Project Funding Workshop Lynn Boerman, IDNR June 22, 2011

IDNR Recreation Grants-in-Aid Partners for Conservation Formerly Conservation 2000

41 Ecosystem Partnerships covering 84% of Illinois. 98% of the state's citizens live in an Ecosystem Partnership area. 63,000 acres restored. 5,980 acres protected easements or acquisition. $37.2 million in project grants have been awarded. $39,800,000 in match 1.5 Million Citizens of all ages educated on natural resource protection.

No grants have been awarded since FY ’07 Closing out the few remaining grants

41 Ecosystems Partnerships At various degrees of activity Assist IDNR and others with local activities

Trying to capture funding for future Support Grants Partnerships promote local watershed opportunities to private landowners CREP CREP Conservation Opportunity Areas Conservation Opportunity Areas Goals of IL Wildlife Action Program Goals of IL Wildlife Action Program IL Recreational Access Program (IRAP) IL Recreational Access Program (IRAP)

 Annual application cycle: May 1- July 1  Agencies are limited to a maximum of 1 acquisition & 1 development grant application annually  Grants announcement date ranges December to January  Annual application cycle: May 1- July 1  Agencies are limited to a maximum of 1 acquisition & 1 development grant application annually  Grants announcement date ranges December to January

 Up to 50% reimbursement - acquisition and development of lands for public parks & open space  Eligible applicants: units of local government, Park District, FPD, Conservation Districts, Municipalities, Townships & County Governments  Maximum acquisition grant = $750,000  Maximum development grant = $400,000  $12 million for Parks and Open Space Thirty-six OSLAD projects will boost local economies, enhance park development  Up to 50% reimbursement - acquisition and development of lands for public parks & open space  Eligible applicants: units of local government, Park District, FPD, Conservation Districts, Municipalities, Townships & County Governments  Maximum acquisition grant = $750,000  Maximum development grant = $400,000  $12 million for Parks and Open Space Thirty-six OSLAD projects will boost local economies, enhance park development

(D) CALUMET MEMORIAL PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $225,000.00, to renovate Commissioners Park in Calumet City on Wilson Avenue. Proposed improvements include a softball field with dugouts and bleachers, swings and 2-5 and 5-12 year old play structures, a shelter with picnic tables, two bean bag courts, a multi-use trails and fitness station, soccer field, landscaping and a connection to the regional Burnham Greenway Trail. (D) HODGKINS PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $400,000.00, to develop 9.5 acre Hodgkins Park on Lyons Street. Amenities include a splash pad, play equipment, shelter, full court basketball, walking trail, fitness stations and landscaping.

To request grant application manuals or additional information regarding any of the referenced grant programs, contact: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Grant Administration One Natural Resources Way Springfield, Illinois Tele: (217) or

The most immediate benefit of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan for Illinois will be continued eligibility for State Wildlife Grant Program funding after the October 1, 2005, deadline. In recent years, Illinois has received about $2 million per year in additional federal aid for nongame wildlife conservation. If funded at the level proposed for the Conservation and Reinvestment Act, Illinois could receive $12 million each year in SWGP funding. The Benefits of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan for Illinois Lynn Boerman or Nancy Williamson Region 2 Office Green Cities Campaign

Campaigns Grouped by habitats and issues, these seven interrelated Wildlife Action Plan campaigns outline steps needed to reach goals emphasizing a broad spectrum of natural resource benefits including: clean water, soil conservation, human health and safety, economic diversity and sustainability. Streams Invasive Species Land and Water Stewardship Farmland and Prairie Forests Wetlands Green Cities For more about Illinois’ Wildlife Action Plan, visit dnr.state.if.us/orc/wildliferesources/

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