The governing body of any soil and water conservation district may designate Natural Area Guardians for the purpose of managing natural areas on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory and natural areas of regional or local significance designated by the governing body within the district. The powers of the Natural Area Guardians shall include the following:

1. (1) Locating and inventorying natural areas of regional or local significance located in the district.
2. (2) Managing or restoring natural areas in the district by itself or in cooperation with other organizations.
3. (3) Assisting landowners in managing natural areas at the request or with the acquiescence of the landowner.

4. (4) Providing education programs concerning natural areas and otherwise promoting public awareness of natural areas and their preservation. No individual or entity other than a district governing body, as provided in this Section, shall designate Natural Area Guardians.

   Natural Area Guardians shall have no power with respect to those areas designated as National Historical Sites or Areas.

(from Ch. 5, par. 127.7b)

(Source: P.A. 87-85.)