Ecosystems and Environment

The Division of Ecosystems and Environment is responsible for implementation of the environmental consultation process (threatened and endangered species, wetlands, natural areas, review of DNR projects); evaluating the health of Illinois ecosystems through the Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP); acting as the natural resource trustee for the restoration of natural resources injured from oil and hazardous substance releases and provides support and management for environmental regulatory compliance for DNR owned and managed lands and property acquisitions; and administering the Partners for Conservation (PFC) Ecosystems Program. This Division includes the Ecosystems Section, the Impact Assessment Section, the Contaminant Assessment Section and the Resource Support Section.

Realty and Planning

The Division of Realty and Planning provides real estate appraisal and acquisition assistance to the Department's grant programs. It provides major technical assistance to other Offices, Divisions and Sections within the Department related to land issues, such as the State of Illinois Open Space Land Acquisition & Development Grant Program (OSLAD) and Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant Program (LAWCON or LWCF). The division is responsible for outdoor recreation planning, program administration and project planning/coordination, and for acquiring all real estate used by the Department for recreation, bikeway, natural areas, wildlife habitat, waterfowl, greenways and open space programs. In addition, the division co-sponsors conferences and workshops, provides staff support to the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, reviews projects through the Recreational Trails Program and the Greenways and Trails Planning Assistance Program, and produces the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).

Concession and Lease Management

The Division of Concession and Lease Management is responsible for administering concession lease agreements covering concession operations on DNR lands such as State Park Lodging, food/refreshment sales, watercraft rentals, golf course operations, and horse riding stables. In addition, the division administers legal agreements providing operational activities such as land leases for peripheral or buffer lands and buildings made available for selected uses without adverse impacts to conservation of the natural resources or management of recreational programs. As needed, the division handle utility rights of way to accommodate utility developments which must cross state property; special permits for temporary use or access across DNR land for construction access, resource management activities, or other one-time use; annexation of portions of DNR property to adjacent communities for expansion of public services; and management agreements with other agencies of local, state, or federal government.