Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program (State Property Tax Reduction)

Owners of at least five acres of unimproved land outside Cook County who carry out an approved habitat management plan get their property tax valuation cut to 5% of fair market value. IDNR reviews the plan, and the Department of Revenue tells the county assessor.

• Landowners outside of Cook County

• At least five acres of unimproved land

• Willing to develop and implement a habitat management plan

• County assessor can confirm whether CSP beats your current assessment

No enrollment fee; special valuation begins January 1 after certification; not pro-rated.

Published amounts: Land accepted into the Conservation Stewardship Program will be valued at 5% of the fair market value for property tax purposes. (FAQ PDF)

Apply online (CSP Online Application & Landowner Login) or mail the application, assessor's map, aerial stand map, schedule of practices and tax bill to Conservation Stewardship Program, IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702.

Deadline text on the page: There is no deadline established in the Conservation Stewardship Law or in the rules prepared by IDNR. However, to improve the likelihood that CSP valuation has been put on your property before January 1st annually, applications and supplemental documents must be submitted no later than November 1st.