The IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources is honoring five landowners for their efforts to restore and develop wildlife habitat on their private properties.
The Wildlife Landowner of the Year awards program for 2009 recognizes landowners who have developed their properties into showcases of how private property can be managed for the benefit of wildlife.
“I want to thank these landowners for their commitment to conservation. They have demonstrated that implementing habitat management practices can optimize the benefits to wildlife,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller.
The landowners honored and their district wildlife biologist sponsors are:
- Dan Sawicki, Ogle County – nominated by Frank Ostling
- Pat Hogan, Kendall County – nominated by Joe Rogus
- Roy and Kim Tsuda, Macon and DeWitt counties – nominated by Carl Handel
- Michael and Gail Cochran, Brown County – nominated by Tim Krumwiede
- Tim and Bill Rengel, Saline County – nominated by John Bozett
The award winners utilized a variety of conservation programs including the IDNR Acres for Wildlife program, USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and assistance from private not-for-profit conservation organizations. Each landowner has seen positive wildlife response to their continuing efforts.
Establishment of native and introduced grasslands, shrub and tree plantings, wetland construction, timber stand management, and prescribed burning are all examples of various habitat management practices they have employed.
Combined, these landowners are managing more than 1,100 acres of habitat for wildlife.
Landowners interested in participating in the IDNR Acres for Wildlife program can find more information at dnr.state.il.us/orc/Wildliferesources/AFW.