Welcome to Illinois DNR! 

Featured Articles

1. Article number 1 - National Safe Boating Week Runs Through May 24
2. Article number 2 - Renew Your Watercraft Registration Online
3. Article number 3 - Governor Announces over $15 Million for Parks and Open Space
4. Article number 4 - Featured DNR Site - Sangchris Lake State Recreation Area
5. Article number 5 - Now Accepting Online Campground and Shelter Reservations

• National Safe Boating Week Runs Through May 24

  Illinois Conservation Police (CPOs) are gearing up to help ensure the public’s safety on Illinois waterways throughout the year as part of the observance of National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24. As in years past, CPOs are asking boaters to ‘Wear It!’ while boating this season.

  The ‘Wear It!’ message is a simple, straightforward and easy message to understand. Everyone on board a boat should wear a life jacket from the time they get on until the time they get off the vessel. It could literally save their life.

  “Fastening a flotation device takes just seconds, but that action can save the rest of your life. Life jackets aboard a boat are only effective if they are worn,” said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez. [More]...

  • Boating Safety website

• Renew Your Watercraft Registration Online

  The Department of Natural Resources is not sending out watercraft renewal notices this year. It is your responsibility to make sure that your watercraft registration is current.

  Watercraft owners are able to renew their watercraft registrations anytime 24/7 using a touch-tone telephone (1-866-867-3542) or online. All registration and credit card information supplied to this service is privacy protected. A convenience fee will be added to the regular registration fee to offset the cost of the transaction.

  To use this service, you'll need your Illinois registration and hull ID numbers (located on your registration card), and pen/paper to record your confirmation number.

  Forms of payment include VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and E-Check.

  • Watercraft Registration Renewal Webpage

• Governor Announces over $15 Million for Parks and Open Space

  Governor Pat Quinn has announced $15.3 million in local park projects, funded through the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program (OSLAD), established to expand outdoor recreation and open space in communities throughout Illinois.

  The 45 funded projects include picnic shelters and playgrounds, ball fields and trails, as well as wetland enhancements, prairie restoration and bioswales within local parks. In some instances, funding will enable communities to purchase land to be used for future green space.

  • Link to full press release

• Featured DNR Site - Sangchris Lake State Recreation Area

  Nestled in native forests and brimming with a record-setting bass population, the three-fingered lake extends into both Sangamon and Christian counties, earning it the name "Sangchris."

  Located minutes east of Springfield and its Lincoln attractions, Sangchris Lake serves as a perfect home base for enjoying outdoor activities in central Illinois. Whether you're interested in fishing, boating, camping, hunting or family gatherings, Sangchris Lake provides an abundance of recreational opportunities.

  • Sangchris Lake Website

• Now Accepting Online Campground and Shelter Reservations

  Illinois DNR and Reserve America have teamed up to offer a convenient new way to plan your camping stay! You can now reserve your favorite camping spot, cabin, group camp or shelter using the Reserve America website and secure your camping spot using your Visa or MasterCard.

  • Visit www.reserveamerica.com now to reserve your campsite or shelter.