The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will discontinue publication of its Outdoor Illinois magazine after the March issue.
Outdoor Illinois, a full-color, slick-paper monthly magazine with a circulation of more than 26,000, has highlighted agency programs and featured articles and photos from state parks and natural areas.
DNR spokesman Chris McCloud said an expanded Web presence will take the place of the printed magazine, which has a staff of four. McCloud said he was not aware of any layoffs planned.
The closing was announced on DNR’s Facebook page Monday.“Sad news to share with Outdoor Illinois readers today,” the post read. “As most of you are aware, declining revenues and massive budget shortfalls have had a deep impact on state operations.
“Nobody has been spared, and the inevitable choice we must make is a heartbreaking announcement: The March 2012 issue will be the last.”Subscribers will receive letters outlining the refund process, according to the Facebook page.
Tom Clay, executive director of the Illinois Audubon Society, said he understands the state’s tight financial picture, but the loss of Outdoor Illinois is still painful.“With the Illinois Steward gone, that only leaves two statewide conservation magazines — and now only one,” Clay said. “It is kind of a blow to those people who care about conservation and want to stay updated.
