An Evaluation of the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP)

Miller, Craig A. ; Williams, Brent D. ; Stephens, Lauren J. ; Walberg, Eric M.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/118113 Copy

Description

Title

An Evaluation of the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP)

Author(s)

• Miller, Craig A.
• Williams, Brent D.
• Stephens, Lauren J.
• Walberg, Eric M.

Issue Date

2022-09-06

Keyword(s)

IRAP, IRAP awareness, IRAP participation, IRAP behavior, IRAP landowners, IRAP participants, Illinois recreationist

Geographic Coverage

Illinois

Abstract

With 3.74% of the total acreage of the state in public ownership, Illinois ranks 47th in the proportion of public lands among states of the U.S. (U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Project, 2022). A significant amount of this public land (451 mi2 ) lies in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois (U.S.D.A Forest Service). This ratio of public to private land necessitates that recreation occurs primarily on private land. To address the growing need for land for recreation and the importance private land plays outdoor recreation, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) created the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP). The primary goal of this program is to increase public access to private lands and provide more outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as provide recruitment, retention, and reengagement in outdoor recreation. The program was initiated in 2011 under a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to connect interested recreationists with opportunities provided by landowners willing to open their land to specified recreation activities. In turn, landowners receive assistance with non-native species removal, prescribed burning, prairie plantings and timber stand improvement. Further, landowners received a stipend for participation; the amount is based on the number of acres enrolled. To date, the program has grown to include close to 27,000 acres of private land in 52 counties. Current program activities include hunting (youth turkey, spring turkey segments 3 & 4) upland, small game, waterfowl, youth shotgun deer, archery deer), fishing and boating, bird watching, wildlife photography and viewing.

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

INHS Technical Report 2023 (37)

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-112-R-31

Copyright and License Information

This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

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