Section 1523.50  Evaluation of Ecosystem Partnership

The Department will review the status of each Ecosystem Partnership, after the third year following designation of the Partnership.  Based upon this review, the Director may reaffirm the designation, withdraw the designation, or place the partnership on probation.  If placed on probation, the Ecosystem Partnership must correct the issues of concern within 12 months from the receipt of written notification that the Ecosystem Partnership has been placed on probation.  The written notification will detail the issues the Department has identified.  If the issues are not resolved to the Department's satisfaction within the 12 month period, the Director will withdraw designation.  If the designation is withdrawn, the Ecosystem Partnerships will no longer be eligible for Ecosystem Partnership support, Vision Plan or project funding. The Department's review shall consider, at a minimum, the following criteria:

a)         Whether the Ecosystem Partnership continues to meet the conditions set forth in this Part.

b)         Whether the Ecosystem Partnership has demonstrated sound fiscal accountability and complied with the terms and conditions of grants awarded it.

c)         Whether the Ecosystem Partnership has completed an Ecosystem Vision Plan, or equivalent plan, and is implementing provisions of the plan.

d)         Whether the Ecosystem Partnership has demonstrated progress towards meeting adopted goals.

e)         Whether the actions of the LPC maintain the integrity of the program and are consistent with the mission and intent of the Ecosystems Program.

f)         Whether the Ecosystem Partnership has sought and gained non-profit status.

g)         Whether quality grants were submitted in the Ecosystem Partnership Area and whether the Ecosystem Partnership tracked and monitored funded grants to ensure that they were executed and completed in a timely manner.

h)         Whether the Ecosystem Partnership utilizes natural resource monitoring to show progress towards improving biodiversity and ecosystem health.

i)          Whether the Ecosystem Partnership has the ability to integrate research and data collection efforts with statewide data collection, management storage and retrieval systems.

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 1144, effective January 9, 2003)