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Landowners get a break for conserving woodlands, prairies and
wetlands
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[October 12, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich
signed a new law Oct. 1 that encourages landowner conservation and
protection of woodlands, wetlands, prairies and other undeveloped
land.
Senate Bill 17, sponsored by state Sen. John Sullivan, D-Quincy,
and state Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Sparta, provides property tax incentives
for landowners who develop and follow conservation management plans
for woodlands, prairies and wetlands.
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"Prairies, wetlands and other undeveloped areas are some of our most
precious resources," said Blagojevich. "I'm happy to sign this law
that will encourage landowners to protect these valuable native
lands." The law was drafted after the state created the Wooded
Land Assessment Task Force that studied issues related to the
financial impact on landowners experiencing significant increases in
assessments and property tax bills.
"This legislation ensures that woodlands and prairies -- places
still untouched by human development -- remain for our children,"
said Reitz, sponsor in the House. "I am proud to be a part of this
bill that will ensure generations to come may enjoy untouched
wildlife. This legislation will also protect tax payers who own
wooded land."
The new law establishes two new divisions within the state
Property Tax Code, involving Conservation Stewardship and a Wooded
Acreage Assessment Transition. Provisions of the new law include:
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Eligible land for
preferential assessment includes woodlands, prairies, wetlands
or other vacant and undeveloped land that is not used for any
residential or commercial purposes.
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Landowners will be
required to submit to the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources a Conservation Stewardship Plan that specifies
conservation and management practices that are designed to
preserve or restore the land.
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Unimproved
property for which a stewardship plan is approved by IDNR staff
will be valued at 5 percent of market value.
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A minimum of 5
acres is required for enrollment.
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Landowners who do
not comply with the stewardship management plan will be required
to pay the difference between the actual property taxes paid and
what the taxes would be without the reduced valuation.
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The sale or
transfer of properties enrolled does not affect the valuation of
the land unless the acreage requirement is not met or the land
use changes.
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Illinois
Department of Natural Resources staff will draft rules on the
requirements of the management plans, which can be written by
consultants, biologists or landowners as long as the plans meet
the requirements. IDNR staff will approve the plans and shall
re-approve every 10 years.
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Notification of
approval will be provided annually to the Illinois Department of
Revenue for property assessment purposes.
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Submission of an
application for a management plan shall be treated as compliance
with the requirements of the plan until IDNR can review the
application.
"The new law will encourage owners of woodlands and other open
lands to work closely with the Department of Natural Resources to
manage their property to provide enhanced wildlife habitat and
outdoor recreation opportunities," said IDNR Acting Director Sam
Flood. "These incentives help us retain woods, grasslands and
wetlands that help control soil erosion, improve air and water
quality, and enhance the quality of life for all of us."
Senate Bill 17 becomes effective immediately.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
