title
PROPOSED GRANT AWARD
Department: Resource Management
Grantee: Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Preserves”)
Grantor: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”)
Request: Authorization to accept grant
Purpose: The purpose of this grant is to conduct 17.5 acres of tree thinning and invasive species removal at Green Lake Savanna in Calumet City
Grant Amount: $33,500.00
Grant Period: 7/11/2017 retroactively - 7/11/2028
Fiscal Impact: $33,500.00
Accounts: Habitat Restoration 51009.521444, Habitat Enhancement 51009.521452, Vegetation Management 51009.521455, Tree Removal 51009.521456, Potential Grant Match & Work 51009.521440, Grant Accounts: 51010.29982 and 51010.22522
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): 4
Summary: Green Lake Savanna is a one hundred thirty (130) acre preserve located in Calumet City in southeastern Cook County. The site has sandy soils, retains characteristic ridge and swale topography, and is home to several locally rare and conservative plant species. Building upon restoration efforts in the northern half of the preserve, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to conduct an additional 17.5 acres of timber stand improvements and invasive species removal at the site. Work is expected to be completed within one to two winter work seasons, depending on ground conditions. Thinning of invasive and over-abundant trees will restore natural oak savanna and marsh tree densities, increase the amount of sunlight reaching the ground-layer, and improve wildlife habitat. As a condition of the grant award, the Preserves are obligated to maintain the project area through a habitat retention period which is in effect until 7/11/2028. Total project costs are $67,000.00, with a 50-50 match being contributed by each partner.
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