Local and State Land Acquisition and Protection

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

As part of its ongoing efforts, Openlands released its study of Forest Preserve and Conservation Districts in Northeastern Illinois in 2006. These natural places are home to many endangered plants and animals and contain some of the nation’s finest forests, prairies, savannas, and wetlands. They are also important for public education and recreation for a population of more than 8 million people. Openlands strongly advocates for many of the policies and recommendations in the plan on a local, regional, and state-wide basis.

Land Acquisition Funding in Illinois

Openlands promotes inclusion of state land acquisition funding in a capital infrastructure improvement plan for Illinois. The plan should adopt the Open Land Trust model, creating grants that match local money to increase and improve the amount of protected open space and natural areas for wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Budget and State Park Closures

Openlands strongly supports IDNR’s work, as well as land acquisition funding. We oppose cuts in the IDNR budget and defend full allocation and appropriation of funds for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program and the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF). Openlands wants funds designated for land acquisition used only for that purpose.

Openlands actively contested the recent closure of several Illinois state parks and is working closely with Partners for Parks and Wildlife to reinstate funding to reopen all of our parks.

Cook County Forest Preserve District

Openlands closely monitors the acquisition and management of the Cook County forest preserves. We routinely advocate for strategic land purchases and strong restoration and maintenance practices throughout the preserves. We were also involved in adopting strong land policy ordinances and recommended ways to strengthen the Cook County Forest Preserve District’s stormwater management policy, as well as a process to include it in the larger Cook County stormwater ordinances that are currently under review.

Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) Referendum

In 2008, Openlands helped Lake County residents expand and improve their award-winning forest preserves. Although a survey showed that open space was important to people of all ages in the county, passing a $185 million bond referendum for new land purchases and trails, increased public access, and wildlife habitat restoration would pose a challenge, even in good economic times.

But a unique situation arose: new bonds could be issued to replace retiring ones without raising the tax rate, allowing the forest preserve district to continue to buy land. No new taxes would be introduced. Openlands and the LCFPD capitalized on this opportunity to demonstrate both the need for and the many benefits of open space and natural areas, including:

Providing places to play and relax,
Offering refuge for some of the state’s rarest species and ecosystems,
Reducing flooding,
Purifying water and air,
Enhancing the quality of life,
Boosting property values, and
Strengthening the local economy.

Combined with the alarming fact that open space in Lake County is disappearing at a rate of four acres per day, the case for more protected public land became increasingly persuasive.

On November 4, 2008, Lake County residents voted for the referendum by a two-to-one margin, ensuring that future generations will also enjoy safe, clean, and accessible preserves that keep surrounding communities prosperous and healthy.

For more information about our local and state land acquisition and protection initiatives, please contact Openlands Policy Director Lenore Beyer-Clow via e-mail or by phone at 312-863-6264.