The Illinois Forestry Association is actively committed to be, "The Voice for Illinois Forests." Our members are steadfast and determined to act on issues that impact rural and community forests, technical forestry assistance, forest management, forest industry, landownership, and ecosystem services provided by our forests.

To that end, IFA has identified various forestry needs throughout the state:

• IDNR Division of Forest Resources is grossly understaffed to meet the mission of DNR and Illinois' 169,000 private forest landowners
• Better understanding by policy makers and government agencies about forestry
• Increased awareness by the public about forestry and active forest management
• Timely information about forestry issues and practices
• Opportunities to network and share information
• Strengthened partnerships among forestry and natural resources organizations
• More landowners to seek professional forestry advice when planning a timber sale
• Reliable, permanent financial incentives for landowners who invest in long-term forest management
• Increased use of Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) when harvesting timber
• A favorable business climate to attract and expand forestry related businesses

Accordingly, the Illinois Forestry Association is proud to present the following Position Statements to address important forestry needs across the state:

1. Urgent need for additional professional and technical staff within the Division of Forest Resources at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
   Click here to view PDF
   
   
2. Illinois Forestry Development Fund, statutory transfers, and impacts to forest landowner incentives (4% Timber Harvest Fee)
   Click here to view PDF