Allan S. Mickelson

Allan S. Michelson, former State Forester for the Illinois Department of Conservation (DOC), later the Illinois Department of Natural REsources (IDNR), passed away the morning of February 13, 2024.

Al was born on September 11, 1938 in Whiteside County, Illinois. After he graduated from Fulton Community High School, he attended the University of Illinois where he graduated with a degree in Forestry. He went to work with the State of Illinois DOC as an entry-level forester stationed in Paxton, Illinois. He later moved on to Springfield headquarters of the Division of Forestry where he managed the nursery program, and was promoted to Assistant State Forester and then State Forester. He served in that position until he retired in 1991 with more than 35 years of service to the State of Illinois. 

During his tenure as State Forester, he advanced the services of the DOC/IDNR and the Forestry Division not only to the forest landowners of the State but also nationally. He was part of those involved in the writing and passage of Illinois' Forestry Development Act and other legislation that affected forestry in Illinois. Nationally Al was involved with the National Association of State Foresters. He served for many years as Chair of the Urban Forestry Committee which guided that program's growth throughout the nation. He also started Illinois' urban forestry program. He helped create the Division of Natural Heritage in the DOC. Over the years Al helped lobby for General Revenue funds to the IDNR. The State Legislature presented Al with an award upon his retirement for his strong advocacy for forestry.

Contributions in Allan Mickelson's name to a fund with the Illinois Conservation Foundation will be utilized by the Nursery program and the Urban Forestry programs in the IDNR.