IL SB2781

Establishes the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Program administered by the Department of Natural Resources to restore degraded forest lands, native prairies, and promote native vegetation that removes carbon dioxide and mitigates climate change.

Designates eligible applicants including state agencies, units of local government (municipalities, townships, counties, forest preserves, park districts), conservation land trusts, and not-for-profit conservation organizations.

Requires at least 75% of appropriated moneys be awarded to grants, allows up to 23% for direct restoration projects, and permits up to 2% for administrative costs.

Permits grant funds to be used for matching federal or private dollars, planting native trees and prairie grasses, stewardship of existing forests and natural lands, funding regional restoration teams, and promoting educational outreach.

Creates a Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Fund that may receive appropriations from the General Assembly, federal government, private donations, or other legal sources to administer the grant program.