Is there any tax reduction or tax breck available on timber ground over 5 acres that is enrolled in the Forest stewardship program. We have 44 acres near Niota

Greetings Bill:

There are two principal state forestry programs available in Illinois: Forestry Development Act (IFDA), > 10 acres; and the Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), < 10 acres.

The Illinois Forestry Development Act is tailored to "timber growers" who are interested in managing their forest land for timber production in addition to other compatible stewardship goals such as wildlife, recreation, soil and water conservation, and aesthetics. The minimum acreage requirement is 10.0 acres (effective Aug. 10, 2009). This program offers the unique tax assessment of 1/6 the equalized assessed value as cropland.

The Conservation Stewardship Program is a program tailored to the more preservation-oriented landowner opposed to or unwilling to mange their forest land for timber harvesting. In contrast to IFDA, the tax assessment on CSP eligible lands is 5% fair market value.

For additional information regarding forest land tax assessments, please visit:

http://tax.illinois.gov/Publications/Pubs/Pub-135.pdf

Best of luck!

Are these programs similar to the 'use value appraisal program' out of Vermont? In that, do they periodically need new management plans drawn up? Can anyone write those?

Hi Ryan:

Both the IFDA and IL CSP program require a written management plan. The plan must be reviewed and updated, if necessary, every ten years.

Nearly all IFDA Forest Management Plans are written by professional foresters whereas IL CSP Management Plans do not require the expertise of a professional forester.

Management plan templates are available from your local IDNR field offices.

Best, Jay