Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board Biennial Report 2024-2026

BIENNIAL REPORT

July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026

ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION BOARD AS OF JUNE 30, 2026

Members:

Dr. Angelo Capparella
Ms. Samantha Chavez
Dr. Janice Coons
Dr. Michael Dreslik
Dr. Jeremie Fant
Dr. Joyce Hofmann
Mr. Randall Schietzelt
Dr. Tih-Fen Ting
Dr. Philip Willink
Mr. Nathan Grider, designee of Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Director Natalie Finnie

Staff
None

PREFACE

The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act, originally enacted in August 1972 and revised in July 1986 and January 2000, requires that the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board prepare and make available a report of its accomplishments biennially.  An initial report was prepared and made available for the period July 1986 - June 1988.  Biennial reports were not prepared for the biennia that ended in 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000.  A report prepared and made available by Board members covered the period July 2000 – June 2002 and included highlights from the previously unreported biennia.  In July 2002, the Board’s budget was reduced and then eliminated due to funding shortages in the State of Illinois and, as a result, Board staff was laid off.  Until November 2008, the Board functioned with only part-time or no staff.  In spring 2009, the Board’s newly hired full-time staff person, an Executive Director, completed a report for the period July 2006 – June 2008 that included highlights for the periods July 2002 – June 2004 and July 2004 - June 2006.  The Executive Director subsequently prepared reports for the biennia ending in 2010, 2012, and 2014.  In September 2015 the Board was informed that its funding had again been eliminated, resulting in the loss of staff.  The Board Chair, with assistance from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, prepared a report for the period July 2014 – June 2016.  The Chair and Board member Dr. Tracy Evans produced and submitted a report for the biennium ending in 2018 and the Chair, with input from other Board members, produced the reports for the biennia ending in 2020 and 2022.  The last nine biennial reports are posted on the Board’s website (dnr.illinois.gov/espb).  The current report, prepared by the Board Chair and approved at the Board’s 211^th meeting on August 28, 2026, covers the biennium July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026.

INTRODUCTION

The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board (Board/ESPB) was created by the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act in 1972.  The publication “The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act at Forty: A Review of the Act’s Provisions and the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species” presents a history of the Board up to 2012 and is available on the Board’s website (dnr.illinois.gov/espb)

Statute requires that the Board biennially prepare and make available a report of its accomplishments.  This report, prepared by the Board Chair, with the assistance of the other Board members, covers activities during two fiscal years – July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026.

STATUTORY MANDATES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PERTAINING TO THE ILLINOIS ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION BOARD

That the Endangered Species Protection Board exist (520 ILCS 10/6);

That the Board maintain and update the List of Illinois Endangered and Threatened Species (Illinois List/List) as warranted and no less often than every five years (520 ILCS 10/7);

That the Board hold a public hearing when making revisions to the Illinois List (520 ILCS 10/7);

That the Board advise the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Department/IDNR) on methods of assistance, protection, conservation, and management of endangered and threatened species and their habitats, and on related matters (520 ILCS 10/6);

That the Board hold meetings no less often than quarterly (520 ILCS 10/6);

That the Board produce a report of accomplishments, biennially (520 ILCS 10/6);

That the Department seek the advice of the Board as it plans and implements a program for the conservation of endangered and threatened species (520 ILCS 10/11);

That the Department consult with and gain written approval from the Board when promulgating rules for the issuance and maintenance of endangered and threatened species permits (520 ILCS 10/4); and

That the Department seek the advice of the Board and provide written response to any Board comments regarding the issuance and terms of authorization for incidental taking of endangered and threatened species (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1080.40 (a)(7)).

COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD

The Board is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor, with the Director of the IDNR (or the Director’s designee) serving as a nonvoting member.  By statute at least six of the appointed Board members must be “recognized as naturalists by training, avocation, or vocation” and the membership must include at least two zoologists, one botanist, and two ecologists.  Board members are appointed for a term of three years and continue to serve until replaced.  All Board members complete online Open Meetings Act training.  They receive no compensation other than actual travel expenses.  

Dr. Michael Dreslik was appointed to the Board in 2024, filling the vacancy due to the resignation of Dr. David Gibson in 2024.  Dr. Janice Coons resigned in 2026, but has not yet been replaced.  During the 2024 - 2026 biennium Board members donated more than 1,043 hours of their time to the State. 

The Board functions with three elected Executive Officers: Chair, Vice-chair, and Secretary.  Following an election at the 207^th meeting in August 2025 Dr. Philip Willink replaced Dr. Joyce Hofmann as Chair, Dr. Tih-Fen Ting continued as Vice-Chair, and Ms. Samantha Chavez replaced Dr. Philip Willink as Secretary.  

BOARD STAFF

Since September 2015 the Board has had no staff due to the elimination of its funding by the Governor’s Office.  Board members have been performing tasks necessary to comply with the Board’s legal mandates.  Department personnel have provided valuable assistance to the Board, especially Office of Resource Conservation Director Chris Young followed by Nathan Grider, Division of Natural Heritage Chief Ann Marie Holtrop, and Endangered Species Recovery Specialist Michelle Bloomquist.  Ms. Heather McLean maintained the Board’s website; Ms. Kristi Sorenson and Ms. Nicole Sandidge provided administrative services during the biennium.  Ms. Natalia Maass, Database Manager in the IDNR/Illinois Natural History Survey Liaison Office, supplied information from the Illinois Natural Heritage Database to the Board’s Endangered Species Technical Advisory Committees and answers database questions.  Without Board staff, however, it has not been possible to meet some of the Board’s responsibilities as fully as in earlier times or to conduct discretionary activities that would further the protection and conservation of Illinois’ endangered and threatened species.

QUARTERLY MEETINGS

As mandated, the Board convened eight regularly scheduled quarterly meetings during the biennium.  Meetings were conducted in compliance with the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and a quorum was present for all meetings.  Agendas and minutes for all Board meetings during the biennium are posted on the Board’s website.  Video (WebEx) recordings of the meetings are also archived.

Meeting Dates and Locations July 2024 – June 2026

BIENNIAL REPORT

A biennial report for July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024 was prepared by Chair Hofmann, with input from other Board members, and approved by the Board at its 203^rd meeting on August 23, 2024.  The report was posted on the Board’s website and sent to the State Library, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, and the General Assembly Legislative Research Unit.  The present report covering the period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026 was approved by the Board at the 211^th meeting on August 28, 2026.

ILLINOIS LIST OF ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES

The current version of the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species became effective on October 30, 2025.  That version is on the Board’s website.  The next review and revision is scheduled to be completed in 2030.

The revision process is based on petition forms that are available on the Board’s website.  There are forms for adding a species to the Illinois List, removing a species from the List, or changing the status of a listed species (threatened to endangered or endangered to threatened).  The petitions provide a transparent and uniform process by which any individual can propose changes to the List.  The Board reviews submitted petitions at regularly scheduled Board meetings and decides whether to give a petition preliminary approval.  There is then a public hearing and comment period on the proposed changes to the List.  The Board responds to public comments and gives final approval to a revised List.  After approval by the Department, two administrative rules listing endangered and threatened fauna and flora are prepared and submitted to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

To assist with the review and revision of the Illinois List the Board convenes Endangered Species Technical Advisory Committees (ESTACs) composed of experts in various taxonomic groups.  There are ESTACs for plants, aquatic invertebrates, terrestrial invertebrates, fish, reptiles and amphibians, birds, and mammals.  Members of each ESTAC are listed in Appendix 1.  The committees meet and review scientific information on currently listed species and discuss species that may warrant addition to the List.  If the committee recommends changes, members are selected to complete and submit the appropriate petition forms. 

All ESTACS met during the previous biennium.  There were no ESTAC meetings during this biennium.  Agendas for the meetings were posted in advance on the Board’s website.  Minutes for the meetings are posted on the Board’s website.

During the biennium the Board gave preliminary approval to petitions to add five species (one aquatic invertebrates, four plants) to the Illinois List as endangered, add two species (two fishes) as threatened, remove four species (two terrestrial invertebrates, two reptiles), and change the status of six species (three plants, two fish, one mammal).  Seven updates to scientific and common names of listed species also received preliminary approval.

PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing on proposed changes to the Illinois List was held at IDNR Headquarters in Springfield, IL on January 17, 2025 as part of the 2025 revision of the Illinois List. Comments received were discussed at the 205^th Board meeting on February 21, 2025.

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND BOARD

The Board works closely with the Department on issues pertaining to the conservation of endangered and threatened species in Illinois.  A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Board Chair Hofmann and IDNR Director Finnie in 2024.  The memorandum outlines the responsibilities of the Board and Department and the collaboration between the two entities.  The MOA is included in this report as Appendix 2.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES DURING THE BIENNIUM

Board members completed the following mandatory annual Illinois trainings in 2024: Ethics; Harassment and Discrimination Prevention; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and LGBTQIA+ Equity and Inclusion. An additional training, Security Awareness, was completed in 2025.

As Board Chair Dr. Hofmann served as an advisor to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.  She attended the 248^th meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission on September 10, 2024, the 249^th meeting on January 28, 2025, and the 250^th meeting on May 13, 2025.  Dr. Hofmann also represented the Board at the Commission’s 251^st meeting on September 9, 2025.  As Board Chair Dr. Willink served as an advisor to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.  He attended the 252^nd meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission on February 3, 2026 and the 253^rd meeting on May 19, 2025.  A report on Board activities was prepared for all Commission meetings during the biennium. 

Mr. Schietzelt served as the Board’s representative on the Natural Areas Evaluation Committee (NAEC).  He attended NAEC meetings on July 23, 2024; November 12, 2024; April 1, 2025; July 15, 2025; November 18, 2025; and March 31, 2026.

Dr. Willink and Mr. Schietzelt attended the Evaluating IDNR Bird Data meeting in Springfield on February 20, 2026.

As required by statute, the Department submitted draft Incidental Take Authorizations (ITAs) to the Board for its advice.  Since the Board had no staff to review these draft ITAs on a regular basis, individual Board members provided the Department with comments on some draft ITAs.

Appendix 1

Members of Endangered Species Technical Advisory Committees (ESTACs)

2025 List Review and Revision

Members of the Plant ESTAC

Dr. Timothy Bell (retired Professor of Botany, Chicago State University)
Christopher Benda (Botanist, Southern Illinois University)
Phil Cox (Plant Ecologist, IDNR)
Gretel Keifer (Manager of Plants of Concern, Chicago Botanic Garden)
Paul Marcum (Associate Botanist & Project Leader for Botany, Illinois Natural History Survey) 
Susanne Masi (retired, Manager of Regional Floristics and Plants of Concern, Chicago Botanic Garden)
Dr. Brenda Molano-Flores (Senior Plant Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey) 
Randy Nyboer (retired Ecologist, Illinois Department of Natural Resources)
Shannan Sharp (Botanist, Shawnee National Forest, USDA Forest Service)
Elizabeth Shimp (retired Botanist, Shawnee National Forest, USDA Forest Service)
Dr. Greg Spyreas (Research Scientist, Plant Ecology & Botany, Illinois Natural History Survey) Dr. John Taft (retired Plant Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Stephen Tillman (District Heritage Biologist, Illinois Department of Natural Resources)
Eric Ulaszek (Botanist, Illinois Natural History Survey)

Members of the Terrestrial Invertebrate ESTAC

Laura Anchor-Rericha (Forest Preserve District of Cook County)
Dr. Tierney Brosius (Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Augustana College)
Marissa Chase (Doctoral Candidate, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Dr. Christopher Dietrich (Systematic Entomology Section Leader, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Sam Heads (Director and Curator-in-Charge, Center for Paleontology, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Angella Moorehouse (Natural Areas Preservation Specialist, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission)
Dr. Douglas Taron (Chief Curator, Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Center) Isaac Stewart (Assistant Professor of Biology, Black Hawk College)
James Wiker (naturalist)

Members of the Aquatic Invertebrate ESTAC

Dr. Jason Bried (Assistant Research Scientist, Wetland Ecology, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Edward DeWalt (Aquatic Entomologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Sarah Douglass (Associate Malacologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Marla Garrison (Instructor, Biology Department, McHenry County College)
Dr. Leon Hinz (Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator, Division of Natural Heritage, IDNR)
Dr. James Lamer (Director, Illinois River Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Brian Metzke (Aquatic Ecology Program Manager, Division of Natural Heritage, IDNR)
Diane Shasteen (Natural Resources Site Manager, IDNR)
Alison Price Stodola (Curator of Malacology, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dusty Swedberg (Scientific Specialist, Astacology, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Jeremy Tiemann (Associate Aquatic Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Jodi Vandermyde (Environmental Protection Specialist lll, Bureau of Water, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency)

Members of the Fish ESTAC

Dr. John Chick (Principal Aquatic Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Robert Colombo (Professor, Department of Biology, Eastern Illinois University)
Dr. James Lamer (Director, Illinois River Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Brian Metzke (Aquatic Ecology Program Manager, Division of Natural Heritage, IDNR)
Steven Pescitelli (Region 2 Stream Specialist, Division of Fisheries, IDNR)
Dr. Christopher Taylor (retired Senior Curator of Fishes and Crustaceans, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Trent Thomas (Region 3 Streams Biologist, Division of Fisheries, IDNR)
Jeremy Tiemann (Associate Aquatic Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Greg Whitledge (Professor, Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University)
Dr. Phil Willink (ESPB)

Members of the Amphibian/Reptile ESTAC

Dr. Tom Anderson (Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville)
Scott Ballard (Southern Region Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Specialist/Herpetologist, Division of Natural Resources, IDNR)
Dr. John Crawford (Terrestrial Wildlife Ecologist, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center)
Dr. Michael Dreslik (Assistant Research Scientist, Population Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Gary Glowacki (Wildlife Ecologist, Lake County Forest Preserve District)
Dr. Richard King (Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University)
Andrew Kuhns (Associate Scientist, Herpetologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Jessica Mohlmann (Assistant Scientist and Research Coordinator, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center)
Dr. Alison Sacerdote-Velat (Curator of Herpetology, Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Center)
Eric Smith (Natural Heritage Biologist, Division of Natural Heritage, IDNR)
Dr. Robin Warne (Associate Professor, School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University)

Members of the Avian ESTAC

Tara Beveroth (Associate Scientist, Avian Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Eric Bollinger (Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University)
Dr. Angelo Capparella (retired Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University; ESPB)
Dr. James Herkert (retired Executive Director, Illinois Audubon Society)
Dr. Jeffrey Hoover (Avian Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. James Mountjoy (Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Knox College)
Dr. Brent Pease (Southern Illinois University, Carbondale)
Brad Semel (Northern Region Endangered Species Recovery Specialist, Division of Natural Heritage, IDNR),
Dr. Wendy Schelsky (Principal Research Scientist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Douglas Stotz (Senior Conservation Ecologist, Field Museum of Natural History)
Dr. Jeffrey Walk (Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy of Illinois)
Dr. Michael Ward (Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Illinois; Avian Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Geoff Williamson (Secretary, Illinois Ornithological Records Committee, Illinois Ornithological Society; Associate Dean, Armour College of Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology)

Members of the Mammal ESTAC

Dr. Max Allen (Assistant Research Scientist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Chris Anchor (Senior Wildlife Biologist, Forest Preserve District of Cook County)
Dr. Justin Boyles (Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University)
Tara Hohoff (Associate Mammalogist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Christopher Jacques (Wildlife Disease and Invasive Species Program Manager, Division of Wildlife Resources, IDNR)
Joseph Kath (Endangered Species Program Manager, Division of Natural Heritage, IDNR)
Jean Mengelkoch (Associate Mammalogist, Illinois Natural History Survey)
Dr. Joy O’Keefe (Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Illinois)
Dr. Tih-Fen Ting (Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Illinois, Springfield; ESPB)

Appendix 2

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

AND

THE ILLINOIS ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION BOARD

This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is hereby entered into by and between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, hereinafter called the “Department,” an agency of the State of Illinois, and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, hereinafter called the “Board,” a unit of State government organized under the Endangered Species Protection Act 520 ILCS 10, hereinafter referred to as the “Act,” as of the date of the last signature to the MOA.

WHEREAS, the Department has the power to take all measures necessary for the conservation, preservation, distribution, introduction, propagation, and restoration of flora and fauna (20 ILCS 805/805-105); and

WHEREAS, in 2005 the Department created a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy, subsequently called the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, to identify strategies to conserve vulnerable Species of Greatest Conservation Need, which include threatened and endangered species, and their habitats; and revised that Plan in 2015; and

WHEREAS, the Department is responsible for actively planning and implementing a program for the conservation of endangered and threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Protection Act, (520 ILCS 10/11); and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of all agencies of State and local governments to utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of this Act by evaluating through a consultation process with the Department of Natural Resources whether actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Illinois listed endangered and threatened species or are likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of the designated essential habitat of such species (520 ILCS 10/11); and

WHEREAS, the Department may authorize, under prescribed terms and conditions, any taking otherwise prohibited by 520 ICLS 10/3, if that taking is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity (520 ILCS 10/5.5); and

WHEREAS, the Act also establishes the Endangered Species Protection Board as a nine-member body appointed by the Governor along with the Director, or designee, of the Department as a non-voting member (520 ILCS 10/6) and defines its powers and duties to effectuate the purposes of the Act; and

WHEREAS, the Board is responsible under the Act (520 ILCS 10/6) for advising the Department on methods of assistance, protection, conservation, and management of endangered and threatened species and their habitats, and on related matters; and

WHEREAS, according to the Act (520 ILCS 10/6), the Board is responsible for the listing, delisting, or change of status of listed species on the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species, at least every five years, in consultation with and upon written approval by the Department; and

WHEREAS, in the 1970’s an inventory of natural areas, including habitat for listed species, called the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory was created.  A systematic statewide review and update occurred in 2007, and the Department continues to update the Inventory through the Natural Areas Evaluation Committee; and

WHEREAS, the Department maintains the Natural Heritage Database that includes the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory and endangered and threatened species locations; and

WHEREAS the Board uses information from the Natural Heritage Database and Illinois Natural Areas Inventory and other Department programs to support species listing reviews; and

WHEREAS the Board has a duty to prepare and make available a report of its accomplishments biennially (520 ILCS 10/6); and

NOW, THEREFORE, in order to more efficiently and effectively fulfill their respective powers and duties under the Act, the Department and the Board agree as follows:

    1.  Within each entity’s purview, the Department and Board will work collaboratively to maintain and enhance native species statewide through discussion, planning, and promoting scientifically-sound conservation actions.   

    2.  The Department will provide for the reimbursement of Board expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties; and will consider other expenses as requested by the Board.

    3.  The Department will provide administrative support to the Board including processing members’ travel forms and timesheets, maintaining and updating the Board’s website, assisting with arrangements for the Board’s quarterly meetings, and assisting with preparation of the Board's biennial report, if requested.

    4.  The Department will retain the Board’s files, including petitions and Endangered Species Technical Advisory Committee (ESTAC) files as available.  

    5.  The Department will assist the Board, as needed, with member appointments and will provide written notice to the Board Chair if the Department’s Director is delegating the role of non-voting member.

    6.  The Chief of the Division of Natural Heritage, or designee, shall attend the Board’s quarterly meetings to report on Department activities involving endangered and threatened species, to notify Board members of new initiatives and upcoming activities, and to engage in conversation with the Board about topics of shared interest. 

    7.  The Department shall maintain the Natural Heritage Database and provide data and information from the Natural Heritage Database and other sources to the Board at their request.

    8.  The Board will provide data and information to the Department regarding the status and distribution of species, to be incorporated into the Natural Heritage Database.

    9.  The Department will serve as the official point of contact with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or other agencies for all official correspondence with the State of Illinois regarding endangered and threatened species.  The Department will notify the Board of federal decisions regarding listing of endangered and threatened species, review of candidate species for listing, and proposed status surveys to assist in listing decisions.

    10.  The Board shall nominate and select ESTAC members prior to each list revision to provide the Board with additional technical expertise. The ESTACs will consist of individuals with appropriate taxonomic expertise and each will include at least one member of the Department.  

    11.  The Department will notify the Board on Incidental Take Authorizations (ITAs).  The Department will provide the Board with Conservation Plans at the time they move to public notice and draft ITAs when they are released for final review.

    12.  The Department will include a Board member in the Natural Areas Evaluation Committee, which maintains the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory by reviewing the presence or absence of qualifying features and updating the Inventory, as appropriate.

    13.  Following every list-revision cycle, the Board will provide the Department with recommendations for additions, deletions, or changes to Illinois’ list of endangered and threatened species.

    14.  The Department will promulgate administrative rule changes for the listing of endangered and threatened species with the Joint Council on Administrative Rules following Department policy.

    15.  Should the Department or the Board desire to terminate this Memorandum, either party may initiate such termination upon submittal of 30 days written notice to the other party.  The Department and Board agree to discuss points of disagreement and will terminate only if the conflict cannot be resolved. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Department and Board have caused this MOA to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES:

BY: ____________________________________

       Natalie Finnie, Director

Date: ____3/27/2024______________________________

ILLINOIS ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION BOARD:

BY: ___________________________________

       Dr. Joyce Hofmann, Chair

Date: _2/18/2024