IDNR Advisory Board Violates Open Meetings Act

NRAB Board Meeting

Today political parties differ on nearly every issue, but there is one thing that is more American than anything. It is the idea that citizens can get involved in their government. And while these political differences have divided our country, we have to remember to hold our representatives and those that work on behalf of the people accountable for their actions or lack of, regardless of political party.

As many of you know, I have been involved with the IDNR since Director Miller under Governor Quinn and after attending these meetings over several years I have seen a lack of transparency and violations of the Open Meetings Act. This has been an ongoing issue with this board. According to the minutes from January 2018, George Sisk, Legal Counsel for DNR stated when discussing another possible Open Meetings Act violtion that, “The Open Meeting Act’s main purpose is to provide transparency when it comes to governmental operations and we must error on the side of caution when it comes to complying with OMA.”

I am by no means, a lawyer, a scholar, or a politician, I am a citizen of Illinois, a hunter, angler and outdoor enthusiasts. I started Capitol Outdoors to make sure that people like you had the insight and transparency of their government.

I am here to hold this board accountable for what I believe is a continued violation of the Open Meetings Act.

According to Section 2.02 (a) of the Open Meetings Act:

An agenda for each regular meeting shall be posted at the principal office of the public body and at the location where the meeting is to be held at least 48 hours in advance of the holding of the meeting. A public body that has a website that the full-time staff of the public body maintains shall also post on its website the agenda of any regular meetings of the governing body of that public body.

As of 7:47 am this morning the NRAB website was not updated with today’s agenda. I believe this is a clear violation of the Open Meetings Act. This is not the first time that this has happened and as a member of the public how am I supposed to prepare to educate my audience of issues pertaining to this quarter’s meeting when I have no idea what is on the agenda. And in all the meetings I have attended, I have never once received a printed copy of the agenda so this time wouldn’t be any different.

Another issue related to the Open Meetings act are the minutes.

The only record that the general public has been able to see related to the activity of this advisory board over the last year has been the recordings and accounts by Capitol Outdoors. As you can see from the image above, the last minutes posted were from July 30, 2018.

According to Section 2.06 (b) of the Open Meetings Act:

The minutes of meetings open to the public shall be available for public inspection within 10 days after the approval of such minutes by the public body. Beginning July 1, 2006, at the time it complies with the other requirements of this subsection, a public body that has a website that the full-time staff of the public body maintains shall post the minutes of a regular meeting of its governing body open to the public on the public body's website within 10 days after the approval of the minutes by the public body.

I advise this board to get their head out of the gutter, and start holding themselves accountable.  We must ask the question, is the IDNR and this board Communicating, Collaborating and Connecting with the public or is it business as usual?

Tune in to today’s NRAB meeting via our FB page unfortunately we don't know what will be discussed due to lack of agenda.

If you are unfamiliar with NRAB you can read a previous article of ours explaining the purpose of the board.

Constitutional Amendment Guaranteeing the Right to Hunt & Fish Filed in Illinois

Each year thousands of bills and resolutions get filed in Illinois to become law.  Most of these bills get stuck in committee and never really gain any traction.  Bills, however, that have legislator support, constituent support or are overall popular, usually end up seeing movement.  However, popularity doesn't always stem from within the state and outside influence can also start the avalanche of support for a particular bill.  Let's take a look at one of the most recent House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment.

Natural Resources Advisory Board of Illinois

Over the past several years, Capitol Outdoors has been attending NRAB meetings. Now, if you haven't heard of NRAB don't worry, 99% of hunters and anglers haven't. NRAB stands for the Natural Resources Advisory Board and according to the DNR is as follows:

The Advisory Board is statutorily created to advise the agency on long range policies to assist in guiding the protection and conservation of renewable resources of the state and recommend changes in hunting and trapping seasons and bag or possession limits. They also recommend to the Director which projects receive funding in bike, boat, and Open Space Lands Aquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant programs. Members serve six year terms and are appointed by the Governor. The Board holds quarterly meetings with time allotted for public comment on any topic.

In other words, NRAB hears proposals from the DNR and other constituents in order to recommend changes within hunting and fishing seasons, as well as our state parks.

Each quarter NRAB meets to discuss what has happened in the last few months and to discuss any of those possible changes.

Over these past years as we have attended these meetings Capitol Outdoors has realized how there is a gap in how this information travels to the public.  That is why starting at the first 2018 meeting of NRAB we will be broadcasting these meetings live on our Facebook.  This is so that you the hunter, angler and outdoor enthusiast are given the opportunity to be as informed as possible.
   

2018 Meeting Dates: 

January 22nd - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL - Meeting Agenda

April 30th - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL

July 30th - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL

November 19th - To Be Determined - Whittington, IL - 11:00 a.m.

Want to know who is on the Board?

Natural Resources Advisory Board

*Information provided on this website is outdated.  Way to go Illinois!  We've reached out to the IDNR  to get an updated list and roll calls with no response.

Be sure to tune in Monday at 3 p.m. CST to see what NRAB is all about.

Inside Illinois' DNR January 2018

Below is a message from Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Wayne Rosenthal.  As the Director states January 2018 is still a great time to enjoy the outdoors.  Unfortunately, he forgets to mention the remaining days of hunting season, ice fishing season and outdoor shows throughout Illinois which all contribute greatly to our economy and small businesses.

A Message from Director Wayne Rosenthal -

Illinois CPOs Hard at Work Issuing Over 1,800 Citations and Warnings

While we're out in the field waterfowl hunting, deer hunting or just doing a little fishing, Illinois CPOs are hard at work enforcing Illinois wildlife laws.  It's easy to forget about law enforcement officers when you obey the law.  However, just because you and I are responsible doesn't mean accidents or negligence in the field doesn't happen.  Below you'll read about how our CPOs issued over 1,800 citations and warnings in less than a month.  While reading this don't forget about the last big bust in regards to fishing, CPOs cited a father and son who were in possession of over 115 perch!  

Our CPOs are doing the best job the can, especially being understaffed. (IDNR is Seeking Applicants for Conservation Police Officer Training).  But, they can't do it by themselves.  Poaching and those in violations of the law need to be reported and that's where you can help.  Make sure to take out your cell phones and add this number.  Call 1-877-2DNRLAW (236-7529) to report anyone you see who is doing something they shouldn't be!

IDNR Conservation Police Issue More Than 1,800 Citations and Warnings to Violators During Illinois’ Busiest Hunting Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – While firearm deer hunters in Illinois took more than 80,000 deer during the state’s busiest hunting season, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police report just four hunting-related accidents were reported, three of them involving injuries resulting from tree stand falls.

Hunting and Fishing Black Friday Ads 2017

Hunting and Fishing Black Friday Ads 2017

Outdoor Black Friday Ads 2017

Who doesn't like a good deal, right? Whether you are out this Black Fridays shopping for deals or in the blind hunting for ducks, we have gathered some ads for you to look at.

Many people shop on Black Friday for Christmas gifts, however a better idea is to look for deals to replenish your supplies. Stock up on that hunting and fishing gear so that you don't feel it in the wallet when that time comes.

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces New Executive Director

Below you'll find a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announcing the hiring of Eric Schenck as Executive Director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF).  The ICF mission is to "inspire today's youth and tomorrow's leaders by providing quality outdoor education and programs that install interest in conservation, ecology and sustainability".

Eric will make a great fit to the ICF and we look forward to reporting on all the progress the ICF makes.

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces New Executive Director

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Board of Directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) today announced the selection of Eric Schenck as the Foundation’s new executive director.