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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY’S SOUTHEAST COOK COUNTY LAND ACQUISITION PLAN FOR RECEIVING THE HEALTHY AND ACTIVE COMMUNITY AWARD FROM THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION-ILLINOIS CHAPTER AND A GREEN RIBBON AWARD FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE CHICAGO RIVER
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2020 the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan (“the Plan”) received a Green Ribbon Award from the Friends of the Chicago River which recognizes projects that demonstrate a high level of river-sensitive design and consideration; and
WHEREAS, on September 15, 2020 the Plan also received the Healthy and Active Community Award from the American Planning Association - Illinois Chapter recognizing outstanding planning efforts from across the state of Illinois that exemplify the practice of urban planning; and
WHEREAS, the Plan, completed in May 2019, represents a unique and innovative approach to identifying and protecting valuable open space and natural areas in Southeast Cook County considering the ecological value of sites, and to conducting suitability and feasibility assessments related to adjacency, flood mitigation, public health, equity and social vulnerability, community desires, connectivity and planned economic development; and
WHEREAS, the Plan identifies over 5,000 suitable acres based on assessment criteria within Southeast Cook County where new protected lands can meet the Forest Preserves’ mission to protect natural areas while generating multiple benefits to residents and makes recommendations for new partnerships and strategies towards implementation; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves worked with a talented team to create the Plan that included the Conservation Fund, Metropolitan Planning Council, Antero Group, and Rudd Resources to both evaluate the region’s resources and engage directly with the public; and
WHEREAS, the Plan’s innovative approach will have lasting positive effects on our region including human physical and mental well-being, climate resiliency, ecological sustainability and economic prosperity and serves as a model for land conservation planners in other major urban areas.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President, and the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserves thank and congratulate the Conservation Fund, Metropolitan Planning Council, Antero Group, Rudd Resources, and the Forest Preserves, for their work on the Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan and their commitment to advance the mission of the Forest Preserves and the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to all awardees as a token of appreciation for their service to the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the residents of Cook County.
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