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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE REGISTRATION OF BERGMAN SLOUGH AS AN ILLINOIS LAND AND WATER RESERVE
WHEREAS, on September 15, 2020, at the 236th meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Bergman Slough was approved for registration as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve; and
WHEREAS, dedication of a site as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve provides a high level of protection for land in Illinois, and is granted only to natural areas of regional ecological or cultural significance; and
WHEREAS, Bergman Slough is an approximately 280-acre preserve adjacent to the Village of Palos Park in southwest Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the site consists of a high-quality prairie restoration, wetlands, and a slough featuring open prairie, a diverse set of wildflowers, and a number of rare grassland bird species; and
WHEREAS, ecological management of the site began in the 1990s and was bolstered by an extensive restoration project led by CorLands (now Openlands), and the site today remains under stewardship by a vibrant volunteer community; and
WHEREAS, authority to submit this addition for registration was granted by the Board of Commissioners on May 19, 2020 per Board Item No. 20-0148; and
WHEREAS, the addition of Bergman Slough establishes the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s 5th Illinois Land and Water Reserve. 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, registration of Bergman Slough 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 registration and protection of Bergman Slough as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s steadfast commitment to protect and restore our region’s significant natural resources.
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