IL HB1087

Amends the Illinois Forestry Development Act to increase the minimum land requirement for timber growers to participate in the cost share program from 5 to 10 contiguous acres, with grandfathering provisions for existing approved plans under 10 acres.

Changes forest management plan evaluation schedule from annual to every 2 years for reapproval by the Department of Natural Resources.

Creates the 29-member Illinois Forestry Development Council with representatives from state agencies, General Assembly, universities, timber industry, environmental organizations, and agricultural interests to study and evaluate forest resources and recommend state actions.

Modifies cost share provisions to allow timber growers who paid timber sales fees to receive priority approval and increased cost share amounts equal to fees paid in the 2 prior fiscal years, not to exceed the total cost of approved practices.

Updates federal agency references from "Soil Conservation Service" and "Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service" to "Natural Resource Conservation Service" and "Farm Service Agency" respectively.