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HISTORY & HIGHLIGHTS: Conservation in an Urban Setting Although the City of Chicago is highly urbanized, the region still has numerous preserves and parks that contain examples of most plant communities found here prior to European settlement.   This office was established in 1991, as the "Chicago Metro Wetlands Office." As the name implies, our original focus was to support conservation of wetlands habitats being impacted by increasing urbanization.  Since then, we have played an expanding and instrumental role in the conservation of the diverse aquatic and terrestrial habitats in northeastern Illinois.     CHICAGO ILLINOIS FIELD OFFICE GOALS Preserve, protect, enhance, and restore terrestrial and aquatic habitats for Service trust resources. Promote environmental education in the Chicago metropolitan area and throughout Illinois.

OFFICE ACTIVITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS Our diverse and active program areas have allowed us numerous opportunities to provide leadership and technical advice, or to participate as partners in local conservation issues and initiatives.  Those listed below are just a few examples: Local Partnerships The region and it's citizens are fortunate to have a large number of Federal, State, and local government agencies, citizens groups, non-government organizations, and scientists that have missions or interests in natural resource management, conservation, and stewardship.  We are represented in, and contribute biological expertise to several local conservation partnerships.  Examples of this kind of service include:  We are an active member and leader in the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council, more popularly known as "Chicago Wilderness".  This coalition currently consists of over 170 member groups interested in conserving open space, biodiversity and natural resources of the region. For additional information about our role in Chicago Wilderness see this Fact Sheet. We provide technical assistance and representation to several local watershed and ecosystem partnerships. Coordinated the "Urban Bird Treaty" signed by the City of Chicago and the Service in March 2000.   Interaction With Other Federal Agencies Participated in development of a mitigation banking agreement for the Chicago Metropolitan Area in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Work with the U.S. Forest Service and provide technical review and comment of plans for the restoration of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Represent the Service as a Federal partner with the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Urban Resources Partnership in Chicago. Work with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources to study contamination of the former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, and plan clean up.  Under authority of the Sikes Act, reviewed and are assisting with implementation of Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans for The Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and the Joliet Army Training Center.  Education and Outreach Implemented a program of teacher training workshops and outreach activities that provide accurate, quality information about fish and wildlife resources and habitats. Endangered Species As the Service's lead office for three listed species, we coordinated recovery plans for the federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid, Hine's emerald dragonfly, and Mead's milkweed (draft soon to be released for public comment). Provide support for The Nature Conservancy to coordinate Illinois volunteer efforts to restore the federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid, and monitor several northeast Illinois populations of this species. Negotiated mitigation plans with local industries and corporations to protect and restore habitat for the federally endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly and the threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid. Active participant in efforts to conserve/restore northeastern Illinois populations of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, a candidate for listing as a federally threatened or endangered species.     Habitat Restoration-Partners for Fish and Wildlife  Developed agreements with The Conservation Fund and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for Northeastern Illinois Wetland Conservation accounts to fund nearly $4 million in wetland restoration activities in the Chicago region. Work with landowners interested in preserving or restoring habitat on their properties. Conducted a resource inventory of the Chicago River, and remain actively involved in wetland restorations that will benefit this aquatic resource. Responsible for administering grants and technical assistance for natural resources projects sponsored by citizen groups, educational institutions and local agencies.

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This page last updated August 25, 2004 .