IL HB3070

Amends the Illinois Forestry Development Act to allow eligible forestland to be maintained in forest condition for either 10 years or until commercial harvest (whichever occurs later), or for up to 20 years as required by the management plan, beginning in tax year 2019.

Requires timber growers participating in the forest development cost share program to own or operate at least 10 contiguous acres of timberland and submit a Department-approved forest management plan that includes harvest schedules, management practices, and conservation goals.

Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to provide cost share funding of up to 80% of approved forest management practices from appropriated funds in the Illinois Forestry Development Fund or other state funds.

Grants priority approval and increased cost share amounts to timber growers who paid 4% timber sale fees under the Timber Buyers Licensing Act, with the increased amount equal to fees paid in the 2 fiscal years preceding approval.

Requires timber growers to forfeit future payments and refund all previous payments received during the prior 10 years if they transfer land ownership or change land use, unless the new owner assumes all plan obligations.