(20 ILCS 5/5-560) (was 20 ILCS 5/6.08)

Sec. 5-560. In the Department of Natural Resources. An Advisory Board to the Department of Natural Resources, composed of 13 persons. Of the 13 appointed members, at least 2 shall represent hunting and fishing interests, 2 shall represent natural areas protection interests, 2 shall represent urban conservation interests, one shall represent parks and recreation interests, one shall represent outdoor powersport usage interests, one shall be a member of a statewide association of trappers and represent trapping interests, one shall represent forestry interests, and the remaining 3 shall be residents of this State. The Governor shall appoint a chair who will preside over the Board's meetings.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the term of office of each member of the Board is abolished on August 1, 2022. Incumbent members holding a position on the Board on August 1, 2022 may be reappointed. In making appointments to fill the vacancies created on August 1, 2022, the Governor shall designate 4 members to serve until the third Monday of January, 2024, 4 members to serve until the third Monday of January, 2025, and 5 members to serve until the third Monday of January, 2026. All newly appointed members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Their successors shall be appointed to serve for 3-year terms expiring on the 3rd anniversary of their appointment or until their successors are appointed and qualified. Each subsequent appointment shall be for a term of 3 years.

The Advisory Board shall formulate and present long range recommendations to the Department in: the protection and conservation of renewable resources of the State; the development of areas and facilities for outdoor recreation; the proper restoration and management of forest and woodland resources for forest products and ecosystem services; the reforestation of suitable lands of this State; the extension of cooperative support to other agencies of this State in preventing the pollution of streams and lakes within the State; the management of fish and wildlife resources and the habitats upon which they depend, including species of greatest conservation need; the development of an adequate research program for fish, wildlife, forestry, and conservation of the State's biodiversity through cooperation with and support of the Illinois Natural History Survey and the State University system; the development and dissemination of information and educational resources that promote a conservation-literate population; the development of innovative partnerships that assist the Department in accomplishing its broad mission; the Department's grant programs; and the development of law and policy pertinent to the conservation programs of Illinois and the nation.

The Board may advise on the land acquisition needs of the Department and make recommendations from time to time as to necessary acquisition of lands for fish, wildlife, forestry, conservation of natural areas, and recreational development.

The Board may recommend to the Director of Natural Resources any reductions or increases of seasons and bag or possession limits or the closure of any season when research and inventory data indicate the need for those changes.

Board members shall be reimbursed for any necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(Source: P.A. 102-1114, eff. 6-1-23.)