HB4713 Summary

• Restructures the 13-member Natural Resources Advisory Board to the Department of Natural Resources by specifying representation requirements: 2 for hunting/fishing, 2 for natural areas protection, 2 for urban conservation, 1 each for parks/recreation, outdoor powersports, trapping, and forestry interests, with 3 at-large residents.

• Abolishes all board member terms effective August 1, 2022, and establishes new staggered 3-year terms with initial appointments expiring January 19, 2024 (4 members), January 21, 2025 (4 members), and January 19, 2026 (5 members).

• Removes the requirement for the Natural Resources Advisory Board to approve Director recommendations on hunting seasons, bag limits, and waterfowl season closures, granting the Director independent authority to make these decisions through administrative rule.

• Eliminates the board's requirement to conduct public meetings prior to grant approval under the Illinois Open Land Trust Act and removes consultation requirements for Department grants and loans to local governments.

• Expands the Advisory Board's advisory role to include forest and woodland ecosystem services, species of greatest conservation need, biodiversity conservation, educational outreach, innovative partnerships, and grant program development.