"ROCKFORD In the next couple of months, the countys largest continuous swath of forest preserve land is expected to be absorbed into Cherry Valley so an industrial park, dubbed Rock 39, can be born.
The park and its first development, a trucking transportation hub, is about a quarter-mile south of the 2,422 acres of forest preserve land bought in pieces over several years to create a protective boundary around the Kishwaukee River waterway. And so it is in southeastern Winnebago County where small villages, farms and some of the countys most pristine natural lands share space with the areas busiest road corridors and interchanges, often seen as prime industrial and commercial growth spots. Most wouldnt even call it rubbing shoulders at this time, just the noticeable inching together of land earmarked for preservation and economic growth. It is a time when those concerned with the conservation of natural lands and open space hope that talk of buffer zones and conservation design can be stressed so the needs of both parties can be met amicably in the years to come. Im not so sure that the county fully comprehends the long-term effects of putting an industrial park next to a forest preserve, said Chad Miller... who is working with the county to revise the countys land-use plan. Im not against development. Im against poor planning of development and development that strips us of natural resources. ... the county gave the village permission to annex seven forest preserves into village boundaries in exchange for water service... so the trucking hub can open shop. Although the topic of conservation design comes up frequently during the countys discussions about long-range planning, no additional conservation assurances involving maintaining buffer zones, tree lines or water-retention areas were added into the county and forest preserves most recent move... The things we hope get talked about when these things are considered are the kinds of visionary conservation design concepts that address not only how we can make it pretty, but how we can make it healthy, Miller said. Its that constant struggle between profitability and preservation. Putting a trucking center so close to the convergence area of the Kishwaukee River and Kilbuck Creek doesnt make sense to me. When complete, Rock 39 is expected to bring 1,500 to 2,000 jobs to the region. County leaders have assured land conservationists and forest-preserve officials that the industrial park development poses no threat to the Kishwaukee River and the existing forest preserve land that surrounds its banks. Theres enough protection there, County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen said. The key word is balance, and were addressing that as we redo our land-use plans. The important thing is the distribution center. We want to move. Tom Kalousek, director of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, said hes not too worried about Rock 39, either, at least not now. ... Were not giving up any forest preserve land for this. Would I want to protect all watersheds for as far as possible? Yes, but thats not realistic, Kalousek said. Im comfortable that this area is an ideal place for industrial development. Its not a battery acid plant. Then, you kick and scream. Thats not the case. Nonetheless, Kalousek shares Millers concerns that there will come a time when land-conservation goals collide more intensely with economic aspirations. He, too, wants proper tools in place, written into county zoning guidelines and agreements with neighboring governments so future needs of the forest preserve dont lose out to dollar signs. By default, county government is about big business these days. Theres high unemployment, he said. How do you weigh that in your mind, how do you split that when theyre both important? Rotary Forest Preserve, the 220 acres closest to the proposed industrial park, is described by naturalists as one of the countys most pristine and unique natural lands... Its the home to... the Showy Orchis [Galearis spectabilis]... said Tim Gruner, a horticulturalist from Machesney Park. As a community, we really need to safeguard these treasures... ... Gruner... said hed pay more in taxes to protect places like Rotary. Ive never really seen any good reason to trust development. Development is out to develop, to change space and make money, he said. Making money is far more important to developers than ecological integrity. Part of the solution... is the creation of a separate governing board for the forest preserve. Currently, the 28 members of the Winnebago County Board also serve as commissioners of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District. They decide matters of public safety, health and human services, zoning, economic development, roads and infrastructure, and legislative concerns. ... a separate board for the forest preserve could better serve the districts mission to obtain, protect and maintain natural lands. The main thrust in the county right now is economic development and jobs, Kalousek said. The chairman is concerned with quality of life and preservation. Hes trying to represent that side, but there is so much demand for economic development. article URL : http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070124/NEWS0103/101240056 *************** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
