Section 1515.70  Illinois Conservation Management Plans

a)         Illinois CREP Acreage shall be operated and maintained by Landowners pursuant to an Illinois Conservation Management Plan for the duration of the Illinois CREP Grant of Conservation Right and Easement Agreement.

b)         Illinois Conservation Management Plans are to be negotiated between IDNR and the Landowner during the Illinois CREP enrollment process.  Illinois Conservation Management Plans are an enforceable component of the Illinois CREP Grant of Conservation Right and Easement Agreement.

c)         Illinois Conservation Management Plans shall be designed to further the following Illinois CREP programmatic goals, listed in order of priority:

1)         Protect and enhance water quality;

2)         Protect and enhance general wildlife habitat;

3)         Protect and enhance general aquatic habitat;

4)         Protect threatened and endangered species; and

5)         Promote outdoor recreation.

d)         Illinois Conservation Management Plans document current Illinois CREP Acreage conditions and set forth conservation management strategies and actions.  Plans will specifically address the following on enrolled acres:

1)         Documentation of the status of the enrolled acres related to each of the programmatic goals set forth in subsection (c);

2)         Required and recommended conservation management strategies and actions for Landowner implementation to meet the goals set forth in subsection (c);

3)         Required and recommended direction on Landowner usage, development, and construction activities;

4)         Required and recommended actions on roads or trails;

5)         Required installation of Illinois CREP signage, if applicable;

6)         Voluntary inclusion of scientific research, if applicable; and

7)         Any other issues appropriate to the enrolled acres.

e)         Illinois Conservation Management Plans may only be modified by written agreement of IDNR or an SWCD and the Landowner.  Landowners must request modifications to their Plan in writing to IDNR or the SWCD.  IDNR and the SWCD shall only approve requested modifications that:

1)         Protect the Illinois CREP programmatic goals set forth in subsection (c); and

2)         Apply to acreage that is not in violation of the Illinois CREP Grant of Conservation Right and Easement Agreement, unless the modification is part of an agreement to correct the violation.

(Source: Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 5986, effective March 30, 2022)