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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE OLD-GROWTH FOREST NETWORK TO INDUCT DEER GROVE WEST, BUSSE WOODS, CRANBERRY SLOUGH, AND SAUK TRAIL WOODS
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the "Forest Preserves") is committed to protecting, restoring, and stewarding the natural and cultural resources under its care for the benefit of current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, the Old-Growth Forest Network (“OGFN”) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to identifying, protecting, and promoting the nation's oldest forests and native woodlands; and
WHEREAS, only an estimated 5% of old-growth forests of the required age, size, and structural diversity remain in the west. Forests within the network are publicly accessible and protected from commercial logging, allowing present and future generations to experience native biodiversity and the beauty of nature; and
WHEREAS, participation in the OGFN demonstrates the Forest Preserves' continued commitment to conserving mature forest ecosystems, enhancing public appreciation of these unique natural resources, and promoting their long-term ecological stewardship; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves desires to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the OGFN to formalize its participation in the Network and to recognize the ecological significance of selected Forest Preserves sites; and
WHEREAS, participation in such a Memorandum of Agreement with the OGFN will be at no cost to the Forest Preserves, does not restrict management activities, creates no underlying conservation easement, and can be terminated at any time; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves has identified Deer Grove West, Busse Woods, Cranberry Slough, and Sauk Trail Woods as appropriate candidates for induction into the Network based on their ecological value, management objectives, and history within the region; and
WHEREAS, Deer Grove West (Palatine) is a 1090-acre dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve which includes the Forest Preserves’ earliest acquisitions. The site has a rolling, rugged topography that supports dry-mesic woodland, mesic woodland, and numerous small depressional wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat. Due to its diversity of plant communities, the site has over three hundred (300) plant species recorded, including six (6) state-listed species; and
WHEREAS, Busse Woods (Elk Grove Village) protects 1229 acres of high-quality northern flatwoods surrounded by mesic upland forest, dry-mesic woodland, shrub swamp, and former agricultural lands. The site includes a remnant grove of timber, located east of Salt Creek, that was once surrounded by a vast prairie and wetland landscape. The preserve has been recognized as an Illinois Nature Preserve and a National Natural Landmark for its unique natural features; and
WHEREAS, Cranberry Slough (Willow Springs) consists of 380 acres of woodland, savanna, prairie, sedge meadow, marsh, and floating peat mat. More than two hundred fifty (250) native plant species are known to be found in Cranberry Slough, which is also a protected Illinois Nature Preserve. Crooked Creek, a high-gradient small stream, drains the site to the southeast; and
WHEREAS, Sauk Trail Woods (South Chicago Heights) is an 1100-acre landscape in southern Cook County that supports a diversity of natural communities including dry-mesic and mesic oak-hickory woodlands found in large contiguous blocks. Thorn Creek bisects the landscape resulting in a rolling topography with ravines and gullies and narrow bands of floodplain forest; and
WHEREAS, by recognizing these preserves for their unique histories and longevity, the OGFN seeks to strengthen our connection to the past, to each other, and to our bountiful natural world, as well as build an alliance of people committed to their future growth and preservation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserves of Cook County hereby authorizes the Forest Preserves to execute a Memorandum of Agreement, as described above, with the Old-Growth Forest Network.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon execution of the Memorandum of Agreement, the Forest Preserves is authorized to nominate and induct Deer Grove West, Busse Woods, Cranberry Slough, and Sauk Trail Woods into the Old-Growth Forest Network in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.
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