Project T-131-R1

Project Title: Inventory, Stewardship, and Monitoring of Species of Greatest Conservation Need: Starved Rock Area

Community and/or Species Focus: Species of Greatest Conservation Need

1. Map existing habitat and identify existing and potential suitable habitats for SGCN in Starved Rock Area
2. Conduct surveys for SGCN on IDNR sites in the area and establish a baseline abundance data on key SGCN
3. Develop survey protocols for future monitoring of key SCGN at these sites
4. Identify potential sites for the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) category
5. Conduct land management practices to improve habitat conditions for SGCN

1. ​Maps of currently existing habitats will focus survey efforts to document SGCN and establish a baseline of both habitats and species list prior to commencement of habitat management associated with new site planning
2. Updates to all threatened and endangered species record in the Illinois Natural Heritage Database in the Starved Rock Area
3. Establish baseline abundance on key SCGN at these sites which will delineate areas of high-quality habitat and focus management practices on maintaining or expanding these habitat types throughout the three IDNR properties
4. Establish monitoring protocols along with baseline data will allow IDNR to evaluate the effectiveness of management practices in promoting high quality habitats for SGCN in the future
5. Help develop a site planning document for the Lone Star property that will identify potential sites for the Illinois Natural Areas inventory (INAI) category II and those suitable for designation as a Nature Preserve

Post-Project Survey (if applicable): n/a

Project Period: 3/1/20 - 2/28/23

Principle Investigator(s):

Wendy Schelsky, Andrew Kuhns, Jean Mengelkoch, Jocelyn Karsk, Jason Robinson, Jeffrey Hoover and Tari Tweddale (Illinois Natural History Survey)

Final Report: Project is currently underway; "Achievements" are projections of what is to be accomplished.