The Department of Natural Resources Illinois received a $13,875,000 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727) to equitably provide technical and financial assistance to communities across Illinois. The funding will support a range of environmental conservation, outdoor recreation, and related activities over a 5-year period, with a specific emphasis and priority on underserved communities. Key initiatives include wildlife and habitat conservation efforts, recreational access improvements, and environmental regulatory work. The Department frequently partners with universities, non-profits, private contractors, and other sub-awardees to leverage specialized technical expertise in implementing these diverse projects.