Land-cover Mapping: In 1996 Illinois Land Cover: An Atlas was published using data from satellite imagery (taken during 1991-1995) and digitized maps of county and township boundaries, roadways, and stream corridors. This includes a geographic information system (GIS) database, also available on compact disc, that provides a level of detail appropriate for regional analysis. These same data were used to provide a means of randomly choosing locations across the state, the basic unit of sample being the township, of which there are 1,700 available. Randomization also occurred within townships. So, one can see that without land-cover mapping, the program would be severely handicapped. This disc is available to ecosystem partnerships across the state to provide GIS capabilities for planning purposes.
The mapping of presettlement vegetation is another CTAP-funded project that will enable the State of Illinois to map, as accurately as possible, the original extent of Illinois ecosystems. Archived government land surveys that originally laid out counties, townships, sections, and property lines are a rich store of information on vegetative cover due to notes kept by surveyors. Interpreting these historic documents gives a reasonably accurate picture of the extent of ecosystems across the state. Without this type of information, the state must rely on other, possibly less accurate, portrayals of the original vegetative cover in an area. Other projects include updating of land cover with new satellite imagery in rapidly developing areas (i.e., suburban areas) to measure changing land use.
Regional Assessments: The state scientific surveys and the Illinois State Museum have been involved since 1996 in summarizing existing environmental data for use by citizen-led ecosystem partnerships. Partnerships are coalitions of local private landowners, business people, natural scientists, recreation enthusiasts, and local policy makers that have a common interest in the natural resources of their area. They are supported both financially and with information (assessments, land-cover data, advice) by Conservation 2000, a multiyear initiative to preserve and restore Illinois' natural resources.
Regional assessments are comprised of four volumes: Geological, Water Resources, Living Resources, and Socio-Economic Profile/ Environmental Quality/ Archeological Resources/ Early Accounts. A color brochure, An Inventory of the Region's Resources, accompanies these four. To date, 22 regional assessments have been completed. Six more will be finished by late 2000, while four additional regions will be covered in 2001. Set your browser to http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/c2000/index.htm to learn if an assessment exists for your region. To order copies of regional assessments call the IDNR Clearinghouse at (217) 782-7498 or TDD (217) 782-9175.
Education: Since large numbers of citizen scientists help monitor the condition of Illinois ecosystems, an educational component is necessary to train volunteers. A small number of trainers, stationed at six locations across the state, support this army of volunteers. These INHS employees hold training workshops, accompany new volunteers to the field, give talks to local organizations, and provide quality assurance for volunteer data. Without these dedicated employees, the volunteer monitoring effort would not be successful.
Dr. Michael R. Jeffords and Carolyn Nixon, both INHS employees, provide support for the development of programs and teaching aides for the Illinois EcoWatch Network. They have been instrumental in the development of WetlandWatch and in revamping the RiverWatch monitoring manual. Dr. Jeffords is also involved in the PLAN-IT EARTH program--Pairing Learners and Nature with Innovative Technology for the Environmental Assessment of Resources Trends and Habitats. High school students participate in a hands-on environmental sciences program designed to meet several goals set by the State Board of Education. These high school students use EcoWatch monitoring procedures, submit the data to a central database, and prepare reports on their activities for class. In this way, EcoWatch gains data and instills a sense of citizenship. An added bonus is that some of these students become dedicated and well-trained volunteers after they leave high school.
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