20 ILCS 805/ Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. (Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law)

(20 ILCS 805/Art. 805 heading) ARTICLE 805. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (CONSERVATION)

(20 ILCS 805/805-1)

Sec. 805-1. Article short title. This Article 805 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois may be cited as the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-5)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-865)

Sec. 805-5. Definitions. In this Law:

"Department" means the Department of Natural Resources.

"Director" means the Director of Natural Resources.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-865)

Sec. 805-5. Definitions. In this Law:

"Clean energy" means energy that is generated, by design or operation, in a manner that is substantially free of carbon dioxide emissions or in a manner that otherwise contributes to the reduction in emissions of environmentally hazardous materials or reduces the volume of environmentally dangerous materials.

"Clean energy project" means a project that is undertaken to acquire, construct, refurbish, create, develop, or redevelop any facility, equipment, machinery, or real or personal property and that will aid, assist, or encourage the development or implementation of clean energy in the State.

"Department" means the Department of Natural Resources.

"Director" means the Director of Natural Resources.

(Source: P.A. 103-865, eff. 1-1-25.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-10) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a)

Sec. 805-10. Department's powers, generally. The Department has the powers enumerated in the following Sections.

(Source: P.A. 90-490, eff. 8-17-97; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-15) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a37)

Sec. 805-15. Rules and regulations. The Department has the power to adopt and enforce rules and regulations necessary to the performance of its statutory duties.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-25) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b2.8)

Sec. 805-25. Public benefit certification. The Department has the power to certify whether land encumbered by a conservation right provides a demonstrated public benefit for purposes of reduced land valuation in accordance with Section 10-167 of the Property Tax Code.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-30) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a38)

Sec. 805-30. Illinois Veteran Conservation Corps and Illinois Young Adult Conservation Corps; Illinois Veteran Recreation Corps and Illinois Youth Recreation Corps. The Department has the power to administer the Illinois Veteran Conservation Corps, Illinois Young Adult Conservation Corps, Illinois Veteran Recreation Corps, and the Illinois Youth Recreation Corps programs created by the Illinois Veteran, Youth, and Young Adult Conservation Jobs Act and to promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of the programs.

(Source: P.A. 97-738, eff. 7-5-12.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-35) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a40)

Sec. 805-35. Adopt-A-River program. The Department has the power to establish and maintain Adopt-A-River programs with individual or group volunteers in an effort to encourage and facilitate volunteer group involvement in litter cleanup in and along portions of rivers and streams located in State parks and park lands. These programs shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) Providing and coordinating services by volunteers to reduce the amount of litter including providing trash bags and trash bag pickup and, where necessary, providing briefings on safety procedures.

(2) Providing and installing signs identifying those volunteers participating in the Adopt-A-River program in particular parks and park lands.

The State and the Department and its employees are not liable for any damages or injury suffered by any person resulting from his or her participation in the program or from the actions or activities of the volunteers.

(Source: P.A. 90-14, eff. 7-1-97; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-40) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a41)

Sec. 805-40. Adopt-A-Park program. The Department shall establish and maintain Adopt-A-Park programs with individual or group volunteers, if requested by an individual or group volunteers, in an effort to reduce and remove litter from parks and park lands and to provide other services. The Department shall retain the ability to approve or deny an individual or group volunteer's request; however, the Department must state the reason for the request denial. These programs shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) Providing and coordinating services by volunteers to reduce the amount of litter, including providing trash bags and trash bag pickup and, in designated areas where volunteers may be in close proximity to moving vehicles. Individuals or volunteers must bring their own reflective safety gear.

(2) The Department shall provide a certificate of appreciation to individual or group volunteers as recognition of their Adopt-A-Park efforts at a particular Department site.

(3) Volunteer services shall not include work historically performed by Department employees, including services that result in a reduction of hours or compensation or that may be performed by an employee on layoff; nor shall volunteer services be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement.

The State and the Department, its directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any damages or injury suffered by any person resulting from his or her participation in the program or from the actions or activities of the volunteers, except in cases of willful and wanton misconduct. Any group and its individual members who wish to volunteer or any individual who wishes to volunteer is required to execute a general release and hold harmless agreement before beginning any volunteer activity or work. An officer, director, or other representative of any group shall also be required to execute a general release and hold harmless on behalf of a group. The agreement shall be prepared and provided by the Department.

By engaging in volunteer activities under this Act, volunteers fully acknowledge and understand that there shall be neither any (1) promise or expectation of compensation of any type, including benefits, nor (2) creation of an employer-employee relationship. The Prevailing Wage Act and the administrative rules adopted thereunder, 56 Ill. Adm. Code 100, shall not apply to any Department project or job in which volunteers are utilized under the Adopt-A-Park program.

(Source: P.A. 97-1082, eff. 8-24-12.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-45)

Sec. 805-45. Adopt-a-Trail program.

(a) The Department shall establish an Adopt-a-Trail program that will allow volunteer groups to assist in maintaining and enhancing trails on State owned land.

(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this Section, volunteer groups in the Adopt-a-Trail program may adopt any available trail or trail segment and may choose any one or more of the following volunteer activities:

(1) spring cleanups;

(2) accessibility projects;

(3) special events;

(4) trail maintenance, enhancement, or realignment;

(5) public information and assistance; or

(6) training.

The Department shall designate and approve specific activities to be performed by a volunteer group in the Adopt-a-Trail program which shall be executed with an approved Adopt-a-Trail agreement. Volunteer services shall not include work historically performed by Department employees, including services that result in a reduction of hours or compensation or that may be performed by an employee on layoff, nor shall volunteer services be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. The Department may provide for more than one volunteer group to adopt an eligible trail or trail segment.

(c) If the Department operates other programs in the vicinity of the trail that allows volunteers to participate in the Department's Adopt-A-Park program or other resource, the Department shall coordinate these programs to provide for efficient and effective volunteer programs in the area.

(d) A volunteer group that wishes to participate in the Adopt-a-Trail program shall submit an application to the Department on a form provided by the Department. Volunteer groups shall agree to the following:

(1) volunteer groups shall participate in the program for at least a 2-year period;

(2) volunteer groups shall consist of at least 6 people who are 18 years of age or older, unless the volunteer group is a school or scout organization, in which case the volunteers may be under 18 years of age, but supervised by someone over the age of 18;

(3) volunteer groups shall contribute a total of at least 200 service hours over a 2-year period;

(4) volunteer groups shall only execute Adopt-a-Trail projects and activities after a volunteer project agreement has been completed and approved by the Department; and

(5) volunteer groups shall comply with all reasonable requirements of the Department.

(Source: P.A. 100-180, eff. 8-18-17; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-70) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b2.9)

Sec. 805-70. Grants and contracts.

(a) The Department has the power to accept, receive, expend, and administer, including by grant, agreement, or contract, those funds that are made available to the Department from the federal government and other public and private sources in the exercise of its statutory powers and duties.

(b) The Department may make grants to other State agencies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and local governments, pursuant to an appropriation in the exercise of its statutory powers and duties.

(c) With the exception of Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development and Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, the Department may assess review and processing fees for grant program applications under the jurisdiction of the Department. The Department may, by rule, regulate the fees, methods, and programs to be charged. The income collected shall be deposited into the Park and Conservation Fund for the furtherance of the Department grant programs or for use by the Department for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department.

Except as otherwise provided, all revenue collected from the application fee for the State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund shall be deposited into the State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund.

Except as otherwise provided, all revenue collected from the application fee for the State Pheasant Fund shall be deposited into the State Pheasant Fund.

Except as otherwise provided, all revenue collected from the application fee for the Illinois Habitat Fund shall be deposited into the Illinois Habitat Fund.

Except as otherwise provided, all revenue collected from the application fee for the State Furbearer Fund shall be deposited into the State Furbearer Fund.

The monies deposited into the Park and Conservation Fund, the State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund, the State Pheasant Fund, the Illinois Habitat Fund, and the State Furbearer Fund under this Section shall not be subject to administrative charges or chargebacks unless otherwise authorized by this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-1136, eff. 1-1-13.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-72)

Sec. 805-72. Lyme Disease Innovation Program.

(a) The Department shall consult with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Health, and members of the University of Illinois' INHS Medical Entomology Program to establish the Lyme Disease Innovation Program no later than one year after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly. The Department shall contract with an Illinois not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases with the public and the medical community to operate the Program. The Program's purpose is to raise awareness with the public and to assist persons at risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases with education and awareness materials and campaigns while developing evidence-based approaches that are cost-effective.

(b) The Program shall implement a statewide interagency and multipronged approach to combat Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in Illinois, including adopting an evidence-based model that recognizes the key roles that patients, advocates, and not-for-profit organizations have in fighting Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases. The Program's objectives include issuing grants, subject to the approval of the Department, to State agencies and Illinois not-for profit organizations from moneys in the Lyme Disease Awareness Fund, which is hereby established as a special fund in the State treasury, and other appropriations for the following purposes:

(1) Bringing awareness of Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases by any one or more of the following methods:

(A) creating innovative ideas and collaborations for raising awareness about risks and prevention;

(B) amplifying and improving access to essential information supporting innovations in prevention, education, and care with open data and science;

(C) fostering the development of new, community-based education and prevention efforts; and

(D) using programs, website advertising, pamphlets, or other methods to increase the awareness of Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases;

(2) Engaging stakeholders to facilitate patient-centered innovations by (i) building trust among stakeholders through listening sessions, roundtables, and other learning approaches that ground innovations in lived experience, (ii) engaging stakeholders in identifying current areas of need to promote targeted innovations that will make real-world improvements in quality of care, and (iii) gaining insight into patient needs and priorities through stakeholders' collective wisdom and applying that wisdom in shaping future innovation challenges and events.

(3) Advancing stakeholder driven interdisciplinary and interagency collaborations by providing resources to not-for-profit organizations whose purpose is to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases with the public and the medical community in order to (i) facilitate the stakeholder engagement and collaborations and patient-centered innovations and support groups, (ii) identify ways to better collect and share data while raising awareness of tick-borne illnesses, and (iii) assist with the development of outreach and education materials and approaches for State agencies.

(4) The University of Illinois' INHS Medical Entomology Program maintaining a passive tick and tick-borne pathogen surveillance program, based on ticks contributed by the Illinois public, and including tick identifications and disease-agent testing of a subset of identified ticks; compiling evidence and conducting research on tick bite prevention and risk of tick and tick-borne pathogen exposure; and providing evidence, results, and analysis and insight from both the passive surveillance program, on tick species and tick-borne disease-agent distributions and diversity in the State, and its related research on tick bite exposure and prevention, to support the Lyme Disease Innovation Program objectives.

(c) The Program shall be funded through moneys deposited into the Lyme Disease Awareness Fund and other appropriations. The not-for-profit organization contracted with to operate the Program shall be paid, subject to the approval of the Department, for its operation of the Program from moneys deposited into the Fund or from other appropriations.

The University of Illinois' Prairie Research Institute shall be paid, subject to the approval of the Department, for the INHS Medical Entomology Program's operation of a passive tick surveillance and research program from moneys deposited into the Fund or from other appropriations.

(d) The Department must adopt rules to implement this Section.

(e) The requirements of this Section are subject to appropriation by the General Assembly being made to the Department to implement the requirements.

(Source: P.A. 103-557, eff. 8-11-23.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-80) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b1.2)

Sec. 805-80. Indirect cost reimbursements. Indirect cost reimbursements applied for by the Department may be allocated as State matching funds. Any indirect cost reimbursement applied for and received by the Department shall be deposited into the same fund as the direct cost and may be expended, subject to appropriation, for support of programs administered by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 90-490, eff. 8-17-97; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-100) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a1)

Sec. 805-100. Conservation of fish and game. The Department has the power to take all measures necessary for the conservation, preservation, distribution, introduction, propagation, and restoration of fish, mussels, frogs, turtles, game, wild animals, wild fowls, and birds.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-105) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a2)

Sec. 805-105. Conservation of fauna and flora. The Department has the power to take all measures necessary for the conservation, preservation, distribution, introduction, propagation, and restoration of the fauna and flora, except where other laws designate responsibilities specifically to other governmental agencies. The Director and authorized employees of the Department may expend sums the Director deems necessary to purchase any fauna and flora or parts thereof protected by the Department for use as evidence of a violation of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code, the Wildlife Code, or any other Act administered by the Department and may employ persons to obtain that evidence. The Director is authorized to establish investigative cash funds for the purpose of purchasing evidence or financing any investigation of persons suspected of having violated those Acts. The investigative cash funds shall be operated and maintained on the imprest system, and no such fund shall exceed $10,000. The Department is authorized to deposit the money in a locally held bank account. The funds to be expended shall come from public donations, proceeds from the sale of flora and fauna no longer or not needed as evidence that were purchased with investigative cash funds, and appropriations to the Department for contractual services.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-110) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a3)

Sec. 805-110. Statistics relating to fauna and flora. The Department has the power to collect and publish statistics relating to the fauna and flora.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-115) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a4)

Sec. 805-115. Conservation information. The Department has the power to acquire and disseminate information concerning the propagation and conservation of the fauna and flora, and the activities of the Department and the industries affected by conservation and propagation.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-120) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a5)

Sec. 805-120. Pollution prevention. The Department has the power to exercise all rights, powers, and duties conferred by law and to take measures that are necessary for the prevention of pollution of and engendering of sanitary and wholesome conditions in rivers, lakes, streams, and other waters in this State that will promote, protect, and conserve fauna and flora and to work in conjunction with any other department of State government that is proceeding to prevent stream and water pollution.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-125) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b1)

Sec. 805-125. Agreements with federal agencies. The Department has the power and authority to enter into agreements with appropriate federal agencies in order to better effect cooperative undertakings in the conservation, preservation, distribution, and propagation of fish, mussels, frogs, turtles, game, wild animals, wild fowls, birds, trees, plants, and forests. The Department's agreements with the United States government may include general indemnification provisions.

(Source: P.A. 96-45, eff. 7-15-09.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-130) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a8)

Sec. 805-130. Conservation of forests. The Department has the power to take measures for the promotion of planting, encouragement, protection, and conservation of forests and to promote forestry in this State, including but not limited to reforestation, woodland management, fire management, and forest marketing and utilization, to exercise the rights, powers, and duties in relation thereto that are conferred by law, to promote sound forestry management as described by the Illinois Forestry Development Act, and to carry out the functions ascribed to the Department by that Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-200) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a13-1)

Sec. 805-200. Property given in trust. The Department has the power to accept, hold, maintain, and administer, as trustee, property given in trust for educational, recreational, or historic purposes for the benefit of the People of the State of Illinois and to dispose of that property pursuant to the terms of the instrument creating the trust.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-205) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a29)

Sec. 805-205. Acquiring real property subject to life estate. The Department has the power to acquire, for purposes authorized by law, any real property in fee simple subject to a life estate in the seller in not more than 3 acres of the real property acquired, subject to the restrictions that the life estate shall be used for residential purposes only and that it shall be non-transferable.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-210) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a33)

Sec. 805-210. Purchasing land for State parks. The Department has the power to purchase land for State park purposes by contract for deed under the terms and restrictions of Section 2 of the State Parks Act. The purchase restrictions under that Act shall include and take into consideration any purchases by contract for deed under Sections 805-205, 805-215, 805-225, 805-230, and 805-255.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-215) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a17)

Sec. 805-215. Acquiring jurisdiction over federal government lands. The Department has the power to acquire jurisdiction by lease, purchase, contract, or otherwise over any lands held by or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the federal government for the purpose of carrying out any power or duty conferred upon the Department and to locate, relocate, construct, and maintain roadways and parking areas on those lands and to supply all facilities necessary for public use of the areas.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-220) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a34)

Sec. 805-220. Historic structures. The Department has the power to lease or purchase any lands or structures for the purpose of restoring, renovating, and maintaining structures of historic significance that are listed in the Illinois or National Register of Historic Places for public use; to acquire all necessary property or rights-of-way for the purpose of providing access to those structures; and to construct buildings or other facilities the Department deems necessary or desirable for maximum utilization of those facilities for public use. However, any structures obtained for the purpose of being used as State office facilities shall be subject to the authority of the Department of Central Management Services, and any leases for those facilities shall be negotiated and executed by the Department of Central Management Services.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-225) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a19)

Sec. 805-225. Conservation of natural or scenic resources. The Department has the power to acquire the fee or any lesser interests, including scenic easements, in real property in order to preserve, through limitation of future use, areas of great natural scenic beauty or areas whose existing openness, natural condition, or present state of use, if retained, would enhance the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding recreational area development or would maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-230) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a18)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-865)

Sec. 805-230. Developing recreational areas. The Department has the power to lease from individuals, corporations, or any other form of private ownership, from any municipality, public corporation, or political subdivision of this State, or from the United States any lands or waters for the purpose of developing outdoor recreational areas for public use and to acquire all necessary property or rights-of-way for the purposes of ingress or egress to those lands and waters and to construct buildings and other recreational facilities, including roadways, bridges, and parking areas, that the Department deems necessary or desirable for maximum utilization of recreational facilities for public use of the areas.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-865)

Sec. 805-230. Developing recreational areas. The Department has the power to lease from individuals, corporations, or any other form of private ownership, from any municipality, public corporation, or political subdivision of this State, or from the United States any lands or waters for the purpose of developing outdoor recreational areas for public use and to acquire all necessary property or rights-of-way for the purposes of ingress or egress to those lands and waters and to construct buildings and other recreational facilities, including roadways, bridges, parking areas, commercial solar energy systems, and clean energy projects that the Department deems necessary or desirable for maximum utilization of recreational facilities for public use of the areas.

(Source: P.A. 103-865, eff. 1-1-25.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-235) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a6)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-865)

Sec. 805-235. Lease of lands acquired by the Department; disposition of obsolete buildings. The Department has the power to do and perform each and every act or thing considered by the Director to be necessary or desirable to fulfill and carry out the intent and purpose of all laws pertaining to the Department, including the right to rehabilitate or sell at public auction buildings or structures affixed to lands over which the Department has acquired jurisdiction when in the judgment of the Director those buildings or structures are obsolete, inadequate, or unusable for the purposes of the Department and to lease those lands with or without appurtenances for a consideration in money or in kind for a period of time not in excess of 5 years for the purposes and upon the terms and conditions that the Director considers to be in the best interests of the State when those lands are not immediately to be used or developed by the State. All those sales shall be made subject to the written approval of the Governor. The funds derived from those sales and from those leases shall be deposited in the State Parks Fund, except that funds derived from those sales and from those leases on lands managed and operated principally as wildlife or fisheries areas by the Department shall be deposited in the Wildlife and Fish Fund.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-865)

Sec. 805-235. Lease of lands acquired by the Department; disposition of obsolete buildings. The Department has the power to do and perform each and every act or thing considered by the Director to be necessary or desirable to fulfill and carry out the intent and purpose of all laws pertaining to the Department, including the right to rehabilitate or sell at public auction buildings or structures affixed to lands over which the Department has acquired jurisdiction when in the judgment of the Director those buildings or structures are obsolete, inadequate, or unusable for the purposes of the Department and to lease those lands with or without appurtenances for a consideration in money or in kind for a period of time not in excess of 10 years for the purposes and upon the terms and conditions that the Director considers to be in the best interests of the State when those lands are not immediately to be used or developed by the State. All those sales shall be made subject to the written approval of the Governor. The funds derived from those sales and from those leases shall be deposited in the State Parks Fund, except that funds derived from those sales and from those leases on lands managed and operated principally as wildlife or fisheries areas by the Department shall be deposited in the Wildlife and Fish Fund.

(Source: P.A. 103-865, eff. 1-1-25.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-240) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b)

Sec. 805-240. Sale of land affected by federal emergency conservation work; work on privately owned land.

(a) The Department has the power and authority for and on behalf of the State to make contractual agreements with the federal government providing that if, as a result of the emergency conservation work done by the federal government on State, county, and municipally owned land in Illinois under the provisions of a federal act entitled "An Act for the relief of unemployment through the performance of useful public work, and for other purposes", enacted by the 73rd Congress, the State derives a direct profit from the sale of that land or its products, then the proceeds will be divided equally between the State of Illinois and the federal government until the State shall have paid for the work done at the rate of $1.00 per man per day for the time spent on the work or projects, subject to a maximum of $3.00 per acre.

The Department's agreements with the U.S. Government may include general indemnification provisions as required by federal statutes for nonfederal sponsorship of a federally authorized project.

(b) The Department may also assume responsibility for the maintenance of work done on privately owned land either by the owners of the land or otherwise and may by contract with the owners reserve the right to remove any structures or other things of removable value resulting from the work, including products of trees planted, the removal to be without compensation to the landowner.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-245) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b2.1)

Sec. 805-245. Disposition of State park lands. The Department shall not dispose of any portion of a State park except as specifically authorized by law. This prohibition shall not restrict the Department from conveyance of easements and other lesser interests in land.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-250) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a20)

Sec. 805-250. Leases for strategic military sites. The Department has the power to lease lands over which the Department has jurisdiction to the United States Army for use as strategic military sites for a period not to exceed 10 years. All such leases, for whatever period, shall be subject to the written approval of the Governor.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-255) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a10)

Sec. 805-255. Transfers to other State agency or federal government; acquisition of federal lands. The Department has the power to transfer jurisdiction of or exchange any realty under the control of the Department to any other department of the State government, or to any agency of the federal government, or to acquire or accept federal lands, when the transfer, exchange, acquisition, or acceptance is advantageous to the State and is approved in writing by the Governor.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-260) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a7)

Sec. 805-260. Licenses and rights-of-way for public services. The Department has the power to grant licenses and rights-of-way within the areas controlled by the Department for the construction, operation, and maintenance upon, under, or across the property of facilities for water, sewage, telephone, telegraph, electric, gas, or other public service, subject to terms and conditions determined by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-265) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a39)

Sec. 805-265. Public utility easement on Tunnel Hill Bicycle Trail. The Department has the power to grant a public utility easement in the Saline Valley Conservancy District on the Tunnel Hill Bicycle Trail for construction and maintenance of a waterline, subject to terms and conditions determined by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-270) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a26)

Sec. 805-270. Surplus agricultural products. The Department has the power to sell or exchange surplus agricultural products grown on land owned by or under the jurisdiction of the Department when those products cannot be used by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-275) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a27)

Sec. 805-275. Sale of gravel and other materials. The Department has the power to sell gravel, sand, earth, or other material from any State of Illinois owned lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the Department at a fair market price. The proceeds from the sales shall be deposited into the Wildlife and Fish Fund in the State treasury.

(Source: P.A. 90-372, eff. 7-1-98; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-280)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 805-280. Leases for the purpose of creating, operating, or maintaining a commercial solar energy system or clean energy project. The Department may lease any land or property over which the Department has jurisdiction for the purpose of creating, operating, or maintaining a commercial solar energy system, as defined in Section 10-720 of the Property Tax Code, or a clean energy project. The lease shall not be for a period longer than 40 years. The Department shall competitively bid any project authorized pursuant to this Section pursuant to the requirements of Section 20-15, and subsections (c) and (f) of Section 20-10 of the Illinois Procurement Code. No person or business shall submit specifications to the Department pursuant to this Section unless requested to do so by an employee of the State. No person or business who contracts with a State agency to write specifications for any project pursuant to this Section shall submit a bid or proposal, review or evaluate any prospective proposals from the competitive bidding process, or receive a contract for any project issued pursuant to this Section. The Department shall require that any lease must provide for a signed project labor agreement for the length of the lease term. A project labor agreement entered into under this Section shall be entered into with the local building and construction trades council having geographic jurisdiction over the project. If practical, the Department shall require that any land or property over which the Department has jurisdiction that is used for the purpose of creating, operating, or maintaining a commercial solar energy system shall have implemented on it and maintained management practices that would qualify the land or property as a beneficial habitat under the Pollinator-Friendly Solar Site Act. The Department shall require that any lease must include a signed project labor agreement for the length of the lease term. The Department shall prioritize commercial solar energy system sites based on their suitability and economic feasibility for solar use. The Department shall then prioritize commercial solar energy system sites with a significant history of disturbance, such as former strip mines or previously developed sites. The Department may consider any land use that is lost from the installation of a commercial solar energy system in making a determination for the suitability of a site.

(Source: P.A. 103-865, eff. 1-1-25.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-300) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a21)

Sec. 805-300. Public accommodation, educational, and service facilities. The Department has the power to develop and operate public accommodation, educational, and service facilities on lands over which the Department has jurisdiction and to lease lands over which the Department has jurisdiction to persons or public or private corporations for a period not to exceed 99 years for the construction, maintenance, and operation of public accommodation, educational, and service facilities. Those public accommodation, educational, and service facilities include, but are not limited to, marinas, overnight housing facilities, tent and trailer camping facilities, recreation facilities, food service facilities, and similar accommodations. With respect to lands leased from the federal government or any agency of the federal government, the Department may sub-lease those lands for a period not to exceed the time of duration of the federal lease with the same renewal options that are contained in the federal lease. All such leases or sub-leases, for whatever period, shall be made subject to the written approval of the Governor.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-305) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a23)

Sec. 805-305. Campsites and housing facilities.

(a) The Department has the power to provide facilities for overnight tent and trailer campsites and to provide suitable housing facilities for student and juvenile overnight camping groups. The Department of Natural Resources may regulate, by administrative order, the fees to be charged for tent and trailer camping units at individual park areas based upon the facilities available.

(b) However, for campsites with access to showers or electricity, any Illinois resident who is age 62 or older or has a Class 2 disability as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act shall be charged only one-half of the camping fee charged to the general public during the period Monday through Thursday of any week and shall be charged the same camping fee as the general public on all other days. For campsites without access to showers or electricity, no camping fee authorized by this Section shall be charged to any resident of Illinois who has a Class 2 disability as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act. For campsites without access to showers or electricity, no camping fee authorized by this Section shall be charged to any resident of Illinois who is age 62 or older for the use of a campsite unit during the period Monday through Thursday of any week. No camping fee authorized by this Section shall be charged to any resident of Illinois who is a veteran with a disability or a former prisoner of war, as defined in Section 5 of the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. No camping fee authorized by this Section shall be charged to any resident of Illinois after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces for the amount of time that the active duty member spent in service abroad or mobilized if the person applies for a pass with the Department within 2 years after returning and provides acceptable verification of service or mobilization to the Department. Any portion of a year that the active duty member spent in service abroad or mobilized shall count as a full year. The procedure by which a person may provide to the Department verification of service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States shall be set by administrative rule. Nonresidents shall be charged the same fees as are authorized for the general public regardless of age. The Department shall provide by regulation for suitable proof of age, or either a valid driver's license or a "Golden Age Passport" issued by the federal government shall be acceptable as proof of age. The Department shall further provide by regulation that notice of these reduced admission fees be posted in a conspicuous place and manner.

Reduced fees authorized in this Section shall not apply to any charge for utility service.

For the purposes of this Section, "acceptable verification of service or mobilization" means official documentation from the Department of Defense or the appropriate Major Command showing mobilization dates or service abroad dates, including: (i) a DD-214, (ii) a letter from the Illinois Department of Military Affairs for members of the Illinois National Guard, (iii) a letter from the Regional Reserve Command for members of the Armed Forces Reserve, (iv) a letter from the Major Command covering Illinois for active duty members, (v) personnel records for mobilized State employees, and (vi) any other documentation that the Department, by administrative rule, deems acceptable to establish dates of mobilization or service abroad.

For the purposes of this Section, the term "service abroad" means active duty service outside of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and includes all active duty service in territories and possessions of the United States.

(c) To promote State campground use and Illinois State Fair attendance, the Department shall waive the camping fees for up to 2 nights of camping at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Sangchris Lake State Park, or Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site during the period from August 11, 2024 to August 15, 2024 for a camper who:

(1) is 18 years of age or older;

(2) provides proof of having purchased, between June 26, 2024 and July 3, 2024, a season admission ticket booklet from the Department of Agriculture for entry into the 2024 Illinois State Fair in Springfield; and

(3) requests the camping fee waiver in person at the time of permit issuance at the State campground.

The waivers under this subsection (c) shall be granted on a first-come, first-served basis for a maximum of 40 sites at each of the 3 identified State campgrounds. Fees for utility service are not subject to waiver. Waivers under this subsection (c) are limited to one per camper.

(Source: P.A. 102-780, eff. 5-13-22; 103-588, eff. 6-5-24.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-310) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a24)

Sec. 805-310. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 92-850, eff. 8-26-02.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-315) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a21.2)

Sec. 805-315. Cash incentives for concession complexes. The Department has the power to offer a cash incentive not to exceed 35% of the total documented costs to a qualified bidder for the development, construction, and supervision by the bidder of any concession complex, including but not limited to resort hotels, park lodges, marinas, golf courses, recreational developments, and ancillary or support facilities pertinent thereto, on any property leased to or under the jurisdiction of the Department; provided, however, that all contracts utilizing the State cash incentive program pursuant to this Section shall be subject to public bidding and to the written approval of the Governor. Prior to approval by the Governor, the Department shall give reasonable public notice and conduct a public hearing in a community close to the proposed project.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-320)

Sec. 805-320. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 97-916, eff. 8-9-12.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-325) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a25)

Sec. 805-325. Public boat launching facilities; artificial water impoundments. The Department has the power to cooperate and contract with municipalities, counties, or other local governmental units to construct and operate public boat launching facilities on the public waters of this State and to build roads and parking areas in connection therewith and to participate with all such governmental units in planning and constructing artificial water impoundments for recreational purposes.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-330) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a14)

Sec. 805-330. Lease of concessions. The Department has the power to lease concessions on any property under the jurisdiction of the Department for a period not exceeding 25 years. All such leases, for whatever period, shall be made subject to the written approval of the Governor. All concession leases executed after January 1, 1982, extending for a period in excess of 10 years, shall contain provisions for the Department to participate, on a percentage basis, in the revenues generated by any concession operation.

The Department is authorized to allow for provisions for a reserve account and a leasehold account included within departmental concession lease agreements for the purpose of setting aside revenues for the maintenance, rehabilitation, repair, improvement, and replacement of the concession facility, structure, and equipment of the Department that are a part of the leased premises.

The leasehold account shall allow for the amortization of certain authorized expenses that are incurred by the concession lessee but that are not an obligation of the lessee under the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. The Department may allow a reduction of up to 50% of the monthly rent due for the purpose of enabling the recoupment of the lessee's authorized expenditures during the term of the lease.

The lessee shall be required to pay into the reserve account a percentage of gross receipts, as set forth in the lease, to be set aside and expended in a manner acceptable to the Department by the concession lessee for the purpose of ensuring that an appropriate amount of the lessee's monies are provided by the lessee to satisfy the lessee's incurred responsibilities for the operation of the concession facility under the terms and conditions of the concession lease.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-335)

Sec. 805-335. Fees. The Department has the power to assess appropriate and reasonable fees for the use of concession type facilities as well as other facilities and sites under the jurisdiction of the Department, including, but not limited to, beaches, bike trails, equestrian trails, and other types of trails. The Department may regulate, by rule, the fees to be charged. The income collected shall be deposited into the State Parks Fund or Wildlife and Fish Fund depending on the classification of the State managed facility involved. The monies deposited into the State Parks Fund or the Wildlife and Fish Fund under this Section shall not be subject to administrative charges or chargebacks unless otherwise authorized by this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-1136, eff. 1-1-13.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-350)

Sec. 805-350. Use of Illinois resident labor. To the extent permitted by any applicable federal law or regulation, for all work performed for State construction projects which are funded in whole or in part by a capital infrastructure bill enacted by the 96th General Assembly by sums appropriated to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, at least 50% of the total labor hours must be performed by actual residents of the State of Illinois. For purposes of this Section, "actual residents of the State of Illinois" means persons domiciled in the State of Illinois. The Department of Labor shall promulgate rules providing for the enforcement of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 96-37, eff. 7-13-09.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-400) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a22)

Sec. 805-400. Rental of watercraft. The Department has the power to provide rowboats and other watercraft for daily rental at a reasonable fee at any of the State parks, public hunting areas, public fishing areas, or other properties of the Department where those boating facilities are considered feasible.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-405) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a30)

Sec. 805-405. Sale of publications and craft items. The Department has the power to cooperate with private organizations and agencies of the State of Illinois by providing areas and the use of staff personnel where feasible for the sale of publications on the natural and cultural heritage of the State and craft items made by Illinois craftsmen. The sales shall not conflict with existing concession agreements. The Department is authorized to negotiate with those organizations and agencies for a portion of the monies received from sales to be returned to the Department's State Parks Fund for the furtherance of interpretive and restoration programs.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-410) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a32)

Sec. 805-410. Local bank accounts. The Department has the power to establish local bank or savings and loan association accounts, upon the written authorization of the Director, to temporarily hold income received at any of its properties. Local accounts established pursuant to this Section shall be in the name of the Department and shall be subject to regular audits. The balance in a local bank or savings and loan association account shall be forwarded to the Department for deposit with the State Treasurer on Monday of each week if the amount to be deposited in a fund exceeds $500.

No bank or savings and loan association shall receive public funds as permitted by this Section unless it has complied with the requirements established pursuant to Section 6 of the Public Funds Investment Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-420) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a36)

Sec. 805-420. Appropriations from Park and Conservation Fund. The Department has the power to expend monies appropriated to the Department from the Park and Conservation Fund in the State treasury for conservation and park purposes.

Eighty percent of the revenue derived from fees paid for certificates of title, duplicate certificates of title and corrected certificates of title and deposited in the Park and Conservation Fund, as provided for in Section 2-119 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, shall be expended solely by the Department pursuant to an appropriation for acquisition, development, and maintenance of bike paths, including grants for the acquisition and development of bike paths and 20% of the revenue derived from fees shall be deposited into the Illinois Fisheries Management Fund, a special fund created in the State Treasury to be used for the operation of the Division of Fisheries within the Department.

Revenue derived from fees paid for the registration of motor vehicles of the first division and deposited in the Park and Conservation Fund, as provided for in Section 3-806 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, shall be expended by the Department for the following purposes:

(A) Fifty percent of funds derived from the vehicle registration fee shall be used by the Department for normal operations.

(B) Fifty percent of funds derived from the vehicle registration fee shall be used by the Department for construction and maintenance of State owned, leased, and managed sites.

The monies deposited into the Park and Conservation Fund and the Illinois Fisheries Management Fund under this Section shall not be subject to administrative charges or chargebacks unless otherwise authorized by this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-1136, eff. 1-1-13.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-425) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b2.3)

Sec. 805-425. Purchase of advertising. The Department has the power and authority to purchase advertising for the purpose of education programs concerning conservation.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-430) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b2.4)

Sec. 805-430. Sale of advertising. The Department has the power and authority to sell or exchange advertising rights in its publications and printed materials. The sale of advertising shall be subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Department. All income received from the sale of advertising shall be deposited in the Wildlife and Fish Fund, except that income received from advertising in State Park brochures shall be deposited into the State Parks Fund and income received from advertising in boating or snowmobile program literature shall be deposited in the State Boating Act Fund.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-435)

Sec. 805-435. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 97-1136, eff. 1-1-13. Repealed by P.A. 97-916, eff. 8-9-12.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-500) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a12)

Sec. 805-500. Transfer from Department of Public Works and Buildings. The Department has the power to exercise the rights, powers, and duties vested by law in the Department of Public Works and Buildings as the successor of the following agencies, their officers and employees: the Illinois Park Commission, the Lincoln Homestead trustees, and the board of commissioners of and for the Lincoln Monument grounds.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-505)

Sec. 805-505. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 97-916, eff. 8-9-12.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-510) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a13)

Sec. 805-510. Public monuments and memorials. The Department has the power to erect, supervise, and maintain all public monuments and memorials erected by the State on properties under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources, except when the supervision and maintenance of a monument or memorial is otherwise provided by law. Under the power granted by this Section the Department shall (i) provide a site in Rock Cut State Park for the Winnebago County Vietnam Veterans' Memorial and (ii) allow the Vietnam Veterans' Honor Society to erect the Memorial of an agreed design.

(Source: P.A. 90-372, eff. 7-1-98; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-515) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a28)

Sec. 805-515. Enforcement of laws and regulations. The Department has the power to enforce the laws of the State and the rules and regulations of the Department in or on any lands owned, leased, or managed by the Department and any lands that are dedicated as a nature preserve or buffer area under the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-518)

Sec. 805-518. Removal of an individual or individuals. The Department shall have the authority to remove any individual or group of individuals engaging in illegal activities or disorderly conduct from any lands owned, leased, or managed by the Department and any lands that are dedicated as a nature preserve or buffer area under the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act and deny future entry to the same by way of revocation or suspension of access privileges. Hearings on access privileges shall be governed by administrative rule.

(Source: P.A. 97-1011, eff. 8-17-12.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-520) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a11)

Sec. 805-520. Operation of motorboats. The Department has the power to enforce the provisions of "An Act regulating the operation of motorboats", approved July 18, 1947 (repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-525) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a15)

Sec. 805-525. Regulation of boats on lakes. The Department has the power to designate the size, type, and kind of boats that may be used on lakes owned and operated by the Department and to charge a reasonable annual service, usage, or rental fee for the use of privately owned boats on those lakes.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-530) (was 20 ILCS 805/63a9)

Sec. 805-530. Agents' entry on lands and waters. The officers, employees, and agents of the Department, for the purposes of investigation and to exercise the rights, powers, and duties vested and that may be vested in it, may enter and cross all lands and waters in this State, doing no damage to private property.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-535) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b2.2)

Sec. 805-535. Conservation Police Officers. In addition to the arrest powers prescribed by law, Conservation Police Officers are conservators of the peace and as such have all powers possessed by policemen, except that they may exercise those powers anywhere in this State. Conservation Police Officers acting under the authority of this Section are considered employees of the Department and are subject to its direction, benefits, and legal protection.

Any person hired by the Department of Natural Resources for a sworn law enforcement position or position that has arrest authority must meet the following minimum professional standards:

(1) At the time of hire, the person must be not less than 20 years of age and have successfully completed an associate's degree or 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university. Any person so hired shall not have power of arrest, nor shall he or she be permitted to carry firearms, until he or she reaches 21 years of age;

(2) The person must possess the skill level and demonstrate the ability to swim at a competency level approved by the Department in an administrative rule; and

(3) The person must successfully obtain certification pursuant to the Illinois Police Training Act and must also successfully complete the Conservation Police Academy training program, consisting of not less than 400 hours of training, within one year of hire.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, all persons who meet one of the following requirements are deemed to have met the collegiate education requirements:

(i) have been honorably discharged and who have been awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by the United States Armed Forces;

(ii) are active members of the Illinois National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces and who have been awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal as a result of honorable service during deployment on active duty;

(iii) have been honorably discharged and served in a combat mission by proof of hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay during deployment on active duty; or

(iv) have at least 3 years of full active and continuous military duty and received an honorable discharge before hiring.

The Department of Natural Resources must adopt an administrative rule listing those disciplines that qualify as directly related areas of study.

(Source: P.A. 102-837, eff. 5-13-22; 103-36, eff. 6-9-23.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-537)

Sec. 805-537. Conservation Police Officer quotas prohibited. The Department may not require a Conservation Police Officer to issue a specific number of citations within a designated period of time. This prohibition shall not affect the conditions of any federal or State grants or funds awarded to the Department and used to fund traffic enforcement programs.

The Department may not, for purposes of evaluating a Conservation Police Officer's job performance, compare the number of citations issued by the Conservation Police Officer to the number of citations issued by any other Conservation Police Officer who has similar job duties. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the Department from evaluating a Conservation Police Officer based on the Conservation Police Officer's points of contact. For the purposes of this Section, "points of contact" means any quantifiable contact made in the furtherance of the Conservation Police Officer's duties, including, but not limited to, the number of traffic stops completed, arrests, written warnings, and crime prevention measures. Points of contact shall not include either the issuance of citations or the number of citations issued by a Conservation Police Officer.

(Source: P.A. 98-650, eff. 1-1-15.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-538)

Sec. 805-538. Retiring officer; purchase of service firearm and police badge. The Director of Natural Resources shall establish a program to allow a Conservation Police Officer who is honorably retiring in good standing to purchase either one or both of the following: (1) any Department of Natural Resources police badge previously issued to that officer; or (2) if the officer has a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card, the service firearm issued or previously issued to the officer by the Department of Natural Resources. The cost of the firearm shall be the replacement value of the firearm and not the firearm's fair market value.

(Source: P.A. 100-931, eff. 8-17-18.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-540) (was 20 ILCS 805/63b2.6)

Sec. 805-540. Enforcement of adjoining state's laws. The Director may grant authority to the officers of any adjoining state who are authorized and directed to enforce the laws of that state relating to the protection of flora and fauna to take any of the following actions and have the following powers within the State of Illinois:

(1) To follow, seize, and return to the adjoining state any flora or fauna or part thereof shipped or taken from the adjoining state in violation of the laws of that state and brought into this State.

(2) To dispose of any such flora or fauna or part thereof under the supervision of an Illinois Conservation Police Officer.

(3) To enforce as an agent of this State, with the same powers as an Illinois Conservation Police Officer, each of the following laws of this State:

(i) The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act.

(ii) The Fish and Aquatic Life Code.

(iii) The Wildlife Code.

(iv) The Wildlife Habitat Management Areas Act.

(v) Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 (hunter or fisherman interference).

(vi) The Illinois Non-Game Wildlife Protection Act.

(vii) The Ginseng Harvesting Act.

(viii) The State Forest Act.

(ix) The Forest Products Transportation Act.

(x) The Timber Buyers Licensing Act.

Any officer of an adjoining state acting under a power or authority granted by the Director pursuant to this Section shall act without compensation or other benefits from this State and without this State having any liability for the acts or omissions of that officer.

(Source: P.A. 96-397, eff. 1-1-10; 97-1108, eff. 1-1-13; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-545)

Sec. 805-545. The Department of Natural Resources may enter into one or more interstate compacts concerning conservation law violators with one or more other states. The Department may adopt administrative rules necessary to implement these compacts.

(Source: P.A. 92-385, eff. 8-16-01.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-550)

Sec. 805-550. Reinstatement fee.

(a) The Department may assess a fee of up to $1,000 for the reinstatement of revoked or suspended licenses, permits, registrations, and other privileges that it administers in the exercise of its powers and duties under Illinois law.

(b) Revenues generated from the reinstatement of State park privileges shall be deposited into the State Parks Fund. Revenues generated from the reinstatement of hunting, fishing, trapping, ginseng, falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and outfitter licenses or privileges shall be deposited into the Wildlife and Fish Fund. Revenues generated from the reinstatement of boating and snowmobile privileges shall be deposited into the State Boating Act Fund. Revenues generated from the reinstatement of forestry purchasing privileges shall be deposited into the Illinois Forestry Development Fund. Other revenues generated from the reinstatement of a license, permit, registration, or other privilege shall be deposited into the State fund in which the fee for that privilege is deposited. The Comptroller shall maintain a separate accounting of the moneys deposited under this subsection.

(c) Moneys deposited under subsection (b) shall be used by the Department, subject to appropriation, for the following purposes:

(1) 85% of the moneys shall be used for the purchase of law enforcement vehicles for use by the Department's Office of Law Enforcement.

(2) 15% of the moneys shall be used for the promotion of safety education by the Department's Office of Strategic Services.

(Source: P.A. 96-1160, eff. 1-1-11; 97-1011, eff. 8-17-12.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-555)

Sec. 805-555. Consultation fees.

(a) For the purposes of this Section, "agency" shall have the meaning assigned in Section 1-20 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(b) The Department shall assess a $100 fee for consultations conducted under subsection (b) of Section 11 of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act and Section 17 of the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act. Any fee assessed under this Section shall be deposited into the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.

(c) The Department may adopt rules to implement this Section.

(d) The monies deposited into the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund under this Section shall not be subject to administrative charges or chargebacks unless otherwise authorized by this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-491, eff. 6-1-18.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-560)

Sec. 805-560. Entrance fees for site visitors from other states.

(a) The General Assembly finds that a dedicated funding stream shall be established for the operation and maintenance of sites owned, managed, or leased by the Department to help ensure that these State treasures will be properly maintained and remain accessible to the public for generations to come.

(b) The Department may charge an annual vehicle access fee for access by site visitors from other states to properties owned, managed, or leased by the Department.

(c) The Department may charge a daily vehicle access fee to site visitors from other states who have not paid the current annual vehicle access fee.

(d) The Department may establish a fine for site visitors from other states who enter a site in a vehicle without paying the annual vehicle access fee or daily vehicle access fee.

(e) Revenue generated by the fees and fine assessed pursuant to this Section shall be deposited into the State Parks Fund or the Wildlife and Fish Fund, special funds in the State treasury.

(f) The Department shall adopt any and all rules necessary to implement this Section.

(g) The monies deposited into the State Parks Fund or the Wildlife and Fish Fund under this Section shall not be subject to administrative charges or chargebacks unless otherwise authorized by this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-1136, eff. 1-1-13.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-565)

Sec. 805-565. Road vacation.

(a) Whenever the Department of Natural Resources determines that the public use or public interest will be served by vacating any plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway, or part thereof, located within Department owned lands, it may vacate that plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway, or part thereof, by approval of the Governor.

(b) The determination of the Department that the nature and extent of the public use or public interest to be served warrants the vacation of any plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway, or part thereof, is conclusive, and the approval of the vacation is sufficient evidence of that determination, whether so recited in the vacation or not. The relief to the public from further burden and responsibility of maintaining any plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway, or part thereof, constitutes a public use or public interest authorizing the vacation.

(c) Nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to authorize the Department to vacate any plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway, or part thereof, that is part of any currently maintained and used State or county highway without obtaining the approval of the Department of Transportation (in the case of a State highway) or the appropriate county highway department (in the case of a county highway).

(d) Title to the land in fee simple included within the plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway, or part thereof, so vacated vests in the Department except:

(1) in cases in which the deed, or other instrument dedicating a plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway, or part thereof, has expressly provided for a specific devolution of the title thereto upon the abandonment or vacation thereof; or

(2) where the street, roadway, or driveway, or part thereof, is held by the Department by lease, or when the Department holds an easement in the land included within the plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway.

(Source: P.A. 99-156, eff. 1-1-16.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-570)

Sec. 805-570. Conservation Opportunity Areas.

(a) In this Section, "Conservation Opportunity Area" means a portion of this State within the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan to assist with the conservation of native species and the habitats that support them.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a Conservation Opportunity Area designation by the Department shall not be used by the Illinois Power Agency beginning with the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan outlined in paragraph (5) of subsection (b) of Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act developed in calendar year 2023 as a basis to deny or withhold any:

(1) regulatory action;

(2) permitting;

(3) licensure; and

(4) funding.

(Source: P.A. 103-255, eff. 1-1-24.)

(20 ILCS 805/805-580)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

Sec. 805-580. Electric vehicle charging stations.

(a) The Department may provide for at least one electric vehicle charging station, as defined in the Electric Vehicle Act, at any State park or other real property that is owned by the Department where electrical service will reasonably permit. The Department is authorized to charge user fees for the use of such electric vehicle charging stations.

(b) The Department may adopt and publish specifications detailing the kind and type of electric vehicle charging stations to be provided and may adopt rules governing the fees for use of electric vehicle charging stations at State parks or other real property that is owned by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 103-865, eff. 1-1-25.)