SPRINGFIELD -- Two laws spearheaded by State Senator Rachel Ventura will improve nature conservation efforts in the new year by expanding grant funding for forestry projects and paving the way for the implementation of rewilding strategies by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

“These laws represent important steps forward in repairing the damage caused to the nature in our state by climate change and environmental destruction,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With these new measures in place, we can expect to see real improvement in the health and stability of our local ecosystems.”

The Urban and Community Forestry Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is the only federal program dedicated to growing and maintaining urban and community trees, forests and green spaces. The Urban and Community Forestry Program assists states and partner organizations in applying nature-based solutions to chronic and emergent economic, social and environmental challenges.

Senate Bill 2455 expands eligible uses of this grant funding to include projects that align with the Illinois Forest Action Plan, local forestry plans and efforts to increase tree canopy capacity.

Ventura’s law tasks the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with promoting the development of urban and community forestry plans and programs supporting public trees located within units of local government. Additionally, IDNR will provide support to grant recipients for programs, projects and other work related to urban and community forestry.

“These much-needed changes will better reflect current best practices in forestry and land management, as well state priorities and federal guidelines,” said Todd Strole, assistant director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “This measure enables the department to be more nimble and adaptive with our forestry programming, while allowing us to meet the needs of current grantees and expand opportunities for new grantees.”

 Ventura also led House Bill 2726, which grants IDNR more power to implement rewilding as a conservation strategy. This can include the restoration of land to its natural state, the reintroduction of native species — particularly apex predators and keystone species — and the restoration of ecological processes as defined by state-specific baselines.

“Rewilding” means to restore an area of land to its natural uncultivated state. This term is used especially with reference to the reintroduction of species of wild animals that have been driven out of an area or exterminated by human interference.

Senate Bill 2455 and House Bill 2726 take effect Jan. 1.