The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is implementing a new program to increase public access on private land for outdoor recreational activities. Through a three-year grant from the USDA-FSA, the IDNR will lease land from private landowners to provide acres for youth turkey hunting, fishing and boating, as well as birding, outdoor photography, and other similar activities focusing on young outdoor enthusiasts and families.
What is the Illinois Recreational Access Program?
The goal of this program is to provide more places for outdoor recreation while promoting activities toward youth and families. With more than 95% of the land in Illinois privately owned and Illinois ranking 46th among states with public lands, there is a great need to provide additional acreage for public access. With IRAP, private landowners who own at least 40 acres of ground and/or a pond(s), and/or have river and stream access on public waterways can enroll in the program and receive a financial reimbursement from IDNR to allow the public to access these areas. Landowners are not selling or giving up the rights to their land, but merely agreeing to allow the public access to specific areas for the sole purpose of youth turkey hunting, birding, outdoor photography and fishing and boating.
Who is eligible to enroll in this program?
Any landowner who owns at least 40 acres of qualifying land for turkey hunting and/or has adequate access to a stream or river on a public waterway, and/or owns a pond with suitable fish habitat. The proposed leased land must also be in one of the 68 counties that are located within the Illinois or Kaskaskia watershed basin.
How much financial incentive is there to enroll in the program?
IDNR will provide a financial reimbursement to landowners who lease their property in the IRAP. The amount is based upon how many acres enrolled, as well as, what outdoor activities the landowner is willing to allow on their land. The amount of reimbursement is calculated on an annual basis with longer agreement periods resulting in higher reimbursement. Reimbursements are made on an annual basis for both single and multi-year agreements. In addition, landowners will have the opportunity to have habitat management plan written as well as cost-share provided to implement recommended habitat management practices.
When will the landowner receive reimbursement?
Reimbursement for each agreement year will be made by December following the activity. Reimbursements will be based on the type of access activities offered on leased property during the current year.
When does a landowner need to apply for enrollment into the program?
The landowner can apply at any time during the agreement year. However, for the youth turkey hunting, enrollment needs to be in by October 15th, to be eligible for turkey hunting the following spring season. The IDNR will review and decide whether the site becomes enrolled in the program during the current agreement year or is defer="defer"red to the beginning of the next agreement year. If agreement is executed in the middle of an activity season, first year payment will be prorated.
Is a participating landowner liable should the public hurt themselves while accessing their property?
No, the permitted IRAP user (hunter, fisherman, etc.) will have signed a liability waiver further removing liability from the landowner. In addition, the landowner may purchase additional liability insurance coverage that will be reimbursed (the additional purchased liability coverage must be approved by IDNR before it will be reimbursed).
How long can a landowner enroll in the program?
A landowner can choose to enroll in the program on an annual basis or can elect to enroll for multiple years. Bonus incentive payments are available for 2 and 3 year leases. Maximum enrollment in the program initially shall be 3 years.
Can a landowner get out the IRAP lease agreement?
Yes, each lease agreement is for 1 to 3 years with each one having an “opt out” clause so that the landowner can cancel at any time during the lease. The landowner will then be paid
a pro-rated amount on the leased property.
Will there be any special restrictions on the landowner’s property?
Yes, IRAP permitted outdoor recreationalist are not allowed to (1) use alcohol; (2) use off-road vehicles (ATV’s); (3) have campfires; (4) swim; and (5) camp.
Can a participating landowner temporarily close off access to their property?
Yes, under certain conditions the landowner may temporarily close off access to their property for weather, fire danger, or other circumstances that would put the public in danger or jeopardize the resource. The IDNR would need to be notified of any temporary closing.
Will the IDNR post signs on enrolled property?
Yes, IDNR will post signs informing the public about the access site and associated boundaries. Signs may include language concerning where to park vehicles, as well as, rules and regulations at the site. Replacement of signs will be the Department’s responsibility.
The success of this program will hinge upon the participation of qualified landowners and the cooperation of the public using these areas. Landowners will expect the public to have respect for their land and the public will expect ease of access to areas in the agreement. The Department is committed to this program by maintaining proper signage, keeping access areas clean, communicating with landowners, and informing and educating the public about these access sites.
Information, as well as commonly asked questions, about the program can be found at:
www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/IRAP.
For more information you may contact Tammy Miller at (217) 524-1266 or via email at tammy.miller@illinois.gov