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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 P...
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