to start, while the federal government, he said, has already begun work on it. The Pritzker administration said it halted the work earlier this year in part because it was worried needed federal funding wouldn't come through, as the Trump administration had pulled back on unrelated projects. The land had previously been a key sticking point for the project, with some advocates worried it might be contaminated as it's the site of a former coal plant. The agreement reached on the project included assurances that the land will be safe, Smith said. And the Pritzker administration last year said the state negotiated a deal ensuring taxpayers would not have to pay for remediation costs. So-called Asian carp, which are invasive across the United States, include silver, bighead, grass and black carp. Silver and bighead carp are particular threats to native species as they have no natural predators in American waterways and likely never will, meaning their populations can grow uncontrollably. Invasive carp were introduced in the 1960s to get rid of chemicals in aquaculture and other facilities without using chemicals. But after flooding in the 1980s and '90s, they escaped into the Mississippi River basin and spread to 31 states. Progress on the project has been a long time coming, Smith said. Congress identified the site as a place to deter invasive species in 2015, according to IDNR. 'We've had three presidents, multiple Congresses … two, three governors from Illinois, multiple governors from Michigan' as well as several project managers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he said. 'With this property secured, construction can move forward.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
IDNR sharing tips during National Safe Boating Week
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police shared some boating safety tips on Tuesday. This is part of National Safe Boating Week, which is the week ahead of Memorial Day weekend, according to an IDNR news release. Among the safety tips, IDNR encourages those who go boating to always wear a life jacket and only operate a boat while sober. 'As the boating season approaches, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, reminds all waterway enthusiasts that safety is a shared responsibility. Every boater plays a vital role in creating a secure and enjoyable environment on the water,' said Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch. 'Understanding and adhering to boating regulations such as navigation rules, safety equipment requirements, designated no-wake zones, and staying informed about weather conditions are essential to ensuring positive experiences for all who enjoy the state's waterways.' According to the Illinois Conservation Police, in 2024, there were 63 reported boating accidents, which led to 32 injuries and 15 deaths in the state The statistics show that most of the crashes involve open motorboats, 'cruising in a careless or reckless manner,' and crashing into other boats. Illinois Conservation Police also strictly enforce laws regarding people operating boats under the influence. In 2024, 84 boaters were arrested for operating boats under the influence. State law also requires that life jackets be worn by each person aboard a watercraft or jet ski. More information about the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is available on its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Drivers beware! It's turtle crossing season, warns DuPage County forest preserve
DU PAGE COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) — It's been said that slow and steady wins the race, but expect leisurely-moving turtles to become more active in the summer months, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County warns. Officials say turtles are on the move and are prone to more road sightings through October as they search for water, food, and mates. Turtles could cross roadways near lakes, ponds, and marshes, meaning drivers should look for the reptiles. Forest Preserve District ecologist Dan Thompson reminded drivers that despite their hard shells, turtles are no match for moving vehicles. Wheeling native takes command of world's largest aircraft carrier 'Horns and flashing lights have no effect on them,' Thompson said. 'They aren't built for speed or evasive maneuvers, so they simply can't move faster or reverse course to get out of the way.' Officials urged commuters to remain vigilant, adhere to posted speed limits and proper distance between vehicles, and to brake if they see a turtle on the road. 'Even one turtle lost to traffic can have ripple effects on the population,' Thompson said. 'Some females live for decades and lay hundreds of eggs. Losing her means losing generations.' Anyone encountering an injured turtle should call the Forest Preserve District's DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn at (630) 942-6200. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in 2020, five of the state's 17 turtle species—the alligator snapping turtle, the spotted turtle, Blanding's turtle, the river cooter, and the yellow mud turtle—are considered endangered. The ornate box turtle and the smooth softshell are threatened species with a likelihood of becoming endangered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
