The Illinois Forestry Development Act (FDA) Cost-Share Program helps private landowners manage and restore forestland by reimbursing a portion of the costs for approved forestry practices. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Forestry Division and funded through a 4% timber harvest fee collected statewide.

What the Program Offers

Eligible landowners can receive cost-share reimbursements—typically covering up to 75% of project costs—for approved conservation practices that protect, restore, or enhance forest health.

Funding is available for:

• Afforestation & Reforestation – Establishing new forest areas or replanting after disturbance
• Forest Stand Improvement – Thinning or removing undesirable trees to improve growth, health, and resilience
• Invasive & Exotic Species Control – Managing non-native plants that threaten regeneration and habitat quality

These practices increase forest productivity, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance the land’s climate resilience. Download approved practices and potential cost-sharing values.

Who Is Eligible

To participate, landowners must:

• Own at least 10 contiguous acres of forest or land suitable for timber production
• Have an IDNR-approved Forest Management Plan
• Apply before starting any practice
• Maintain the funded practice for a minimum of 10 years

Landowners who recently paid the 4% harvest fee receive funding priority, along with applicants addressing priority practices listed above.

Application Periods

The program accepts applications quarterly, with one-month windows each year in: January, April, July, and October.

Applications must include both the FDA Cost-Share Form and a W-9 Form (names and addresses must match exactly).

📎 Download FDA Application Form (PDF)

📎 Download W-9 Form

1. Contact your local District Forester – Your forester can help you prepare and submit your application.
2. Complete the required forms (FDA Cost-Share and W-9).
3. Submit before the deadline. Projects cannot begin before approval.
4. After completion and inspection, cost-share payments are issued as reimbursement for eligible expenses.

Additional Benefits

Land enrolled under an approved management plan may qualify for property tax reduction, with assessed value limited to 1/6 of the local cropland value in most counties.

The program strengthens Illinois’ forest resources while helping landowners offset the costs of sustainable management.

Your District Forester is the primary contact for questions and application support.