Illinois’ natural heritage is the living landscape that greeted the pioneers who settled Illinois. It includes the native fauna and flora; natural ecosystems of forests, prairies and wetlands; and the land and water upon which a diverse array of plants, animals and habitats developed and survived, and which today provides habitat for various nongame species of wildlife.
     It is the purpose of this Article to provide a stable and supplemental source of moneys to support activities and programs undertaken by the Department or other managers of natural heritage lands held in the public trust to preserve, protect and manage for future generations natural heritage lands held in the public trust.