A particular challenge in Illinois is providing public outdoor recreational access and opportunities. Illinois ranks 46th in the nation for publicly-owned land with more than 97% of the land being privately owned. In order to carry on our outdoor traditions, we need to connect youth and families to the land. IDNR has created the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) by utilizing resources obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s NRCS Voluntary Public Access–Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).

Using VPA-HIP grant funds, IDNR is helping private landowners to protect and restore their land. Landowners who chose to lease their property to IRAP will have a comprehensive habitat/forestry management plan written and be eligible for assistance to implement habitat restoration projects.  Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever of Illinois works with the IDNR to promote the IRAP program along with partnering on a East Central Illinois Habitat Strike Team to help implement habitat/forestry management plans on IRAP sites.