Illinois Mixed Bag: DNR seeking 2026 summer campground hosts

Springfield — DNR is seeking campground hosts for the 2026 camping season for state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites across Illinois.

“Campground hosting is a perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping others,” DNR stated. “Hosts are often the first to greet state park visitors. They check on arrivals and departures, write camping permits, acquaint campers with park facilities and regulations, answer questions about local and statewide attractions, help visitors plan outings and more.”

Campground hosts have the privilege of free camping in their own RVs, motorhomes or trailers at designated sites within state parks.

“Above all, the quality all campground hosts possess is a passion for working with the public,” said Calvin Beckmann, DNR chief of parks and recreation. “If hosting sounds appealing to you, we would love to hear from you.”

Anyone interested in being a campground host can complete and submit a campground host program packet at the desired site. Questions can be directed to the superintendent at the appropriate site.

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New Illinois Fishing Licenses Required April 1

Springfield — Illinois fishing licenses and stamps are now on sale for the 2026 season. They are available for purchase online and at DNR-authorized vendors. Current licenses expire March 31.

A standard, non-discounted resident fishing license costs $15. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license in Illinois. Exemptions apply to active-duty military personnel and people with disabilities.

DNR’s Division of Fisheries is funded primarily through the sale of fishing licenses and associated stamps. Key fisheries programs supported by license and stamp sales include research, fisheries management, hatchery operations, invasive species prevention, outdoor education and other initiatives.

“Quality fishing opportunities depend on the support of anglers, and that starts with buying a fishing license,” said Mike McClelland, chief of DNR’s Division of Fisheries. “When anglers buy a license, they help support sport fishing, hatcheries and habitat improvements for people across Illinois, now and in the future.”

For more information about fishing in Illinois visit ifishillinois.org. To review license and stamp fees, visit the DNR website.

Nearly 900 Trees Sunk in Rend Lake for Habitat

Whittington, Ill. — A total of 875 dead and decaying Christmas trees were sunk in Rend Lake as part of an ongoing effort to improve fish habitat near the South Sandusky Boat Ramp.

Volunteers from the Sesser-Valier Outdoorsmen Club joined DNR fisheries biologists and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake staff to bundle, weigh down, and sink the trees at locations that have proven to attract fish. The trees were donated by local businesses after Christmas.

The project is expected to boost fishing habitats in the coming years by concentrating fish around the sunken trees. According to fisheries biologists, careful placement of used Christmas trees in fisheries “gives small, young fish an opportunity to grow, which increases the fish population.”