Sangamon Sun

Rep. Rosenthal has announced his role as Chief Co-Sponsor of House Bill 0255, which aims to enhance conservation education in Illinois. The bill, now signed into law, establishes the Illinois Youth and Young Adult Conservation and Education Pilot Program. This initiative will be managed by the Department of Natural Resources and seeks to expand educational and employment opportunities related to conservation for youth and young adults across the state.

In other news, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has committed $500 million over the next five years to bolster wildlife conservation efforts. This historic investment will utilize various conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) through its Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) initiative. The USDA's commitment is expected to provide significant conservation assistance to farmers, ranchers, private forest owners, and tribes nationwide. The focus will be on working lands in key geographies across the country, leveraging advanced science and local expertise to meet private interests and conservation goals.