IL SB1029

Establishes the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program to provide grants to conservation land trusts for stewardship actions on dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves, dedicated buffers, and registered Land and Water Reserves.

Defines eligible conservation land trusts as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entities focused on restoration, stewardship, or conservation of natural areas, excluding organizations with taxing powers, tax collection authority, or eminent domain powers.

Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to make stewardship grants from the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund, with grant amounts capped by administrative rule to avoid adverse impacts on other fund operations.

Requires the Department to adopt administrative rules in consultation with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission regarding grant eligibility, amounts, matching requirements, and notification procedures.

Establishes grant priorities based on alignment with the Illinois Natural Area Plan, Illinois Sustainable Natural Areas Vision, and Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, while considering resource rarity, stewardship need severity, and availability of other resources.