CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

            A common myth about natural areas is that they do not need our care. The assumption is that land not cropped or otherwise improved does not need to be managed. The fact is that erosion from unimproved land puts sediment and pollutants into rivers and streams, and so threatens drinking water supplies and damages habitat for fish and aquatic species.

            In a move to provide management to unimproved private land, the Illinois Legislature approved a bill that was signed into law by Governor Blagojevich on October 1, 2007. This bill creates the Conservation Stewardship Program. The bill offers the incentive of reduced valuation for property taxes to landowners who are willing to commit to maintaining and managing unimproved land. To take advantage of this program, landowners are required to prepare a Conservation Management Plan describing how the land will be managed to protect and maintain environmental resources.

            The Conservation Management Plan allows for a 5-year implementation schedule. Management objectives suggested are: maintenance of current conditions, restoration to historic habitat type, erosion control, enhancement of selected species, and improved hunting. Conservation practices may include: tree planting, grass planting, tree removal, mowing, prescribed burning, wetland creation, exotic species control, or trail construction. The landowner may designate additional objectives and practices.

            Land eligible for enrollment includes: five or more contiguous acres of unimproved land – unimproved means woodlands, prairie, wetlands or other vacant and undeveloped land that is not used for any residential or commercial purpose that materially disturbs the land. Land in a forestry management plan or encumbered by conservation rights is also eligible.

            No fees are associated with enrolling. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will review the plan and provide notification to the Department of Revenue when your plan is approved. The DNR expects most landowners to be able to write their own plans using the on-line application system.

            Although no deadlines are established, applications should be submitted to DNR before valuations of land in your county are established for 2008 – get this date from the county assessor. DNR recommends that landowners submit their plans at least 45 days before the date provided by the assessor. The change in valuation will be reflected in the 2009 tax bill.   More information and the application can be found at http://www.dnr.state.il.us/Stewardship/index.htm

            If you are a landowner and have unimproved land, include conservation management in your spring plan of work. The Conservation Stewardship Program is one way that every taxpayer supports your conservation efforts that benefit us all.

            Other conservation programs may be available for your land. Stop in and inquire of the staff of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Soil and Water Conservation District. In Stephenson County, you can find them at the USDA Service Center at 1620 South Galena Avenue.

Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer, NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District, an equal opportunity provider and employer, 01/23/08 (for publication on 02/02/08 in the Journal-Standard, Freeport, Illinois). Della can be reached at info@stephensonswcd.org