IL HB4335

Amends the Illinois Forestry Development Act to modify forest land maintenance requirements beginning in tax year 2018.

Eligible land must be maintained in forest condition for 10 years or until commercial harvest (whichever occurs later), or alternatively for up to 20 years as required by the approved management plan.

Timber growers with Department-approved forest management plans can receive cost-share payments of up to 80% of total forest management practice costs from appropriated funds.

Timber growers who paid 4% timber sales fees under the Timber Buyers Licensing Act may receive priority approval and increased cost-share amounts equal to fees paid in the 2 preceding fiscal years.

Timber growers who transfer land or change land use must forfeit future payments and refund all payments received in the previous 10 years unless the new owner assumes all plan obligations.