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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 ...
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