I hear that if your land is not registered before Jan. 1 2008 that we will be subject to higher taxes on our wooded property. We don't even know where to start. We have apporoximately 7 3/4 acres of woods. We don't know which program would work best for us, or where or how to get registered. Do we have time to get this done, if not what kind of tax increase are we talking?

Greetings Jaime:

I assume you are referring to the newly adopted Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

For specifics regarding this program, please contact Shawn Wilcockson at the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources (217-785-5506) and refer to the following URL:

http://dnr.state.il.us/stewardship/

Best of luck!

I just received a letter saying that due to mishandled paperwork by the state, we will be subject to $1200 more a year in taxes because back in 1998 (2 homeowners ago) our land was under some management program. Waiting on a call back now. This was never disclosed with us and don't see how we could be responsible for this. Nice threatening letter you have there though. And wonder why nobody wants to live in this state anymore. If you're considering enrolling in these programs, judging by my letter, You will then be subject to harassment and threats. Always somebody that thinks they have the right to control you or fine you.

Hi Jennifer:

I've forwarded your message to the IL Dept. of Natural Resources -- the agency that administers the IL Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Please Note: The Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has nothing to do with the IL CSP program.

Best, Jay