Kankakee Times

Non-profit conservation groups have gained accept to grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) thanks to the efforts of Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-Pontiac), according to a press release.

Bennett sponsored Senate Bill 1029 in the House and saw it pass by a wide margin. It became the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Act upon enactment on Friday.

Bennett said in the release that the law allows conservation organizations to apply for funding from the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund, a move that stands to benefit the state’s natural habitats with no new costs.

Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-Pontiac)

“The program allows the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to make these grants to conservation land trusts to conduct stewardship actions on eligible lands,” Bennett said in the release. “These organizations can then use these funds to conserve and protect our state’s natural areas. It will not cost the state any additional money as these grants will come from an already-existing fund.”

Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) sponsored the legislation in the Senate.

“I appreciate the many members from both parties who came together to pass this legislation which will help preserve natural areas around the state for future generations,” Bennet said in the release.