IDNR News Bits

FREE FISHING DAYS 2004: Dozens of organizations are expected to conduct fishing derbies and other special events as part of Illinois Free Fishing Days, June 11-14. The four-day promotion of sport fishing provides anglers the opportunity to fish without first purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp. Free Fishing Days is co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Plano Molding Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of fishing tackle boxes. Organizations interested in receiving educational and promotional materials to be used as part of a Free Fishing Days event, or for more information, should contact Gary Watson, IDNR Public Events and Promotions, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL627021271, phone 217/782-9990. * * *

SPECIAL FIREARM DEER HUNT AT KASKASKIA RIVER STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA: In an effort to better manage the deer population adjacent to Baldwin Lake in southwest Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is instituting a special firearm deer hunt on part of the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area this fall. Firearm deer hunters will be able to apply for a permit to hunt deer on part of the rest area between Baldwin Lake and the Doza Creek Waterfowl Management Area. Permits to take antlerless deer will be issued to 30 hunters for use during the first firearm season Nov. 19-21 and to 30 hunters for use during the second firearm season Dec. 2-5. Hunters interested in this opportunity should apply using the 2004 firearm deer permit application, specifying the Kaskaskia River SFWA as their preferred special hunt area and their preference for the first or second season. Each hunter issued a permit will be assigned a specific hunting location through a site drawing and will be notified by mail in advance of the season.

Additionally, hunters with valid Randolph County deer permits will be llowed into the Doza Creek Waterfowl Management Area beginning at 1 p.m. each of the four days of the second firearm season Dec. 2-5. Waterfowl hunting at Doza Creek on those days will end at 11 a.m. For more information on these new deer hunting opportunities, call either district wildlife biologist Brian Mahan at 618/4432925 or site superintendent Vic Hamer at 618/785-2331. Permit applications are available at IDNR offices or on the Department’s web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/. * * *

The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) will recognize a select few high school students in the state’s prestigious “Youth Conservation Achievement Scholarship.” The annual $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to 10 high school juniors or seniors who have truly made significant contributions or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources. Two students will be selected from each of the five Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regions. Scholarships will be presented to the students during the 2005 annual ICF Hall of Fame Banquet. To access the nomination form, visit http://dnr.state.il.us/YAS/index.htm . For more information, please contact Kathy Wheeler at: wheeler@dnrmail. state.il.us or 217-785-2003. Application deadline is June 1, 2004. * * *

The Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Trails Advisory Board will conduct a public hearing at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 17, to consider recommendations for off-highway vehicle recreational trail grants. The OHVquarterly business meeting will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the public grant hearing at 1 p.m. in the Lakeview Conference rooms of the Department of Natural Resources in Springfield. The public may comment on any of the proposed grants during the afternoon session.

Off-highway vehicle recreational trail grants are being considered for the fol-

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13977 Baer Rd. (Old Rt. 121) Tremont, IL 309-925-2424 309-925-2424

lowing locations: Little Egypt Off Road Motorcycle Club in Crab Orchard Township in Williamson County, Crooked Creek OHVRiding Area in Glasgow Township in Scott County, Williams Hill Pass in Independence Township in Saline County, Planet X-treme Motorsports Park in Blair Township in Clay County, South Fork Dirt Riders in South Fork Township in Christian County, Cliff’s Insane Terrain in Marseilles Township in LaSalle County, Rocky Glenn, LLC in Rockford Township in Winnebago County. If you are unable to attend the public hearing but would like to comment, please send written remarks by May 16, 2004 to Brenda Potts, IDNR Constituency Liaison, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, 62702. * * *

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring the fifth annual “Outdoor Illinois Photo Contest.” This year’s contest has been expanded, and we hope you join us in “Celebrating the Seasons of Life in Illinois.” For more information about the photo contest, please visit www.dnr.state.il.us/photos.

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