COLES COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTHY FORESTS:

The Coles County SWCD, in conjunction with its partners, has launched a new conservation program designed to address the health of our county forest resources.  Coles County has approximately 32,000 acres of woodlands.  The majority of the woodlands are of low to poor quality due to invasive plant species and poor resource management.

The program is a one-year pilot program.  The SWCD has hired David Mott to serve as the Woodland Invasive Specialist (WIS).  The WIS, along with college interns, will work with private landowners on an individual basis for up to 10 days in the woods.  They will demonstrate to the landowner how to identify, remove, & manage invasive species.  Each participating landowner will receive a packet containing information on woodland species, an evaluation of his/her woodlands, & information on state & federal programs available to assist them in managing their woodlands. 

The program also has a strong educational component, which aims to increase awareness of invasive species through workshops, articles, & field trips.

The program is sponsored by the Coles County SWCD, Lumpkin Family Foundation, NRCS, Lincoln Heritage Pheasants Forever, Embarras Valley QUWF, IDNR, National Wild Turkey Federation, Embarras Volunteer Stewards, Illinois Forestry Association, & Eastern Illinois University.

Woodland landowners that are interested in participating in the program can download an application and submit it to the SWCD.

Landowner Application

A great article on the impact of invasive species on the regeneration of Oaks.

Giving Oaks a Place to Grow

("Giving Oaks a Place to Grow," as published in the July 2010 issue of the Illinois Department of Naturral Resources' monthly magazine Outdoor Illinois.)