Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) fisheries biologists are collecting live Christmas trees to be used as fish habitat in local lakes after the holidays.
The collected trees will be bundled together, weighted, and submerged at lakes, providing critical habitat for multiple fish species and promoting algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers. The trees will naturally decompose over time.
Maps and coordinates of the tree habitat locations are available online or from each lake's biologist. Visit the IDNR Office of Fisheries website for drop-off location information and instructions. Trees should be placed only in the designated area for each site and only during the designated drop-off dates. Trees must be free of stands, lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Wreaths and garlands will not be accepted.
Drop-off locations and dates include the following:
Jasper County
Newton State Fish and Wildlife Area
Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
Place trees at designated area on northwest side of the parking lot near boat ramp.
Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
Place trees in designated area near southwest boat ramp.
Lawrence County
Red Hills State Park
Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
Richland County
Olney Municipal Parking Lot
Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
Place trees in designated area northeast corner of parking lot.
Wabash County
Beall Woods State Park
Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
Place trees in designated area near the boat ramp.
Wayne County
Sam Dale State Fish and Wildlife Area
Dec. 28 to Jan. 19
Place trees in designated area near the boat ramp.
Indiana Gov. Braun secures federal assistance, provides update on statewide storm response
Lawrenceville receives federal E.P.A. report on public water system
Knox County tornado assessment issued by the NWS
Knox County farm to be featured Friday at Indiana State Fair
St Francisville looking to curb speeding on recently repaired bridge
IDPH announces it is not adopting new vaccination guidelines
Bridgeport undergoes OHSA inspection and cleaning of water wells
Sumner formally applies for state grant
Yochum Indiana State Senate campaign derailed
Three arrested in domestic incidents in Lawrenceville
Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program application period is open
Salyers stepping down from Lawrence County Chamber
17 miles of U.S. 40 paving in Clark County
Traffic patterns to change for Illinois State Fair
