Section 1537.42  Recreational Use and Aesthetics

a)         Recreation and aesthetic use and visual quality considerations that are compatible with forestry practices, goals and objectives are encouraged.  Intensive uses such as commercial campgrounds, off-road vehicle parks, or similar endeavors are not permitted.  Passive and/or nonintensive recreational and aesthetic activities that may produce revenue are allowed.

b)         Air, soil and water quality conservation must consider soils, topography and riparian areas when choosing silvicultural treatments and practices.  Measures to reduce and stabilize soil erosion shall be included.  Implementation must adhere to federal, State, county and local laws and regulations.

c)         Wetlands described in the Plan must be conserved and considered when choosing silvicultural treatments and practices.  Ecological values of conserving wetlands and forested wetlands shall be discussed.

d)         Fish, wildlife and biodiversity habitat practices that enhance terrestrial and aquatic species should be integrated into the Plan. Prescriptions should be consistent with the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan.

e)         Forest health and protection concerns are to be integrated into stand prescriptions and practices.  Forest health threats or conditions must be addressed, as well as appropriate procedures to detect and adjust management for significant biological and environmental concerns.

f)         Threatened and endangered plant and animal species, as well as special cultural, historical and archaeological resources, must be identified to the extent possible by consulting the Ecological Compliance Assessment Tool (EcoCAT) inventory database available on the IDNR website, through field observations and via communication with timber growers and natural resource specialists.  Management recommendations and requirements for rare, threatened or endangered species must be discussed with qualified experts and, if a federally listed species requiring habitat protection or special Illinois cultural sites exist, the Plan will be adjusted.

(Source:  Amended at 41 Ill. Reg. 15790, effective December 18, 2017)