In April, 2010, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) approved the preliminary project proposal for Hackmatack and will now move forward with conducting a feasibility study. The study is an important next step to making the refuge a reality and ultimately designating its boundaries. The study area includes portions of McHenry and Lake counties, in Illinois, and Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties, in Wisconsin. (Click here to view the USFWS press release.)

Read more: Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

Openlands and a broad coalition of more than 94 community organizations and government entities are working with state legislators to restore protections afforded by the Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas Act.

Read more: Recreational Access

For years, Openlands has been at the forefront of water supply issues in Illinois, formulating and supporting strategies that address the demands of a growing population, as well as increasing industrial and agricultural consumption.

Read more: Water Supply

Openlands supports state and local initiatives for the acquisition, protection, and expansion of open space and natural areas for public enjoyment.

Read more: Local and State Land Acquisition and Protection

Openlands supports funding for mass transit and transportation alternatives that promote smart, managed growth without damaging valuable natural resources in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region.

Read more: Transportation and Transit

Openlands opposes the construction of the proposed Prairie Parkway, a new four-lane highway in western Kane and Kendall counties.

Read more: Prairie Parkway