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IDNR
online site provides detailed information for anglers
Send a link to a friend
Web
resource
proves popular in first year
[JULY 8, 2005]
SPRINGFIELD -- As fishing season begins in
Illinois, a website continues to provide detailed information for
anglers. The site,
www.ifishillinois.org, includes information on places to fish,
how to get a fishing license, scientific research about fishing,
activities for families and kids, and opportunities for anglers who
are disabled.
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"Before taking off on a fishing trip, I'd encourage anglers
to stop off on the information superhighway," said Joel Brunsvold,
Illinois Department of Natural Resources director. "This is even a
good place to visit on your computer on afternoons when you're
daydreaming about fishing. This is an example of the state of
Illinois helping the average resident maximize enjoyment in their
leisure time." The website debuted last spring. Last year, during the
2004 fishing season, the site was visited 1.7 million times. Since
April 1, usage has increased, with more than 100,000 hits each week.
The website can be reached independently, or through the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources, at
www.dnr.state.il.us.
The website is updated regularly, to include weekly fishing
reports, sport fishing prospects and angler records. Information is
provided about more than 70 inland lakes, eight major rivers and
streams, and Lake Michigan. Lake maps are included.
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"The wealth of information would be overwhelming, if it weren't
so clearly labeled," said Mike Conlin, IDNR director of resource
conservation. "The features for families are especially appealing.
We even show kids locations where they can check out fishing gear if
they don't have any of their own.
The department's fisheries programs are also highlighted on the
website, including information on the Tackle Loaner, Urban Fishing,
and Hatcheries and Stocking programs. The website
was developed cooperatively by two divisions of the Department of
Natural Resources -- the Division of Fisheries and the Illinois
Natural History Survey -- and is partially funded by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Fund.
[Illinois
Department of Natural Resources news release]
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