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DNR Champions Grant Renewal

Since its initiation in 1995, Illinois’ Conservation 2000 initiative (C2000) has racked up some impressive accomplishments. One of Illinois’ most influential conservation programs, it has awarded $34.9 million in grants, restoring 70,500 acres of land and protecting 5,600 acres through easements and acquisition. But despite such widespread influence, C2000 is set to expire in two years. Renewal is critical, say officials at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). In an effort to generate support, they have changed the name to Partners in Conservation, hoping that a title less tied to a specific date will encourage an extension of funding through the year 2021.

C2000 was designed as a six-year program to fund several conservation projects, not only for the IDNR, but also for the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the state Environmental Protection Agency. It was later extended through 2009. The IDNR’s portion primarily supports partnerships with public and private stakeholders. Broadening the focus to the private sector has proven to be an important benefit of C2000. In the past, efforts in Illinois have focused on managing natural areas owned by public agencies. Yet with 90 percent of the state’s landscape privately owned, this approach fell short of protecting some of the areas in greatest need.

One important recipient of those partnership grants has been the Chicago Wilderness partnership, which was awarded more than $150,000 in 2007. The grants have supported a variety of projects, including volunteer training, plant monitoring, butterfly studies, and beach restoration along Lake Michigan. Agencies receiving funding include the Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Academy of Sciences, and Chicago Park District.

Other work funded this year includes the Illinois Natural History Survey’s South Batavia Dam Removal on the Fox River and the Naperville Park District’s Pioneer Park Habitat Restoration along the DuPage River.

The C2000 program “takes a bottom-up approach to natural resource conservation practices on non-state-owned land,” said Tammy Watson, C2000 ecosystems program manager. “Grassroots watershed groups rely on planning, technical assistance, and local landowners to focus projects in their region. Who else knows the area better than the local citizens who live, work, and play in their own watershed?”

No other state takes this approach, working with major partners to match state and federal dollars and maximize protection of private land. “With 41 partners in the C2000 program, 86 percent of Illinois is represented,” said Lynn Boerman, C2000 ecosystems administrator. “What’s even more exciting is that 98 percent of our population lives in an ecosystem partnership area.”

Now, the challenge is to extend the life of these programs after 2009. The C2000 extension, House Bill 1780, passed the House of Representatives with a unanimous vote in April before being sent to the Senate for a possible vote by the end of May (as of press time, the vote had not occurred).

“Illinois has lost so much critical habitat over the last century,” Watson said. “But by looking at the areas of greatest need — our privately owned land — this program can have a dramatic effect on preservation of natural areas, protection of wildlife, and improvement of water quality.” To track HB 1780, visit the Illinois General Assembly online.

— Divina Baratta