Section 1536.65  Reducing Wildlife Damage

Control of wildlife damage is necessary at times to protect the investment in tree planting, direct seeding or natural regeneration. These practices are considered priority practices when implemented as part of a tree planting project pursuant to Section 1536.30.

a)         This practice is limited to situations in which the need for damage control is evident or highly probable based on wildlife population.  Consultation with Department District Wildlife Biologists is advised.

b)         In addition to these cost-share practices, other strategies to control wildlife damage must be included in the Plan and implemented.

c)         Strategies may include legal hunting, providing alternate habitats, planting of species not favored by a given wildlife species, vegetation management or planting a companion species.

1)         Tree Shelters.  The flat rate payment for this practice is $7.50 per tree.  The base cost is $10 per tree.  Commercial plastic or mesh products or other noncommercial materials or designs approved by the Department Forester may be used.

A)        A minimum of 200 tree shelters shall be evenly distributed throughout each acre for bare root tree plantings as defined in Section 1536.30(c)(2), and 50 tree shelters per acre for containerized tree plantings as defined in Section 1536.30(c)(3).

B)        Tree shelters are temporary protection and shall be maintained on desirable species for the life of the shelter or until they interfere with the growth of the tree.

C)        Durable rot resistant stakes of wood, fiber, bamboo or other natural materials must be used.

D)        Mesh caps or other approved barriers shall be used as necessary to prevent injury to avian species.

E)        Tree shelters must be a minimum height of 4 feet.

F)         Cost-share of fewer than 200 shelters per acre for bare root tree plantings or 50 shelters per acre for containerized plantings is authorized only if approved by an Department Forester.

2)         Electric Fencing.  The flat rate payment for this practice is $1.00 per foot.  The base cost is $1.35 per foot.  The purpose is to construct and maintain an electrified fence to repel deer from forestation or natural regeneration areas.

A)        Use steel fence wire enclosed in plastic, wire ribbon or other suitable fence wire.  Fence wire must be clearly visible or marked with bright color at minimum intervals of 25 feet.

B)        Design of fence must be submitted in writing and/or as diagrams or drawings and approved by the Department Forester prior to construction.

3)         Repellants.  The flat rate payment for this practice is $30 per acre.  The base cost is $40 per acre.  The purpose is to prevent damage to trees by reducing wildlife browsing.

A)        Scent or taste repellants or physical barriers such as bud protectors may be used as specified in the Plan.

B)        Label directions for rates, timing and frequency on approved scent and taste products must be followed.

C)        A minimum of 20 bare root trees or 50 containerized trees evenly distributed throughout each acre must be treated to protect the terminal leader by using physical barriers.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10446, effective July 31, 2025)