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FIVE SELECTED FOR INDUCTION INTO NEW ILLINOIS OUTDOOR HALL OF FAME

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Five individuals, each acclaimed for a life-long commitment to natural resource protection and outdoor recreation in Illinois, have been selected for induction into the new Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, a program of the Illinois Conservation Foundation, Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning announced today.

"These five individuals, each in his own way, have helped make Illinois a better place to live, work and play through their dedication to the outdoors," said Manning, who serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. "We can all draw inspiration from their efforts in protecting, promoting and enhancing the natural wonders of our state."

The inaugural class of Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Frank C. Bellrose, Havana, one of the world's foremost authorities on waterfowl and wetlands. His research career spanned more than 50 years with the Illinois Natural History Survey. His books Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America and Ecology and Management of the Wood Duck both received Wilderness Society "Book of the Year" honors. Frank is the namesake of the INHS Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center near Havana.

• Jack Ehresman, Hanna City, outdoors columnist for the Peoria Journal-Star for 30 years until his retirement in 1997, part of a 45-year sportswriting career at the newspaper. Jack wrote more than 7,500 columns on outdoors activities and issues, receiving numerous state, regional and national awards for his insight into the needs and interests of hunters, anglers and conservationists.

• James Helfrich, Hammond, a 33-year employee of the Illinois Department of Conservation, who served as the agency's assistant director from 1977 until his death in 1986. A former state police trooper, Jim championed conservation education, preservation and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities as a Department of Conservation staff writer, administrator, legislative liaison and assistant director. The Department of Natural Resources' Helfrich Wildlife Propagation Center near Lincoln is named in his honor.

• John Husar, Willow Springs, award-winning sportswriter and columnist for the Chicago Tribune. From 1984 until his death in 2000, John was among the nation's premier outdoors writers. Through his columns and through personal contact with policymakers, he was a forceful advocate for wildlife restoration, hunting and fishing access in Illinois, natural resources protection world-wide, and the life-enhancing value of spending time outdoors.

• Gene Morgan, Sesser, high school biology teacher and founder of the Sesser-Valier High School Outdoorsmen's Club. Gene engages his students in conservation education through bird, plant and forestry management activities, wildlife research and recycling initiatives. His Outdoorsmen's Club members provide outdoor recreation opportunities to people with disabilities through activities including an annual deer hunt and participation in special events for youngsters with developmental disabilities in southern Illinois.

They will be inducted during ceremonies at the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Feb. 1, 2002 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

The banquet will also feature a raffle, a 200-item silent auction and a live auction. Auction items will include a Triton bass boat, motor and trailer; a Tracker walleye boat, motor and trailer; a camouflage waterfowl boat with motor and trailer; a state parks lodge tour including accommodations and meals; and, a variety of hunting and fishing trip opportunities.

For more information on the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet, contact Ron Allen, Illinois Conservation Foundation, 524 South Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, phone 217/785-9371, or check the ICF Web site at www.ilcf.org.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation, an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1995, has raised more than $10.4 million to support the programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information, contact Executive Director John Schmitt at 312/814-7237.