Illinois conservation reserve program sign up 57 and 58

This $450,000.00 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service's Forest Stewardship Program (CFDA 10.678) is funding the Illinois Conservation Reserve Program Sign Up 57 and 58. The project period runs from September 10, 2024 to May 3, 2026. Through this grant, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will deliver a range of sustainable forestry practices and conservation initiatives on non-industrial private and other non-federal forest lands in Illinois. Key activities include providing technical assistance to private landowners, developing forest management plans, monitoring forest health, controlling invasive species, producing and distributing tree seedlings, conducting prescribed burns, and implementing other sustainable forest management strategies. IDNR frequently partners with state universities as sub-grantees to leverage academic expertise and enhance the research and conservation aspects of the project.