A self-administered mail survey of 8,079 residents in 9 counties of the Southwestern region of Lake Michigan (6 in Illinois, 2 in northwestern Indiana, 1 in Wisconsin) was undertaken during February through April 2002 to determine residents value orientation, attitudes toward, and knowledge of ecological restoration in tall-grass prairies and oak savannas of the region. Specific focus was given to attitudes toward prescribed burns as a management practice. A total of 1,690 (21%) completed questionnaires were received. Although the overall response rate was low, the original sample reflected an over-sampling of the 9 counties. The final response was within the 95% confidence interval for a bivariate response given the population of the region. The results of the survey are the basis of this report.
This newsletter describes research tools and resources made available by the Illinois State Archives. Articles in this issue include "New genealogical tool on Secretary of State Web site;" "1930 Illinois census released;" "Archives acquires 1732, 1752 Illinois French census records;" "Hard Times in Illinois Depression lives on in Archives teaching materials;" "IRAD welcomes 2002-2003 interns;" and "Archives Publications."