C04 - ATTACHMENT 2A Exhibit 1-IL_Map.pdf

This is a USDA compensation rates map and data table for agricultural conservation programs in Illinois for Fiscal Year 2026.

The document presents appraisal and cropland compensation rates across three distinct Illinois regions: Chicago Metro Area, Central Corn Belt Plains, and Interior River Valleys and Hills. The Chicago Metro Area has the highest appraisal rate at $10,896.00 with a cropland minimum of 10 acres and a maximum of N/A, while non-cropland rates are N/A. Both the Central Corn Belt Plains and Interior River Valleys and Hills regions have identical appraisal rates of $6,830.00 and $5,852.00 respectively, with consistent 10-acre minimum thresholds and N/A maximum acreage limits for both cropland and non-cropland designations. The GARC (Guaranteed Appraisal Rate Cap) percent is 95% across all regions. The compensation package is applicable to FY2026 ACEP-WRE (Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Wetland Reserve Easements) and EWPP-FPE (Easement Programs) enrollments. A critical note indicates that offers under 10 acres or those outside defined GARC land use definitions will require an appraisal, with the GARC rate in the region where the property is located serving as the Not to Exceed rate. The document was created on January 29, 2026, and has been reviewed and approved by the USDA Easement Programs Division for FY2026 ACEP enrollment purposes.