Summary as Introduced
Amends the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act. Provides that requests for grant assistance shall include, but not be limited to, those activities that will implement or enhance: (1) current Illinois Forest Action Plans objectives; (2) local Forestry Program management objectives as determined by an urban and community forestry management plan; (3) build tree canopy capacity in underserved and disadvantaged areas of communities or counties; or (4) improve urban and community forest canopy in Illinois communities and counties. Makes changes in provisions duties of the Department of Natural Resources; the concerning grants. amounts. Defines terms.
Staff Analysis
House Bill 3639 proposes amendments to the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act intended to enhance urban and community forestry initiatives across the state. Counties are already eligible to apply for the grants.
Key Changes Proposed by HB 3639:
The bill broadens the definition of eligible applicants to include not only units of local government but also Illinois-chartered not-for-profit corporations that assist local governments or the Department of Natural Resources with urban and community forestry efforts.
HB 3639 specifies that grant requests should focus on activities that:
• Implement or enhance objectives outlined in the current Illinois Forest Action Plans.
• Advance local forestry program management goals as detailed in an urban and community forestry management plan.
• Increase tree canopy capacity in underserved and disadvantaged areas.
• Improve urban and community forest canopy in Illinois communities and counties.
Clarification of the Department of Natural Resources' Responsibilities
The bill delineates the Department’s duties to include:
• Promoting the development of urban and community forestry plans and programs.
• Providing technical expertise, assistance, guidance, planning, and analysis to grant recipients.
• Reviewing and approving urban and community forestry proposals submitted by applicants.
• Offering oversight and assistance in managing urban and community forestry-related grant proposals and programs.
• Disseminating urban and community forestry information and guidance to relevant agencies and units of government.
Impact on Existing Law:
HB 3639 seeks to update and refine the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act by:
Enhancing Clarity: The bill introduces precise definitions for terms such as “applicant,” “urban and community forestry proposal,” and “urban and community forestry management plan,” ensuring a common understanding among stakeholders.
Focusing Grant Objectives: By specifying the criteria for grant applications, the bill directs resources toward activities that align with state and local forestry management goals, particularly emphasizing support for underserved and disadvantaged areas.
Strengthening Departmental Roles: The proposed amendments clarify the Department of Natural Resources’ responsibilities, promoting effective support and oversight of urban and community forestry initiatives.
In summary, HB 3639 aims to modernize the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act, fostering more targeted and effective urban forestry programs throughout Illinois.