615 ILCS 35/2

(615 ILCS 35/2) (from Ch. 19, par. 31)

Sec. 2.

No claim, other than that of the State, to any of the lands and
premises, shall be recognized by the Department of Natural Resources or by any
other officer of the State, except in cases where
such claim is based upon the valid deed, contract, lease or permit of the
proper officers of the State.  It shall be the duty of the Department of
Natural Resources to protect the rights of the State
against any one who may have improperly seized or
occupied any of the lands or premises and to that end it may employ any and
all means which may be lawfully used in protecting the property of the
State.

(Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)