I am looking to purchase some property in Jersey county that has listed on the realtor paperwork that its in forestry management program. How can I find out if it is in the program? What benefit is it to be in the program? And the criteria to stay in or take property out of program? Our realtor doesn't know program to explain and county assessor office had no answers for us. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.

Greetings Marty:

How do you find out if the property is in the Illinois Forestry Development Act (IFDA) program?

Answer: Contact the legal owner or the realtor. One of them has to know if the property is enrolled in the IFDA program.

What are the major benefits of the IFDA program?

Answer: Lowest possible preferential property tax assessment on the wooded acreage. Eligible for no-cost seedlings from the IDNR nurseries. Eligible for state and federal forestry cost-share assistance to implement specific forestry and wildlife objectives.

Additional IFDA Information: http://dnr.state.il.us/conservation/forestry/IFDA/index.htm

Call me at 217-two-four-four-zero-five-three-four if you have any additional questions.