333.91 C765X 2007 ^^^v':V^•>/.':: C.T' UNIVERSITY LIBRARY UNIVERSITYOFILLINOISATURBANA-CHAMPAIGN The personchargingthis material is responsibleforits renewalorreturntothelibraryonorbeforetheduedate. Theminimumfeeforalostitemis$125.00,$300.00for boundjournals. Theft, mutilation, andunderliningofbooksare reasons fordisciplinaryaction and may result in dismissalfrom the University. Pleasenote: self-sticknotes mayresultin tornpagesandliftsomeinks. Renew via the Telephone Center at 217-333-8400, 846-262-1510(toll-free) [email protected]. Renew online by choosing the MyAccount option at: http://www.library.uiuc.edu/catalog/ UNIVERSITY OF ILLfNOIS LIBRARY iT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN lATURAL HIST. SURVEY NATURAL ILLINOIS HISTORY SURVEY from Gift INHS B C2000 12-Year Report A- -Lc , ,,.-r/ j&j'i. I 1996-2007 2007 Table of Contents Introduction: Page 3 C2000 Ecosystems Program, Mission and Purpose Page 4 C2000 Ecosystems Program, Description Page 5 Grantee Spotlight, Natural Land Institute Page 6 Grantee Spotlight, Illinois Audubon Society. Page 7 Project Spotlight, Big Creek Page 7 C2000 Ecosystem Partnerships Map Page 8 Ecosystem Partnership Spotlight, Fox River Ecosystem Partnership Page 9 C2000 Ecosystems Program Project Grants Map Page 10 Recipients of C2000 Grants Page 11 ProgramAccomplishments and Publications Page 12 Grantee Spotlight, The Nature Conservancy and SWIRCD, Inc Page 13 C2000 Ecosystems Program, Local Legacy and CTAP Components Page 14 Conclusion Page 15 C2000 Ecosystem Partnership Contacts Map Page 16 On the cover: Main picture - Lyman Woods, Dupage Co., Dupage RiverCoalition Ecosystem Partnerhsip Top Inset - Upper Des Plaines Ecosystem PartnershipAnnual Meeting, touring Bill Kurtis' prairie, Mcttawa, Lake County Middle Inset - prairie flowers Bottom Inset - 2nd longest boardwalk in Illinois (950 ft). Heron County Park, Vermillion Ecosystem Partnership Black-eyed Susans Page 2 http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/c2000/ Introduction Conservation 2000 -Twelve Year Report- it's hard to believe it has been twelve ers are united by a common interest in protecting years since the Conservation 2000 (C2000) the natural resources oftheir watershed. The Program was first developed. And, what an program is unique in that anyone can volunteer outstanding list ofaccomplishments we have to be a member ofan Ecosystem Partnership. By made over the past several years. What was to being a designated Partnership, C2000 provides be a six-yearprogram was extended an addi- financial and technical support to assist in tional eight years to continue the C2000 program addressing local watershed concerns. until 2009. Because ofits unique approach to protecting and restoring Illinois natural resources The largest component ofthe C2000 on non-state owned lands, HB1780 was passed program is the Ecosystem Project Grants. These earlierthis year without a dissenting vote to grants are awarded annually in the following continue the program until the year 2021 under categories: Habitat, LandAcquisition, Research, the new name. Partners for Conservation. Gov- Outreach, Planning, and Resource Economics. ernor Blagojevich signed the bill onAugust 14, Since its inception twelve years ago, C2000 has 2007. awarded $35,784,713 in grants and recipients leveraged an additional $33,969,272 in matched The success ofIDNR's C2000 program fiands fora total of$69,753,985 in ecosystem- can be directly attributed to the many partners based management projects throughout the state. who participate in the public involvement pro- cesses to preserve the natural resources ofIlli- I am very excited about continuing the nois through ecosystem-based management. Our Ecosystems Program through Partners for Con- partners, both private and public, work very hard servation. We will continue to focus ecosystem to develop and implement protection and en- restoration on non-state owned lands and hancement strategics that match each strengthen our partnerships with not-for-profit ecosystem's needs. The C2000 Ecosystems organizations, individuals, and businesses, as Program is focused on non-state owned land, well as state, federal and local units ofgovern- which encompasses about 95% ofthe state. ment and others. We will work harder to lever- Protection ofa landscape this large requires age matching federal dollars to get the most out broad involvement from private landowners, ofthe state dollars for our environment. We community interests groups and the State, work- have much to be proud ofand we look forward ing in a collaborative role, to promote conserva- to tremendous opportunities to benefit our state's tion efforts. natural resources in the future. To date, 41 Ecosystem Partnerships cover - Tammy Watson, C2000Ecosystems Program 86% ofthe state and represent 98% ofthe state's Manager population. These coalitions oflocal stakehold- http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/c2000/ Page 3 Ecosystems Program Mission To monitor, maintain, enhance and restore the biodiversity and ecological conditions ofIllinois' landscapes through local partnerships. Purpose The purpose ofthe Ecosystems Program is to integrate the interests and participation of local communities and private, public and corporate landowners to enhance and protect watersheds through ecosystem-based manage- ment. The Ecosystems Program is fiinded through Conservation 2000 (C2000), a com- prehensive long-term approach to protecting and managing Illinois' natural resources through partnerships with grass-roots stake- holders. The Ecosystems Program is a volun- tary, broad-based incentive program. "From restoring prairie grasses and stabilizing streambanks to developing educational programs that benefit thousands of students, the projects supported by these grants will have long term benefits for the wildlife, plants and watershed resources in all parts of Illinois. The C2000 grant program helps local citizens and organizations improve environmental quality and the quality of life in their communities." - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich Page 4 http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/c2000/