Governor Pat Quinn has named John D. Rogner as the assistant director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).  Rogner joins the IDNR from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), where he has served since 1998 as supervisor of the Chicago Field Office.

“John Rogner is one of the most respected natural resource conservation professionals in the country and we are very happy to bring his knowledge, expertise, and wealth of ideas to state government,” Governor Quinn said.

As IDNR assistant director, Rogner will serve as a liaison to the Department’s federal partners and work to rebuild its fish and wildlife programs, as well as help manage new initiatives on youth retention and recruitment.  He is joining IDNR as part of an agreement with the USFWS intended to strengthen fish and wildlife programs and projects managed cooperatively by both agencies.

“I am thrilled to have John Rogner join us as we work to rebuild the Department of Natural Resources, restore public faith in the agency, and implement new ways to get more young people involved in outdoor recreation and conservation stewardship,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller.

Rogner has more than 25 years of experience in federal wildlife, endangered species, and wetlands programs. As USFWS field office supervisor, Rogner has developed successful habitat restoration programs and relationships with public and private organizations dedicated to wildlife enhancement in northeast Illinois.  For the past 10 years, he has chaired the Chicago Regional Biodiversity Council (Chicago Wilderness), a coalition of nearly 250 environmental, scientific, and cultural organizations.

John Rogner received both bachelors (1977) and masters of sciences (1981) degrees in Biological Sciences from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

Governor Quinn also announced that Illinois citizens interested in conservation issues are invited to participate in the new Illinois Conservation Congress.

“The mission of the new Conservation Congress will be to propose and advocate actions to protect and conserve the natural resources of Illinois, and ensure through professional management the sustainable use, recreational opportunities, and enjoyment of those resources,” said Director Miller.

The new Illinois Conservation Congress will focus on youth recruitment and retention, public access, and funding issues.  Committees of the Natural Resources Advisory Board will meet with interested citizens and constituent groups this summer and fall, with the new Conservation Congress convening at the IDNR headquarters in Springfield on Oct. 24-25.  More information on public involvement opportunities through the new Conservation Congress will be available on the IDNR website at dnr.state.il.us.