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HB 2726

DNR-REWILDING POLICY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Diane Blair-Sherlock and 8 co-sponsors

Illinois DNR gains explicit authority to pursue rewilding: restore land, reintroduce native apex/keystone species, and revive ecological processes, with rules to follow.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0062
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Bill Summary · HB 2726

Summary — HB 2726 (Public Act 104-0062): DNR — Rewilding Policy

Status: Enacted (Public Act 104-0062) — Governor approved 2025-08-01.
Effective date: January 1, 2026.
Statutory citation added: 20 ILCS 805/805-135 (new).
Primary sponsors: Rep. Anna Moeller and Sen. Rachel Ventura; multiple cosponsors.

Purpose and intent

The Act adds a new statutory authorization giving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) explicit authority to implement "rewilding" as a conservation strategy in the State. The intent is to enable DNR to take measures aimed at restoring natural systems, reintroducing native species (notably apex predators and keystone species), and restoring ecological processes using State-specific baselines.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 805-135 to the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law.
  • Grants DNR the power to “exercise all rights, powers, and duties conferred by law” and to take measures necessary to implement rewilding in Illinois.
  • Provides examples of permitted actions including:
    • Restoration of land to its natural state;
    • Reintroduction of native species, particularly apex predators and keystone species;
    • Restoration of ecological processes “as defined by State-specific baselines.”
  • Does not itself appropriate funds, specify particular species, set timelines, nor lay out procedural detail (e.g., permitting, compensation, or public engagement).

Who or what is affected

  • Illinois Department of Natural Resources — gains explicit statutory authority to pursue rewilding programs.
  • Wildlife and ecosystems — potential beneficiaries of habitat restoration, species reestablishment, and restored ecological function.
  • Landowners, farmers, livestock owners, hunters, and local communities — may be affected by reintroductions of predators or other species; potential for conflicts requiring mitigation.
  • Local governments, tribal authorities, conservation organizations, and other state agencies — likely partners or stakeholders in planning and implementation.

Procedural and implementation notes

  • The law is enabling rather than prescriptive: it authorizes DNR action but does not detail funding, operational procedures, species lists, consultation requirements, or liability/compensation mechanisms.
  • Implementation will likely require subsequent DNR rulemaking, program planning, environmental review, interagency coordination, and stakeholder engagement to define “State-specific baselines” and operational steps.
  • Legislative history: introduced Feb 12, 2025; passed both chambers (House and Senate) in May–June 2025; sent to Governor June 17, 2025; approved Aug 1, 2025.

Implications

The Act expands DNR’s statutory toolkit for landscape-scale conservation and could enable projects aimed at biodiversity recovery and ecosystem resilience. Because it is broad and non-prescriptive, practical outcomes will depend on DNR’s follow-up actions, available funding, regulatory work, and how DNR addresses potential human-wildlife conflicts and stakeholder concerns.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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