Among the many challenges the state of Illinois faces in its efforts to manage its natural resources is preserving and enhancing biological resources in a landscape that is more than 90% privately owned.  The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is designed to encourage landowners to manage their land in a way that protects Illinois’ limited environmental resources by restoring native species, reducing the impacts of invasive species, increasing the population of species of greatest conservation need, and reducing forest fragmentation in Illinois.

Landowners who have at least five acres of unimproved land and are willing to commit to developing and implementing a habitat management plan for their property may apply for CSP in exchange for reduced valuation of property taxes.

About the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

The mission of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is to manage, conserve and protect Illinois’ natural, recreational, and cultural resources; further the public’s understanding and appreciation of those resources; and promote the education, science, and public safety of Illinois’ natural resources for present and future generations.