Landowners sought for outdoor recreation program

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois officials are hoping to open more privately owned land to turkey hunting, fishing, birding and outdoor photography.

The state Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday it's seeking landowners interested in receiving incentive payments for opening their property to outdoor recreation.

The money comes from a three-year federal grant. The program targets private land, ponds and river access in the 68 counties within the watershed basins of the Illinois and Kaskaskia rivers. Payment is based on acreage and which outdoor activities the landowner is willing to allow.

For youth turkey hunting, a landowner must have a minimum of 40 acres with good turkey habitat. Ponds must have at least one acre of surface water and be adequate fish habitat.