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Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Endangered Species Protection Board

The mission of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board (ESPB/Board) is to protect those species of plants and animals native to Illinois which are in danger of being lost from the wild in Illinois.

The Board was created by the passage of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act in 1972. The Board consists of nine members who are appointed by the Governor, and the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR/Department) as a non-voting member. By law, the members include at least six naturalists, including at least two zoologists, two ecologists, and one botanist.

NOTICE: Petitions for changes to the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species must be submitted to dnr.espb@illinois.gov by October 25, 2024 to be considered for the 2025 list revision.

The 205th meeting of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board will be held on: 

February 21, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Director's Boardroom, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702.  A virtual meeting option will be available.