title
PROPOSED GRANT AWARD
Department: Department of Planning and Development
Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”)
Grantor: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, Illinois
Request: Authorization to accept grant
Purpose: Authorization is sought for the Forest Preserves to accept and enter into an agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant funding for acquisition of a 14.3-acre parcel in Orland Park, Illinois in Cook County.
Grant Amount: $428,800.00
Grant Period: 5/1/2023 - 4/30/2025
Fiscal Impact: Not to Exceed $857,600.00 in match
Accounts: Real Estate and Land Acquisition Fund 51006.560010; and Grant Fund 51010.560010
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final grant agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 17
Summary: The Forest Preserves has been awarded an OSLAD grant that will support the acquisition of a 14.3-acre parcel just north of the 960-acre Orland Grassland preserve, in southwest Cook County, Illinois. The acquisition would serve as a buffer to the existing preserve, protect a portion of Marley Creek and adjacent wetlands and provide opportunities for nature exploration. The proposed acquisition advances the Forest Preserves’ 2012 Land Acquisition Plan and 2014 Next Century Conservation Plan and will protect Orland Grassland - a designated Illinois Land & Water Reserve - from impacts should adjacent sites be developed as the Village of Orland Park continues to grow.
The Forest Preserves obtained a waiver of retroactivity from IDNR and acquired the parcel on December 14, 2022.
The Forest Preserves will begin restoration and development of the site to ensure public access, including adding parking spaces and an ADA-compliant path to an overlook with interpretive signage.