The State at present has 10,110 acres in State forests. It is hoped that
this acreage can be enlarged in future years as State appropriations
permit. The above acreage includes three State forests located in Union,
Mason and Henderson counties. Illinois State forests will always be
smaller than those of other states because of the unavailability of low
valued land. The Division's proposed State forest plan provides for a
large number of small State forests throughout the State which would
serve as ideal examples of proper woodland management and reforestation
practices. As funds permit these will be acquired in the future.
Our State forests provide ideal recreational areas at present and
thousands of visitors use them annually. In addition, as the timber
matures on them, they will provide a revenue from timber sales and
become self-sustaining.