IGA Approved for Wheeling Restoration
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Today the Forest Preserve District Board gave final approval for an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) with
the Village of Wheeling for the enhancement and restoration
of an 11.4 acre land parcel located on the east side
of Milwaukee, a half-mile south of Lake-Cook Road.
This IGA is the result of several years' work and is a prime example of successful negotiations regarding FPD land use proposals. I worked with the
Village of Wheeling and the FPD for three years to improve this isolated parcel across a river from FPD land, a site full of broken
glass, debris and fly-dumping materials. Originally, the Village of Wheeling was trying to upgrade
and redevelop the area with a Westin Hotel and conference center next
to this unattractive land that the FPD had no interest in improving.
This plan was seen as inconsistent with the FPD land management policy and was not approved.
After numerous proposals and almost two years of negotiations, the FPD and the Village of Wheeling reached a mutually
beneficial plan for site improvement that was consistent with the mission of the District and met with the approval of the Friends of the Forest Preserves. This plan, which received final approval today, involves ecological restoration including the removal of
various invasive plant species, hydrologic restoration, and restoration
of the native plant communities; a natural walkway to navigate through the property allowing
citizens to enjoy nature and access the river for canoeing; and the
installation of a stone parking lot for about ten vehicles. The improvements and ongoing maintenance will be at no cost to the FPD.
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In the District
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Disbursements
Tallgrass Restoration,
Schaumburg, Illinois - $33,545.25, for Prescribed Burns - North Region
Ardmore Associates,
Chicago, Illinois - $6,408.30 for
Infrastructure Improvement Program - Renovation of Limestone
Shelters
Master Project,
Chicago, Illinois - $169,378.20
for Limestone Picnic Shelters
Tallgrass Restoration,
Schaumburg, Illinois - $64,681.34
for Herbicide Invasive Vegetation - North Region
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