File #: 20-0355    Version: 1 Name: RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF ELIZABETH CONKEY WOODS AS AN ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVE
Type: Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 9/23/2020 In control: FPD Board of Commissioners
On agenda: 10/20/2020 Final action: 10/20/2020
Title: PROPOSED RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF ELIZABETH CONKEY WOODS AS AN ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVE WHEREAS, on September 15, 2020, at the 236th meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Elizabeth Conkey Woods was approved for dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve; and WHEREAS, dedication of a site as a Nature Preserve provides the highest level of protection for land in Illinois, and is granted only to natural areas of exceptional ecological or cultural significance; and WHEREAS, Elizabeth Conkey Woods is an approximately 180-acre preserve located in the villages of Crestwood and Palos Heights in southwest Cook County; and WHEREAS, the site consists of mesic oak woodlands and mesic floodplain forest adjoining Tinley Creek, and is home to several species of flora and fauna identified as being in greatest need of conservation; and WHEREAS, the site also contains important cultural resources further meriting its dedication and protection; and WHEREAS, authority...
Sponsors: TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), DONNA MILLER
Related files: 19-0496

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION

 

RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF ELIZABETH CONKEY WOODS AS AN ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVE

 

WHEREAS, on September 15, 2020, at the 236th meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Elizabeth Conkey Woods was approved for dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve; and

 

WHEREAS, dedication of a site as a Nature Preserve provides the highest level of protection for land in Illinois, and is granted only to natural areas of exceptional ecological or cultural significance; and

 

WHEREAS, Elizabeth Conkey Woods is an approximately 180-acre preserve located in the villages of Crestwood and Palos Heights in southwest Cook County; and

 

WHEREAS, the site consists of mesic oak woodlands and mesic floodplain forest adjoining Tinley Creek, and is home to several species of flora and fauna identified as being in greatest need of conservation; and

 

WHEREAS, the site also contains important cultural resources further meriting its dedication and protection; and

 

WHEREAS, authority to submit this addition for registration was granted by the Board of Commissioners on December 17, 2019 per Board Item No. 19-0496 pursuant to Section 9 of the Cook County Forest Preserve District Act (70 ILCS 810/9); and

 

WHEREAS, the addition of Elizabeth Conkey Woods establishes the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s 26th Illinois Nature Preserve. The Forest Preserves of Cook County now currently owns and manages 26 dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and 5 Land and Water Reserves totaling approximately 10,320 acres; and

 

WHEREAS, dedication of Elizabeth Conkey Woods advances the goal set forth in the Next Century Conservation Plan to dedicate eligible lands for Illinois Nature Preserve protection, and is consistent with the recommendations of the Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby acknowledge the dedication and protection of Elizabeth Conkey Woods as an Illinois Nature Preserve, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s steadfast commitment to protect and restore our region’s significant natural resources.end