Agencies
Services
PERMITS
General Permits
General Scientific Permit, Herptile Permits, Nature Preserve Special use Permit, and
Permit for Research in Illinois State Parks, Forests, and Conservation Areas
Endangered Species Permits
Scientific, Educational, Zoological/Botanical,
and Limited Possession (Hobbyist)
The mission of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is to manage, conserve, and protect Illinois' natural, recreational, and cultural resources, further the public's understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science, and public safety of Illinois' natural resources for present and future generations. In carrying out this mission, the Department is authorized under Chapter 510 (Act 68), Chapter 515 (Act 5), Chapter 520 (Acts 5 and 10), and Chapter 525 (Act 30) of Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) to make administrative rules and regulations that document, through the issuance of official permits, activities associated with natural resources management. These activities include, but are not limited to, scientific research, educational outreach, habitat acquisition and maintenance, and species propagation and translocation.
Once received, permit applications are carefully reviewed by Program and Administrative staff to ensure that all qualifications set forth in statute and administrative rules are met. The Department retains the sole authority to determine if a permit should be issued and may enact special conditions and reporting requirements. Permits issued by both the Division of Natural Heritage and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission ensure that proposed actions are carried out in a manner that safeguards native plants and animals (many of which are classified as endangered or threatened) and protects the ecological integrity of Illinois' diverse natural communities. Our permits provide a means to document the ethical treatment of natural resources throughout the State of Illinois and enable citizens to responsibly engage in legitimate wildlife management and conservation-related activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law.
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Contact Information
Illinois Department Natural Resources
The Division of Natural Heritage
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
