In 1972, the school children of Illinois selected the white oak,
(_Quercus alba_ L.), as the state tree. It is truly representative for
it can be found throughout the state on a variety of sites. It grows to
its largest size on upland, cool, well-drained coves, slopes, and
terraces where it often reaches 100 feet of height and 3 feet of
diameter.
White oak is one of Illinois’ most valuable trees. It makes an excellent
shade tree of majestic beauty with a broad round head and wide spreading
branches. Commercially it is an extremely valuable species used for
lumber, veneer, barrels, furniture, flooring, and construction.
This species is also a part of our national heritage. In the war of
1812, sailors reported that during battle, cannon balls bounced off the
hull of the U.S.S. Constitution. White oak helped make her “Old
Ironsides” and a part of our history.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
DIVISION OF FORESTRY
The Legislature has given this Division the responsibility for all
activities concerning the forest and tree resource of Illinois. The
Division strives to fulfill its responsibilities by:
—protecting the resource against all detrimental factors such as fire,
insects and diseases, improper harvesting, etc.
—making the public aware of the importance of this resource to the
state’s health and economy.
—motivating and providing technical guidance to forest and tree owners
for proper management.
—practicing and demonstrating proper forest management principles on
Department lands.
The main objectives of this Division are to promote and achieve on
suitable public and private lands the establishment, protection,
management, use, and perpetuation of our tree resource for all of the
benefits which may be derived from them.
The Division cooperates with and makes full use of federal, state, and
private agency programs, efforts and monies to achieve Division
objectives and benefit forestry in Illinois. Formal cooperative
agreements exist with the United States Forest Service, U.S.D.A. Soil
Conservation Service, Extension Service and other groups, associations
and clubs active in forestry and its related fields.
The efforts of the Division are channeled through five disciplines: fire
control, forest management, reforestation, marketing and utilization,
and urban and community forestry. Each of these sections has technical
leadership at state level plus resource specialists for field
accomplishments. These five efforts intertwine very strongly at field
level where all personnel carry out certain parts of these programs in
designated geographic areas.