SB 2357

Abstract

Creates the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall prepare and maintain a comprehensive Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant plan for the preservation and enhancement of forests, prairies, and wetlands in Illinois. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to the comprehensive plan and subject to appropriation, shall establish and administer a Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Program to restore degraded forest lands and native prairies, and to promote the growth of native vegetation that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help to mitigate the impact of climate change. Provides that units of local government are eligible to submit a grant proposal in a format and at a time prescribed by the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that grants may be used by units of local government to fund: (1) local projects restoring or expanding forests, wetlands, prairies, or other natural landscapes demonstrated to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; (2) education and marketing regarding local projects or steps community members may take to promote the growth of native vegetation that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; and (3) any other purpose approved by the Department of Natural Resources that advances the State goal that there be no overall net loss of the State's existing forest, prairie, or wetland acres or their functional value due to State-supported activities. Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act and the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that counties, townships, and municipalities are encouraged to plant trees and native prairie grasses along roadways and other practical areas to forward the goal of introducing more carbon-absorbing foliage to communities for the purpose of mitigating the effects of climate change. Provides that grants from the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Program may be used by units of local government to fund local projects along roadways and parks by planting trees and prairie grasses demonstrated to absorb carbon. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill. Deletes provisions that the Department of Natural Resources shall prepare and maintain a comprehensive Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant plan for the preservation and enhancement of forests, prairies, and wetlands in Illinois. Provides that eligible entities for the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Program include: (1) units of State and local government, including, but not limited to, State agencies, municipalities, townships, counties, forest preserves, and park districts; (2) conservation land trusts; (3) not-for-profit entities with conservation missions including, but not limited to, climate change mitigation, preservation of natural lands, and conservation of the State's natural resources; and (4) other entities to be determined by the Department as eligible recipients of the grants under the Act. Provides that the Department may utilize an amount not to exceed 25% of the funds appropriated for the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Program for administrative costs and for grants to eligible entities.