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Illinois Wildlife Action Plan
State Wildlife Action Plans are designed to guide conservation efforts for Native Species and their habitats. These Plans are periodically reviewed, revised, and updated to reflect changes in conditions and new information that impact these species. Illinois’ first Wildlife Action Plan was completed in 2005, was comprehensively revised in 2015, and updated with a minor revision in 2022.
The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan is currently being comprehensively revised and a Draft version of that effort is presented here for your review. This version is organized into six Sections that (1) introduce the Plan, (2) describe the Illinois Landscape, (3) define the range of species associated with the Plan, (4) discuss expected implementation by Public Agencies through Natural Community Class based Campaigns, (5) present local opportunities for conservation planning and implementation, and (6) provide summarize information associated with the Plan.
While the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is the caretaker of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan our vision is for it to outline an approach for collaborative conservation of Native Species and Natural Communities with all Conservation Partners throughout the State of Illinois. We appreciate comments and recommendations associated with all aspects of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan especially those that may increase participation in its implementation.
The Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan & Strategy 2.0
- Introduction to the Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan & Strategy 2.0
- Illinois Landscape
- Native Species in Illinois
- Campaigns
- Forests and Woodlands Campaign
- Prairies and Savannas Campaign (coming soon)
- Streams and Open Waters Campaign (coming soon)
- Perennial and Seasonal Wetlands Campaign (coming soon)
- Conservation Opportunity Areas
- List of Appendices
Comments and Recommendations associated with your review of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan can be sent directly to the Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator – Leon Hinz, leon.hinz@illinois.gov.
This webpage will be updated after the revised Illinois Wildlife Action Plan has been approved by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Revision date: 3/19/2026.
Campaigns
Where We Work
Implementing The Plan
Species of Concern
