The Department of Conservation (created 1925) succeeded the Dept. of Agriculture's Division of Fish and Game in administering state fish and game codes. Additionally, the department was charged with water pollution prevention and forestry promotion responsibilities. Upon assumming the powers of the Illinois Park Commission (1909-1917) from the Dept. of Public Works and Buildings (1951), the department became responsible for state monuments and memorials; and the state park system. Other departmental duties have included land reclamation (1961) and historical site registration (1976). The Dept. of Natural Resources was created (July 1, 1995) with the consolidation of Dept. of Conservation, Department of Mines & Minerals, Abandoned Mined Lands Reclamation Council, Division of Water Resources from Dept. of Transportation, and portions of Department of Energy and Natural Resources.
From the description of Parks and Memorials Division administrative files, 1921-1980. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 36592456
