Conservation planning controversial for Kendall
By Steve Lord slord@stmediannetwork.com March 17, 2011 6:06PM
Updated: September 24, 2012 6:25AM
YORKVILLE — The Kendall County Forest Preserve District will support natural area planning, over the objections of some board members.
The Forest Preserve Commission this week voted 7-3 to send a letter of support to the Conservation Foundation, a private land trust and environmental organization, which is applying for natural area planning in what is known as the Lower Fox Conservation Opportunity Area.
The process would identify parcels, agencies and funding sources to help preserve important natural areas within the Lower Fox River region.
The plan will take an approach that looks at the whole Lower Fox watershed, which Kendall Forest Preserve officials said would benefit the county.
But some forest commissioners said they are afraid the plan could impinge too much on private property rights.
“The problem is looking at areas that are privately owned could put a stigma on that property, or property in the area,” said Commissioner Nancy Martin.
Forest Preserve President Jeff Wehrli said supporting and participating in the natural area planning will give the county input.
“Owners have final say on whether they want to participate or not,” he said. “I don’t know that there’s going to be any need to go on people’s property.”
Martin said she also opposes the planning because it can be “a double-edge sword.” She said sometimes designating property for conservation makes it more expensive when the Forest Preserve District tries to buy it.
Martin and Commissioners Robert Davidson and John Shaw voted against supporting the natural areas planning.
