In 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the Final Environmental Assessment and Findings of No Significant Impact authorizing the Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area in northeastern Illinois. The Service continued efforts such as encouraging conservation activities by partners, building relationships, and fostering support for the Refuge in the area since authorization. The Friends of the Kankakee, established in 2001, played an important role in gaining community support and remains an important partner in community through outreach and conservation land acquisition in the area. It was through their land acquisitions that Kankakee NWRCA was officially established on May 25, 2016, with the acceptance of a 66-acre donation from the Friends of the Kankakee. 

Board of Directors