Greetings Dave,
Thank you for your forest management inquiry. The best way for you to get started is to contact a professional consulting forester to assist you with your specific forestland goals and objectives.
I would first contact your local DNR forester to inquire about the state's forestry programs. Secondly, I would contact a local professional consulting forester to assist you in developing a forest management plan that will meet your goals and objectives for the property.
http://dnr.state.il.us/conservation/forestry/District%20Forester%20Offices.pdf
http://dnr.state.il.us/conservation/forestry/CONSULTING_FORESTERS.pdf
Furthermore, I strongly suggest educating yourself by reading about forest management and attending forest management workshops and field days held across the state. My Extension Forestry website is a good place for you to start!
Best of luck!