Plans-Reports

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Plans & Reports

Openlands continually works to improve open space policies that impact northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region through research and analysis. Many of our resulting reports and publications can be found below.

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Before the Wells Run Dry: Ensuring Sustainable Water Supplies for Illinois (Executive Summary)hot! 11/19/2009

This report recommends coordinated planning and implementation strategies that will capitalize on the work of the pilot regional planning groups, integrate regional plans with state and local practices, and ensure the long-term sustainability and efficient use of our finite, fragile water.

Before the Wells Run Dry: Ensuring Sustainable Water Supplies for Illinois (Full Report)hot! 11/19/2009

Beyond Showerheads and Sprinklers: Water Governance Solutions for Illinoishot! 05/16/2008

Beyond Showerheads and Sprinklers shapes recommendations for future water management in Illinois.

Changing Course: Recommendations for Balancing Regional Growth and Water Resources in NE Illinoishot! 12/16/2004

Changing Course examines the relationship between development practices and water quality and quantity in the 12-county northeastern Illinois region.

East Garfield Park Open Space Planhot! 10/01/2005

This plan was developed by Openlands and the residents of East Garfield Park, focusing on greening and caring for present and future personal and community spaces.

Forest Preserve & Conservation Districts in NE Illinois: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Centuryhot! 04/01/2006

This report presents comparative analysis of the important issues facing seven land preservation districts in northeastern Illinois.

Fort Sheridan Lakefront Preserve Action Planhot! 08/01/2005

The Fort Sheridan Lakefront Preserve Action Plan provides a framework for restoring the bluffs and ravines and a plan for recreational activities and interpretive opportunities. It also suggests how development on the remaining property can be done in a way that is sustainable, attractive, and effective.

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge Viability Study 03/04/2010

This report identifies and assesses the biological, recreational, economic, and social implications of establishing the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge in the bi-state area of northern McHenry and Lake counties, in Illinois, and southern Walworth and Kenosha counties, in Wisconsin.

New ERA Trail Community Vision Planhot! 12/15/2009

Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Planhot! 06/19/1997

Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails Planhot! 07/15/1999

Northwest Indiana Regional Greenways and Blueways Plan-Introductionhot! 12/13/2007

This plan provides a roadmap, a blueprint, a "call-to-action" to inspire preservation of valuable environmental resources to soften the inevitable collisions between the natural and human landscapes.

Openlands Federal Conservation Agendahot! 01/21/2009

Preserving the Kishwaukee Watershed: Guiding development in the Marengo-Union region hot! 04/11/2007

Preserving the Kishwaukee Watershed details how governments within the greater Marengo-Union area have established a partnership to develop and implement a plan for collaboratively managing natural resources and growth.

Protecting Illinois' Environment through a Stronger Facility Planning Area Process hot! 10/17/2001

Reclaiming Trim Creek: Managing growth and protecting resources in the Kankakee River Watershedhot! 04/30/2007

Reclaiming Trim Creek documents the third phase of a joint initiative of Openlands, the Metropolitan Planning Council, and Campaign for Sensible Growth called Water Resources and Sustainable Growth.

Spring Creek Monitoring Report (Year One) 02/18/2010

Timber Trails Conservation Development Concept Planhot! 02/23/2005

This is a concept plan for an area located in unincorporated Cook County, at Plainfield and Wolf roads.

Troubled Waters: Meeting Future Water Needs in Illinois hot! 01/09/2005

Troubled Waters shows how careful planning and management of resources is critical to ensuring supplies of clean water at a reasonable cost in the future.

Under Pressurehot! 01/15/1999

The second of two reports prepared as part of the Strategic Open Lands at Risk (SOLAR) mapping project, Under Pressure provides an overall picture of likely future development patterns and demonstrates that recent trends toward higher land consumption per capita are likely to continue.