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USDA grant to encourage landowners to allow public access to land

Land Access Program expands as demand and popularity increase

information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 2, 2020) – “What an innovative way to protect wildlife habitat, open new outdoor opportunities for the public, and generate revenue for private landowners,” said Ivan Dozier, Illinois State Conservationist.

Dozier was referring to the $2 million+ grant the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The grant is intended to encourage private landowners to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. Illinois was 1 of 27 states that will receive awards through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).

IDNR’s Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) was developed in 2011 from its first VPA-HIP grant and has continued to expand as demand and popularity of the program increases with private landowners and outdoor enthusiasts.

IDNR Director Collen Callahan added, “IRAP is a wonderful program that increases public access in Illinois for hunters, anglers, and other outdoor recreationalists while at the same time assisting private landowners with habitat improvements on their land.”

IRAP will use grant funds to lease additional properties near urban areas in Illinois and those enrolled in NRCS’ Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which offers Wetland Reserve Easement options. New and expanded activities such as youth shotgun deer hunting and archery deer hunter days also will be added.

“We already have more than 25 landowners waiting to sign up with this new grant, so I’m looking forward to expanding in new areas,” said Tammy Miller, manager, IRAP.

IRAP currently leases approximately 22,000 acres in 49 counties for turkey, deer, waterfowl, squirrel, rabbit, pheasant, and quail hunting, and fishing. More than 12,500 acres have been enhanced through various habitat improvement projects on these leased acres.

“In Illinois, 97 percent of land is privately owned, with 85 percent of that land owned by farmers, which greatly restricts land access,” Callahan said. “With our state sites temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRAP program—and IDNR’s relationship with NRCS and the VPA-HIP program—is needed now more than ever.”

More information on the IRAP program can be found at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/conservation/IRAP, or contact staff at [email protected].

The Lansing Journal
The Lansing Journalhttps://thelansingjournal.com
The Lansing Journal publishes news releases from state, county, and local officials who provide information that impacts local community life. The particular contributor of each post is indicated in the byline.