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Forestry Incentives & Cost-Share Programs

Financial Assistance for Illinois Forest Landowners

Good forest management is an investment in the future. Fortunately, Illinois forest landowners may be eligible for financial assistance to help offset the cost of activities that improve forest health, wildlife habitat, timber production, regeneration, and long-term forest resilience.

Several state and federal programs provide cost-share assistance for eligible forestry practices. Requirements, funding levels, eligible practices, and application periods vary by program.

Always contact the appropriate program representative before beginning work. In most cases, practices must be approved before work begins to qualify for cost-share reimbursement.

Illinois Forestry Development Act Cost-Share Program

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Forestry Development Act (FDA) Cost-Share Program provides financial assistance to eligible private forest landowners for approved forest management practices.

The program is funded through the 4% timber harvest fee collected on timber sales in Illinois. Its purpose is to encourage the establishment, management, and sustainable use of Illinois forests.

What Can the Program Help Fund?

Depending on current program priorities and available funding, eligible practices may include:

  • Forest management planning
  • Forest stand improvement
  • Tree planting and reforestation
  • Afforestation
  • Regeneration and forest establishment
  • Invasive and exotic species control
  • Other approved forest management practices

Cost-share amounts vary by practice. Current program rules establish specific payment rates and eligibility requirements rather than providing a single reimbursement percentage for every project.

Who Is Eligible?

Generally, a timber grower must own or operate at least 10 contiguous acres of land in Illinois on which timber is produced, with certain exceptions for existing participants. An IDNR-approved Forest Management Plan is required for participation.

A Forest Management Plan helps landowners identify their objectives and establish a long-term strategy for managing timber, wildlife habitat, forest health, regeneration, soil and water resources, and other values.

Important: Apply Before Beginning Work

Landowners must receive approval before starting a cost-shared practice. Completed practices are inspected by an IDNR forester before payment is made.

The program currently accepts applications during quarterly application periods in January, April, July, and October, subject to available funding. Applications are approved until available funding has been allocated.

Learn More & Apply

Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Forestry Assistance Program
Visit IDNR Forestry Assistance Program

Illinois Forestry Development Act Cost-Share Application
Download the IDNR Cost-Share Application (PDF)

Illinois Forestry Development Act – Administrative Rules
View current program rules

Federal Forestry Cost-Share Programs

Illinois forest landowners may also qualify for federal financial assistance administered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

NRCS EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural and forest landowners implementing conservation practices. Forestry-related practices may address forest health, wildlife habitat, invasive species, erosion, water quality, and other conservation objectives.

Program eligibility, payment rates, ranking criteria, and application deadlines vary.

Learn more about NRCS EQIP

Other Conservation Programs

Additional federal programs may be available depending on the property, conservation objectives, and current funding. A local NRCS conservationist can help determine which programs may apply to your land.

Which Program Is Right for You?

The best place to start is with a professional forester.

An IDNR District Forester or consulting forester can help you:

  1. Identify your forest management goals.

  2. Evaluate your woodland and forest health.

  3. Develop or update a Forest Management Plan.

  4. Identify practices that may qualify for financial assistance.

  5. Determine which state or federal program may be appropriate.

  6. Understand application requirements and deadlines.

IFA encourages landowners to plan before they act. Do not begin a cost-share practice until you have confirmed that the work has been approved by the appropriate agency.

A Note About Cost-Share Funding

Cost-share programs are subject to available funding and program requirements. Payment rates and eligible practices can change from year to year.

Information on this page is provided as a resource for Illinois forest landowners and should not be considered a guarantee of funding. Always verify current eligibility, payment rates, application periods, and program requirements with the administering agency before beginning a project.

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