For Immediate Release
March 17, 2009
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is pleased to announce the pending acquisition of 94 acres near West Chicago known as Klein Road West. Today, the Board of Commissioners authorized the parcel’s purchase, using $12.32 million from the 2006 land-acquisition referendum.
“This purchase has been a priority due to the property’s connection to a rare fen within the adjacent West Branch Forest Preserve,” noted Forest Preserve District President D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr. “I’m pleased we were able to reach a negotiated settlement. This purchase will maintain the land forever as open space and help ensure the protection of the ecosystem.”
Located on the east side of Klein Road, the 34-acre “Klein Fen” is the only one of its kind in the District. Much of the acquisition parcel’s groundwater flows directly to the area. Some of the rarest of wetland communities, many fens in northern Illinois were drained and ultimately lost to development.
Plans for the acquisition, which is currently under agricultural use, involve restoring it to native habitat. Within the existing West Branch Forest Preserve, a project is slated to begin in fall to enhance the fen, restore 90 acres of wetland, and reduce erosion and increase floodwater storage along the West Branch of the DuPage River. West Branch Forest Preserve supports over 700 species of plants and animals, nine of which are on the Illinois endangered or threatened species lists.
Since 1915, the Forest Preserve District has served the people of DuPage County through its mission to acquire and hold lands for the purpose of preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens. Today the District owns or manages over 25,000 acres of land. For more information, call 630-933-7200, or visit www.dupageforest.com.
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Media Contact: Bill Weidner, Office of Public Affairs, 630-871-6406