Illinois Mixed Bag: DNR to hold public meeting on salmon, trout

Des Plaines, Ill. — DNR is inviting anglers and the public to an informational public meeting on the Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishery on March 12 in Des Plaines.

Topics of discussion will include salmon and trout rearing and stocking and lake trout restoration and natural production of wild fish, as well as current population trends for Chinook and Coho Salmon, rainbow trout, and the prey fish that support them. Time will be reserved after the presentations for questions and open discussion.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at 9511 W. Harrison Street in Des Plaines.

For information, call 847-294-4134.

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WHEELIN’ SPORTSMEN HUNT EARNS NWTF HONOR

Metropolis, Ill. — The Shawnee National Forest was honored with the prestigious Conservation Education award during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 50th annual Convention and Sport Show. The Shawnee earned recognition for its Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt, which marked a significant achievement in promoting awareness and opportunities for disabled veterans.

Forest Service representatives Dennis Wilson and Justin Dodson, along with NWTF volunteer Michael Howie, were acknowledged for their efforts in organizing a successful inaugural turkey hunt for four disabled veterans, three of whom were able to harvest a turkey. The initiative was made possible through collaboration between the Illinois NWTF State Chapter, the Illinois DNR, the Forest Service, and the Illinois Chapter of The Fallen Outdoors, a nonprofit focused on connecting veterans with nature’s therapeutic benefits.

Howie, the NWTF Illinois state Wheelin’ Sportsmen coordinator, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“Seeing the work the NWTF did to build the turkey population back up was awesome,” he said. “We’re very humbled to win this award. I’m amazed and very honored.”

PLASTIC PELLET LEGISLATION AIMED AT PROTECTING FISH, WILDLIFE, MOVES TO HOUSE FLOOR

Springfield — Illinois legislation addressing plastic pellet pollution in the state’s waters advanced out of the House of Representatives Energy and Environment Committee Feb. 17. House Bill 4418 would strengthen the Illinois EPA’s ability to regulate pollution from stormwater runoff in facilities that handle plastic pellets, an important first step towards a zero-discharge standard.

Emily Kowalski, associate director of Environment Illinois, testified at a House hearing, telling House members that an estimated 22 million pounds of plastic enters the Great Lakes each year.

“And plastic is being found everywhere: contaminating the water that flows down the Mississippi, along the shores of Lake Michigan and inside fish, birds and us,” Kowalski said. “Plastic ingested by wildlife like fish, birds and turtles can cause them to starve. Scientists have found that even tiny particles of plastic can alter the behavior and metabolism of fish.”

Following the testimony, HB4418, which is sponsored by Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Grayslake, received the votes needed to pass. The bill has now cleared the first critical step in the legislative process and heads next to the full House floor.

PILES OF DEAD RACCOONS FOUND IN GENESEO, MOLINE

Moline, Ill. — Residents in two separate towns are raising concerns after piles of dead raccoons were discovered dumped near homes within days of each other. Mark Riffe, who lives in a rural area near Geneseo, told WQAD TV that more than 20 dead raccoons and one cat were piled together.

In Moline, a second pile of dead raccoons was found in a ravine behind a neighborhood. Neighbors there said children used to play in the area, but have since stopped. Residents described the scene as unprecedented. It is unclear when the animals were dumped or how they died.

“Definitely not roadkill. Definitely poison. Maybe even something else,” Emily Freymann told WQAD. “I’m kind of thinking it might have been over the winter and they’re thawing out because the different states of decomposition, some are really fresh, some are a little bit more, so it does seem like over a time period and they’re just showing up now because of melting.”

DNR reportedly inspected the Moline site, but authorities have not announced how the animals died or whether the two cases are connected.

NATURE FOUNDATION DONATES MORE THAN $45K TO FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF WILL COUNTY

Joliet, Ill. — The Nature Foundation of Will County raised $45,200 in the most recent quarter to support Forest Preserve District of Will County programs, conservation efforts and exhibits. Foundation Executive Director Tara Neff presented the donation to the Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners at its Feb. 11 meeting.

Neff said the funds include $11,500 for prizes and incentives for the Route 66 Get Your Kicks Challenge, the Be a Trailblazer experience and the 2026 Preserve the Moment Photo Contest.

Additional funding includes $9,200 for prescribed burns, $5,000 from Pembina Pipeline for invasive species management at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, and more than $8,000 for the Restore Will County small grant program.

Another $7,500 will support visitor center exhibits, including the Federal Duck Stamp Art Display at Plum Creek Nature Center and “I Am Not a Costume” at Isle a la Cache Museum. An additional $12,000 will support the Willy’s Wilderness website, animal ambassadors and public and nature education programs.

The Nature Foundation of Will County enhances recreational and educational opportunities within the Forest Preserve District.

To donate or learn more about the Foundation, visit willcountynature.org.