IDNR Announces Special “Free Fishing Day”

From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) wants to encourage families and children to wet a line this month. IDNR Director Marc Miller is declaring September 19, 2009 as a “Free Fishing Day” at state parks throughout Illinois.

Allowing children and adults to fish without a fishing license within the boundaries of state parks on September 19 is part of the celebration of “It’s Our River Day.” The day will highlight Illinois’ rivers and streams through conservation, education and recreation at over 50 events throughout the state

“We hope events like ‘It’s Our River Day’ will spark interest in our youth and introduce a new generation to the joy of fishing and the beauty of our state parks,” said Director Miller. “This is a great opportunity for mom and dad or grandma and grandpa to take their kids or grandkids fishing without having to pay for and obtain a fishing license for a day.”

The “Free Fishing Day” on September 19 applies to both Illinois residents and non-residents. Free fishing on that day will only be allowed within the boundaries of Illinois state parks, natural areas and wildlife areas where public fishing opportunities are available. For a list of state sites, visit the IDNR website at www.dnr.state.il.us. The “Free Fishing Day” waiver of fishing license requirements on September 19 will not include fishing on the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan or on river positions outside of Illinois state park boundaries.

IDNR also holds annual “Free Fishing Days” events each June throughout Illinois.

Governor Quinn and IDNR Announce Water Conservation Effort at the Illinois State Fair

From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

SPRINGFIELD – While cutting the ribbon to officially open the 2009 Conservation World, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced an effort to help Illinois residents do their part to conserve water and protect a vital resource.

As part of Governor Quinn’s ongoing effort to make Illinois a “green leader” throughout the United States, Illinois residents can now register for one of three chances to win a free 55-gallon hand-painted rain barrel. Registrations are now being accepted online at www.cleanwaterillinois.org. The public can also register in person at either the Governor’s Tent on Main Street at the Illinois State Fair or the IDNR Director’s Tent located just inside the main entrance to Conservation World on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The fair runs through August 23 and online registrations will be accepted through September 12.

“Fresh, clean water is one of the greatest natural resources we have,” said Governor Quinn. “Rain barrels help conserve water while saving your home from unnecessary water damage and your pocketbook from excessive bills.”

“Illinois residents in every corner of the state have seen the effects of neighborhood flooding and periodic drought in recent years,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “Using a rain barrel to collect rainwater for use on the lawn or in the garden is a great way to conserve a valuable resource, save on your water bill, and perhaps divert some stormwater runoff that can damage your home.”

Collecting water in rain barrels can:

• Reduces the amount of stormwater flow on city and neighborhood drainage infrastructure
• Lower monthly water bills by using collected water to irrigate gardens, house plants and lawns
• Reduces pollution from runoff in your local lakes and streams

One inch of rainfall on a typical residential roof can produce 625 gallons of water – enough to fill 11 rain barrels. Because Illinois typically receives 36 inches of rainfall a year, a standard 55-gallon rain barrel could be filled 400 times in a 12-month period. That’s especially helpful during the summer months, when nearly half of all water usage goes toward watering lawns and gardens.

Illinois State Fair visitors are encouraged to visit Conservation World’s “Permeable Pavement” and “Pervious Concrete” displays. These displays provide additional examples of efforts to reduce stormwater runoff, which helps minimize the risk of flooding.

The three painted rain barrels were donated by Austin Grammer of Prairie Rain Harvester out of Farmer City, Illinois (www.prairierainharvester.com). The artists featured on the barrels are Felicia Olin of Springfield, Sharon Jackson of Urbana, and Erin Dady of Champaign.

Governor Pat Quinn Names New Agency Chief

From the Office of Gov. Pat Quinn

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pat Quinn announced the appointment of natural resources professional and conservationist Marc Miller as director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Miller had been senior policy adviser and liaison to the Illinois River Coordinating Council for the Office of Lieutenant Governor.

“Marc Miller is an expert in managing and protecting our state’s precious natural resources and will run a very professional agency,” said Governor Quinn. “In addition, Marc is an avid outdoorsman dedicated to promoting the public’s safe use and greater understanding of our state’s parks, waterways and other natural resources.”

Miller, 39, joined then Lt. Governor Quinn’s staff in June 2004. During that time, he was instrumental in development and implementation of many environmental programs. They include: The Dam Safety Initiative and the Mud-to-Parks program, which promoted the beneficial reuse of river settlement.

Miller is also an avid outdoorsman with an interest in fly fishing, hunting, canoeing, wildlife viewing, camping and hiking. He currently lives in Springfield with his wife Debbie. (See attached fact sheet for additional background information.)

“I am honored Governor Quinn has named me to lead this important state agency,” said Miller. “I will dedicate myself to managing, protecting and sustaining Illinois’ natural resources.

In making this appointment, Governor Quinn stressed the key role the state’s natural resources and parks play in promoting tourism and growing the Illinois economy. Governor Quinn also urged everyone to take advantage of the great outdoors.

“Everybody should get out and enjoy our state parks and other vast natural resources,” said Governor Quinn. “This is especially true of our children. We want no child left inside.”

The Department of Natural Resources mission is to increase the public's understanding and appreciation of Illinois’ resources, and to promote the education, science and public safety of the state’s natural resources for present and future generations.

The department’s 16 divisions are responsible for the management of everything from Illinois’ rivers and streams to its mines and minerals. The department also manages and maintains approximately 328 state owned or leased sites encompassing over 450,000 acres that are visited by more than 43 million people each year. For more information go to dnr.state.il.us.