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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF SOMME PRAIRIE GROVE AS AN ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVE
WHEREAS, on May 11, 2021, at the 238th meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Somme Prairie Grove 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, Somme Prairie Grove Nature Preserve is an approximately 85-acre portion of the preserves located in the village of Northbrook in northeast Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the site consists of high-quality mesic savanna and dry-mesic woodland that support a host of conservative native plant species and a rich assemblage of savanna and shrubland breeding birds; and
WHEREAS, Somme Prairie Grove has benefitted from a vibrant stewardship community since 1980, and represents one of the oldest and most comprehensive savanna and woodland restorations in the Midwest. The recovery of Somme Prairie Grove is credited to the longstanding participation of this cohort of dedicated and talented citizen volunteers; and
WHEREAS, authority to submit this addition for registration was granted by the Board of Commissioners on February 24, 2021 per Board Item No. 21-0151 pursuant to Section 9 of the Cook County Forest Preserve District Act (70 ILCS 810/9); and
WHEREAS, the addition of Somme Prairie Grove establishes the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s 27th Illinois Nature Preserve. The Forest Preserves of Cook County now currently owns and manages 27 dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and 5 Land and Water Reserves totaling approximately 10,405 acres; and
WHEREAS, dedication of Somme Prairie Grove 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 Somme Prairie Grove as an Illinois Nature Preserve, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s steadfast commitment to protect and restore our region’s significant natural resources.
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