Press Releases
IDNR Urges Boaters to Use Caution at Boat Ramps Due to Low Water Levels
Drought conditions could mean accessibility and navigation issues on rivers, lakes and streams
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is urging boaters to use extra caution at public boat launches throughout the state due to low water levels as a result of ongoing drought conditions.
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Governor Quinn Expands Drought Relief Effort
Offers Ongoing Assistance to Affected Farmers and Communities
MT. VERNON – July 16, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced state assistance available to farmers and residents in drought impacted areas after meeting with farmers and viewing crop damage resulting from persistent, widespread drought conditions in Southern Illinois. Joined by Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Bob Flider, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Acting Director David Vaught and Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller, the governor called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to grant a disaster designation to a total of 33 Illinois counties, up from the 26 determined eligible for emergency support by the USDA last week.
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Illinois Drought Response Task Force Convenes
Governor Directs Agencies to Help Minimize Harm Caused by Dry Conditions
SPRINGFIELD – The state agencies that make up the Drought Response Task Force in Illinois met today to provide recommendations and assistance in dealing with persistent dry weather in the state. At the direction of Governor Quinn, the task force met to discuss the need for actions to ensure public safety and support the economic engines such as agriculture, wildlife and natural areas, as well as preserving drinking water supplies.
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News Coverage
2012 Was Warmest and Second Most Extreme Year on Record for the Contiguous U.S.
January 8, 2012 | NOAA | Full Story
Gov. Quinn: This Drought Makes Us All ‘Tom Joad’
August 15, 2012 | CNBC | Full Story
USDA Buys Meat to Help Drought-Stricken Farmers
August 13, 2012 | AP | Full Story
Our Opinion: City Plan for Drought is Sensible
August 12, 2012 | The State Journal-Register | Full Story
Report: Drought Worsens in Key Farm States
August 9, 2012 | AP | Full Story
Decatur, Springfield Driest of the Dry in Drought
August 8, 2012 | The State Journal-Register | Full Story
Illinois State Fair Opens Friday Amid Historic Drought That’s Hurting Farmers
August 8, 2012 | Chicago Sun-Times | Full Story
Drought Drains Illinois Rivers of Recreational Potential
August 7, 2012 | Chicago Tribune | Full Story
Struggling in the Drought: Organic Farmers Plead for Help
August 5, 2012 | Chicago Sun-Times | Full Story
Decatur Lawmaker Seeks Help for Livestock Producers Pinched by Drought
August 4, 2012 | Herald Review | Full Story
No Illinois Drought Relief in Sight Until Fall: Reports
August 2, 2012 | NBC Chicago | Full Story
Drought Leaves Illinois a State of Disaster
August 2, 2012 | Chicago Tribune | Full Story
Drought Putting Heat on Landscape Businesses' Bottom Line
August 2, 2012 | Herald Review | Full Story
Most of Drought-stricken Illinois Declared a Disaster Area
August 1, 2012 | Peoria Journal Star | Full Story
Nearly All of State Now Eligible for Drought Assistance
August 1, 2012 | NBC Chicago | Full Story
Drought-related SBA Disaster Loans Available in Illinois, Missouri Counties
July 30, 2012 | Quincy Herald-Whig | Full Story
Drought-stricken Corn Poised to Undercut Food Chain
July 28, 2012 | News Tribune | Full Story
Soybeans Next Crop Victim of Drought
July 28, 2012 | The Southern Illinoisan | Full Story
Worsening Illinois Drought Points to Increasingly Ominous Signs for Crops
July 27, 2012 | Chicago Tribune | Full Story
No Drought Relief in Sight in Central Illinois
July 26, 2012 | The State Journal-Register | Full Story
More than 70% of Illinois Land Suffering Extreme Drought
July 26, 2012 | Chicago Tribune | Full Story
Crop Insurance Leaves Illinois Taxpayers with Bill for Lingering Drought
July 26, 2012 | FOX Illinois | Full Story
Drought Leads Decatur to Restrict Water Use
July 23, 2012 | The State Journal-Register | Full Story
Quinn seeks disaster designation for rain-starved Illinois counties
July 22, 2012 | Chicago Tribune | Full Story
Area farmers struggle with drought
July 21, 2012 | Freeport Journal-Standard | Full Story
Most of state now in severe to extreme drought
July 19, 2012 | The State Journal-Register | Full Story
Drought won’t break, but farmers aren’t giving up yet
July 19, 2012 | Quad-City Times | Full Story
State Puts Focus on Low-Interest Loan Help with Drought
July 18, 2012 | WSIL-TV | Full Story
Restructured debt, loans ahead for Illinois' drought-hit farmers
July 16, 2012 | Rockford Register Star | Full Story