Here in Illinois, public land is available but not nearly as much as many might think. Illinois ranks 46th in the nation in terms of public land offered to its residents. Even with this, Illinois has over 1000 public hunting lands while over 97% of the state is privately owned. This is where the Illinois Recreational Access Program steps in, understanding the need for additional recreation spaces for all Illinoisans to enjoy. Shane Sinclair, Coordinator for IRAP, discusses what exactly the program is and what its intended benefit is for the public, the landowner, and conservation efforts.

The seasons in which a landowner can choose to offer their property out for is completely up to them. Sinclair tells of how the property can be utilized by others and what hunting seasons that entails.

The Illinois Recreational Access Program brings payments to the table through leasing. In addition to this, multi-year management plans are available to shape your property into the natural habitat you dream of having.

Learn more about the Illinois Recreational Access Program, visit www.dnr.illinois.gov.

Shane Sinclair appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.