Yednock Sponsors Legislation to Support Protected Fish Species

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –  In an effort to promote restoration of Illinois’ native fish species, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is sponsoring a bill to strengthen penalties for those found guilty of capturing, killing or hunting protected fish species.

“Illinois is known for having some of the most beautiful native plants, animals and other species in the United States,” said Yednock “This is an important conservation effort to help protect our native fish and conserve our natural resources and species.”

Yednock’s legislation, Senate Bill 1878, will enforce stricter guidelines concerning protected fish species. Under Senate Bill 1878, any person found violating the Fish and Wildlife Code or administrative rule relating to protected fish species valued in excess of $300 will be faced with a Class 3 Felony. Yednock’s bipartisan legislation is an initiative of the Department of Natural Resources to help protect native species. 

“As a lifetime citizen of the Illinois Valley, I see how important native species are to our state parks like Starved Rock or Matthiessen State Park,” said Yednock. “Our native wildlife is a massive part of our tourism, culture and every day being. It’s important to protect our species for generations to come.”