Illinois Wildlife Action Plan
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© Illinois Department of Natural Resources

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources


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Illinois is home to diverse wildlife populations. There are
red-headed woodpeckers nesting in our woodlands and smooth green snakes nesting
in our grasslands. There are trout spawning in the waters of Lake Michigan and
river otters playing in the waters of the Mississippi. The diversity of
habitats and wildlife in Illinois is one of the state’s greatest assets.
However, declining habitat health and availability threaten many of our native
wildlife species.
The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP) guides the conservation of wildlife and their habitats for the people of
Illinois. The plan focuses primarily on non-game species, especially vulnerable species, known as the Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN).
The IWAP is organized by habitat into seven Campaigns, each with its own
strategic plan for increasing the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat in
Illinois. These plans are implemented across the DNR and by partner
organizations and agencies, collectively known as the Illinois Wildlife Action
Team (IWAT).
Through the Campaigns, the Action Team
coordinates conservation efforts across the state, amplifying the impact on
wildlife. IWAT facilitates and provides guidance to projects and programs that
further the goals of the IWAP. The team also works to identify and address
research gaps; conducts conservation status reviews of the SGCN; monitors
progress and impact; re-evaluates needs and priorities; and revises the IWAP as
needed.
For more information contact Leon Hinz, leon.hinz@illinois.gov.
This webpage is currently under revision. Last revised 3/03/20.